tips

The weapon triangle (AgileBalanceHeavy) is much more potent than originally, with modifiers being +/-3 for Mt and +/- 20 for Hit.

For each magic triangle (FireWindThunder and AnimaLightDark) this is increased further to +/-5 Mt.

Additionally, the weapon triangle is split into Agile, Balance and Heavy. This will be relevant later on for specific weapons and Laguz.

When defeating a foe, Laura's Kleptomania allows her to automatically steal any items they may be holding.

With a staff equipped, a unit can counterattack at 1-range. Take advantage of this by positioning Laura nearby.

In each version of Exalted, there's a unique class typing that changes depending on the specific one being played.

In Dark edition, wielders of dark magic will have this typing (), as well as several other classes.

Micaiah's Thani tome or Ike's Ettard will deal effective damage to foes of this typing, providing them with unique utility that adapts to other versions as well. There will also be specific weapons or units that deal similar bonus damage.

Staves have Mt equal to their Wt+4. The unit's Str is then added to calculate total Atk. They otherwise all have 60 Hit and 20 Crit, unless stated differently.

Within Exalted, each playable unit as a unique personal skill, which can be viewed within each class description.

Hover over a unit and press and then again. Move your cursor to the unit's assigned class to check them.

You'll also be able to view other useful information here, such as maximum HP or non-slotted skills such as Shove.

Micaiah has Yune's Blessing, which can allow her to move again when dropping to low HP through initiating combat or Sacrifice.

This can even activate several times if she recieves healing between each action.

Each personal can become very powerful when the stars align, and are often boosted further when the unit is Exalted.

Biorhythm no longer influences skills, since the way they now function has been completely changed.

Skills no longer have a random chance to activate based on the unit's statistics. Instead, a cooldown system has been implemented which you may have noticed with Leonardo's Disarm. These are referred to as specials, much like in Fire Emblem Heroes.

There are several different types of cooldown. counts down each turn, while counts down from combat.

counts down each turn and each round of combat. Each special works differently, so be sure to check each and every one.

Do note however that specials will still go on cooldown even if the unit misses their attack or dodges in the case of specials such as Pavise. So long as a special is capable of activation when combat begins, this will still take effect.

Going forward, be sure to regularly check the descriptions of classes, weapons and skills by pressing .

Almost everything has changed within this version of the game, so obtaining valuable information will often times be crucial.

Weapon/item descriptions will show important stat modifiers or bonuses, including benefits gained while playing on each version.

And finally, skills will provide information on effects, cooldowns, and innate bonuses they may be providing to the unit.

Innate versions of various skills are granted to those who initially have the skill by default. For example, Vantage normally can only trigger when the unit is at 50％ HP or lower. However, the innate version allows it to remain active at all times.

While this does offer incentive for units to keep default skills, it also means that temporarily unassigning skills can be done freely at any time.

Even if you were to remove Laura's Vantage, she can then later re-equip it with no capacity cost and retaining the innate bonus!

The Herbalist skill that belongs to Volug is capable of merging held healing items into newer ones of higher quality.

However, it can also repair singular healing items if a second is not found. Both repairing and merging cannot be done together.

If three vulneraries are in his inventory, the first two are merged and the third is not modified.

Additionally, merging is chained if previous merges result in two of the same upgraded healing items remaining in his inventory.

For example, if he holds two herbs, a vulnerary and a concoction when the map begins, he would be left with a single elixir.

Ideally, you'll want to merge or repair items with the lowest remaining uses, so the inventory order is important.

Mastery skills are specials that are a lot more powerful than others, being obtained by either a Tier 3 promotion or higher Laguz rank.

Unlike other specials, they begin each map on cooldown unless specified otherwise, or through other skills and bonuses.

Outside of normal mode, mastery skills also become locked for the remainder of the map if activated against a boss/Exalted unit.

Additionally, certain weapons will also apply this to regular specials, such as siege tomes for the Adept or Corrosion skills.

For weapons this applies to, they'll also lock mastery skills if capable of activating them. Brave weapons are an example of this.

Therefore, do be wary of which weapons you are using when they're ready to activate unless the map is near completion.

Alternatively, using a siege tome with the Adept skill may still be worth the cost if it enables an early kill of a dangerous foe!

The Corrosion skill is a useful ability that enables a unit to destroy an opposing unit's weapon if it has limited durability.

From this point onward, most enemies will have a weapon that is susceptible to this.

They will usually have a backup weapon that is much weaker, resulting in the foe being a lot less threatening if left alive.

Additionally, When some skills are equipped together, they also grant a combo bonus that allows those skills to interact, or provide perks.

