Should you skip the War Arc (Act 2) in Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave?

Bypassing the War Arc in Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave is entirely possible. While it might not be the optimal route for everyone, it certainly has its merits. Deciding whether to take this shortcut depends heavily on your current progress and what you aim to achieve during this segment of the campaign. This option becomes available upon interacting with the Strife Obelisk, which appears immediately after you conclude Act 1 with any of the Flame Lords. Alternatively, you can bypass the obelisk and proceed straight to the door, though doing so means you will enter the final campaign entirely unassisted, leaving your remaining units behind.

Below, we break down everything you need to consider regarding whether or not to skip the War Arc in Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave.

Should you skip the War Arc (Act 2) in Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave?

If you are experiencing Fortune’s Weave for the very first time, skipping the War Arc at the obelisk is strongly discouraged. It serves as a vital narrative bridge connecting the conclusion of the Flame Lords’ prologue chapters directly into Act 3. Even if narrative investment isn’t your primary focus, this arc is crucial for conditioning you against the steep difficulty spikes characteristic of the final act, where engagements become significantly larger and more demanding.

Beyond a first playthrough, your decision depends heavily on your immediate objectives. Aside from unique opening and closing sequences, the maps and overarching narrative of Act 2 remain identical across all character routes. Consequently, you won’t miss out on vital storytelling by opting to skip.

Choosing to bypass this phase automatically boosts your entire roster to Level 45, neatly meeting the baseline recommendation for entering the final act. For players looking to quickly prepare multiple armies for Act 3, this shortcut is entirely viable. It is also an efficient strategy if you have revisited Act 1 chapters specifically to refine certain units or recruit new allies for the endgame. Furthermore, the game allows you to initiate a skip at any point during Act 2 and return later to resume manual progress, meaning the choice isn’t permanently binding.

However, despite its sheer convenience and speed, bypassing the War Arc does entail noticeable drawbacks. Confronting the continuous waves of enemies and reinforcements in Act 2 naturally elevates your main units closer to Level 50, providing superior stat thresholds and ample growth opportunities. Manually playing through these chapters also grants you the freedom to experiment with class changes, execute tactical drills, and elevate your army’s weapon proficiencies. This grants granular control over unit progression, ultimately reducing administrative micromanagement when Act 3 commences—advantages that skipping sacrifices entirely.

Ultimately, if you are pressed for time or simply eager to test out adjustments made back in Act 1, feel free to skip the War Arc. Conversely, if you prefer absolute mastery over your army’s growth and development, playing through the conflict manually remains the superior path.

Navigating the intricate timelines of Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave can be daunting, but we are here to help you chart your course. To tailor your campaign precisely to your playstyle, consult our comprehensive guides on selecting your initial protagonist, swapping heroes, and deciding between Classic and Casual modes.

Given the immense scope of Fortune’s Weave, we’ve also detailed approximately how long it takes to reach the credits. As you advance through the early Heroic Games matches, prioritize expanding your roster, unlocking essential Boons of Salvation, and optimizing your leisure periods. And, of course, don’t forget to visit the Perch to unwind with a quick Bird Time session.

Source: Polygon