Mia by default has both the Vantage and Corrosion skills. Normally, the latter skill can can only activate when initiating.

However, Vantage can allow it to activate during a preemptive counterattack! Be on the lookout for other skill combos as well.

From this point onward, you'll be facing generic tier 3 foes that are much more dangerous.

In addition to having higher offensive stats, they also have additional skills much like boss or Exalted units.

However, due to the increased frequency of these foes, their skills can also be viewed within the unit window using your cursor.

Notably, generic foes on normal and hard modes will always be golden if they have any skills.

When specials are off cooldown, they persist for the entirety of combat when they can activate. Adept will allow four attacks when doubling.

From this point onwards, enemy bosses and Exalted units will always have at least one skill. All other generic foes will not have them, so you won't need to check them individually.

When two skills are listed for a combo, either skill can be equipped to grant its bonus. Some combos can occur with a unit's personal skill for easier access.

The PassSteal combo will auto-send all resources to the convoy at the end of turn. The exceptions are weapons, equipment, and enemy affecting items such as magic cards.

Skill combos can chain from other combos or resources that are not equipped skills, such as equipment. The Knowledge Gem grants Discipline which will enable Flourish's combo.

Personal skills that contain the icon have a hidden bonus or mechanic that is not immediately revealed. These can be viewed underneath growth rates within the base.

Boss units with the Veteran skill will ignore penalties that some weapons have while countering, including brave weapons not being able to attack consecutively.

Some units, such as Aran, Jill and Muarim, have personal skills that will improve each time they promote or gain a Laguz rank. Be sure to check personals in case this happens.

When two skills are equipped together, they may enable a combo which grants the unit various bonuses. Leonardo's Shade and Serenity combo can allow for strong positioning.

Welcome to Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn Exalted: Dark version.

Throughout, useful info will be provided to highlight key differences to the original game or new mechanics.

In this version of the game, all units with a matching affinity become 'Exalted', making them more powerful and gaining additional bonuses. Enemies who are Exalted count as a boss unit, granting increased EXP and valuable drops.

Also, to view bonus experience turn thresholds, press to view conditions and then for turns required and amounts recieved.

Biorhythm functions differently In Exalted. Positive biorhythm no longer increases avoid, while bad biorhythm no longer reduces hit.

However, the bonus to hit in positive biorhythm is amplified further as well as negative biorhythm's impact on avoid.

Additionally, best biorhythm increases critical-hit by 5%, while worst biorhythm lowers critical-hit by the same amount.

Skills such as Tempest and Serenity will also amplify or further reduce these modifiers when present.

Skills like Gamble can be much more powerful depending on biorhythm and other factors. Give it a try!

In Exalted, supports between two units usually grow at the same rate by default, with no hidden modifiers being present.

However, units that are bonded will not only gain bonus dodge and critical-hit chance when adjacent, but will also grow regular supports much faster than usual, with the amount of support points gained from most actions increased substantially.

Therefore, support speed only differentiates for those who are bonded, rather than having several hidden support types.

Choosing support partners based on bonds may therefore be advantageous in the short term.

Alternatively, they could make it easier to switch paired supports later on, allowing some flexibility along the way.

Bond supports now always provide +10 critical and dodge when units are adjacent. This can be significant especially for units or weapons with naturally high critical-hit.

Mounted units now have weight values that make it possible for other units to shove them with the right setup. Danved is a unit capable of this.

Laguz units have several changes in Exalted that can influence how they're used.

Firstly, they now retain extra stats while unshifted, based on their type and weapon rank.

Their gauges work differently as well, varying per Laguz type and the specific unit itself.

The amount gained or lost per turn/battle can be viewed in the unit's class description.

Last of all are weapon bonuses. Each playable unit gains a unique effect or bonus when their weapon rank is raised.

Keep in mind that these bonuses are usually only active while shifted. Similarly, weapon experience is only granted while shifted.

Finally, each Laguz weapon is either Agile, Balance or Heavy, in relation to the weapon triangle.

This can be checked within their description. However, this does not apply to unshifted Laguz or specific units.

Playable Laguz within Exalted have a level progression that affects their maximum stats, weapon rank and avaliable skills.

Once a Laguz reaches level 15, they will obtain a rank, granting them additional HP and increasing their maximum stats.

Laguz will gain an additional rank at level 23 and level 30. They'll also obtain a powerful skill at either of these ranks as well.

Keep in mind that a Laguz unit will only gain a rank the first time you leave the base for the current map, or after they've been deployed.

This can allow you to utilize bonus experience to increase lower stats, or take advantage of bonus skill capacity after returning to the base.

Upon reaching rank 1 (level 15), Volug will no longer have forced Halfshift. He'll also automatically rank up after part 1, even if his level is below 15.

Some Laguz such as cats can retain their gauge by engaging in combat frequently, but will quickly revert if they do not. Magic cards can help assist with this.

Rafiel's bulk significantly increases while shifted, which is possible at any time (Formshift). However, he loses movement in exchange for lower terrain costs (but can't climb).

Hex is a new enemy-only mechanic introduced on this map (while playing normal or hard difficulties).

These are area-wide zones that inflict debilitating effects to each unit who are inside it.

These effects range from disabling various skills, preventing specials from counting down, or periodically dealing damage each turn etc...

Hexes will be destroyed if the foe casting it is defeated. Some units can also avoid its effects through specific skills or equipment.

Be wary of hexes in future maps. As seen just now, they will always be shown at the beginning of each map to mark their locations.

When a foe is stunned by Daze, they are no longer able to avoid attacks. Units or weapons with lower hit-rates, or the Gamble skill, can take advantage of this.

Cursed weapons will inflict two stacks of Poison to the defending unit when attacked by light magic. Poison is capped at three stacks.

Poison deals 10 fixed damage after combat for each stack, and can't be avoided. Micaiah and allies affected by innate Boon have immunity.

Siege tomes are incredibly useful weapons that can allow mages to deal damage to foes from a long distance away.

However, when they're cast, they operate on a cooldown system that prevents usage on consecutive turns.

If a unit is holding a tome that is on cooldown, they'll be unable to use other siege tomes until it's avaliable once again.

While powerful, you may want want to conserve their usage with that in mind.

Enemies that have siege tomes and long ranged staves cannot move and take their action at the same time.

Take advantage of this by staying outside of their range and forcing them to move.

Alternatively; being in range of them to prevent movement, allowing you to easily dispatch them on the following turn!

For Exalted, fog of war has received an update. By default, the vision range for every unit is 3.

This is increased to 4 for wielders of Light light magic and 6 for rogues and cats (other beast tribes have 4).

Bird Laguz however will only have a vision range of 2.

Additionally, units with the Focus skill will have their vision raised to 7.

If playing Light edition, then fog of war no longer appears, so this info may not apply.

In this version of the game, mounted units do not suffer a movement penalty when indoors.

Unlike the original, flying units can also pass through wall pillars, meaning they can reach higher terrain without a climbable gap.

That however requires a high movement cost, making it difficult to canto back to safety, so keep that in mind.

In addition, most armored units can climb without any extra movement cost, making them ideal for routes with several ledges.

Cavalry units may also climb if certain conditions are met...

Some terrain inflict penalties as opposed to bonuses. The open areas on this map reduce avoid.

As a reminder, the beneficial cloud tiles move one tile to the left on each phase (total of twice per turn).

These also hinder movement when passing through, so use this knowledge to keep Leanne safe and utilize their bonuses.

The siege weapons you're facing do moderate damage in a small area, dealing full damage to units being directly targeted.

These may not have posed much threat in the original game, so do play cautiously and try to be wary of your units standing adjacent.

Up until now, enemy behaviour could only be observed with playing the map itself, requiring you to adapt accordingly.

However, you can now check each foe to see how they'll act and when they'll move towards the player.

Considering the challenges yet to come, this information should be very helpful in assisting how you should approach each map.

Do note that foes without an AI indicator will have the default behaviour of moving to attack the player when within range.

Enemy siege tomes have a cooldown of two turns by default. They'll auto-equip other weapons the turn after usage, meaning they're vulnerable during the next player phase.

Armored units can move through thickets or climb ledges with no additional movement cost. During certain maps, they can become surprisingly mobile as a result.

Units who have an affinity that matches the current map will have their Hit and Avoid increased by +15. This can allow certain units to fight reliably even while at a disadvantage.

When the current map's affinity matches a unit's affinity, they'll recieve a generous +15％ bonus to Hit and Avoid. This can become especially powerful during triangle advantage.

Meeting bonus experience turn thresholds can prove to be very challenging to reach, particularly the maximum.

It's not recommended to always aim for the maximum threshold if this is your first time playing.

Instead, aiming for the secondary turn threshold will still grant a decent reward while being easier to achieve.

This may allow you to optimise combat experience or valuable drops, steals and other rewards.

As such, do not feel discouraged to press onward without obtaining the full amount.

Within Exalted, promoting your units is encouraged to be done earlier than in the original game.

Maximum stats are lower than usual while promotion bonuses are increased.

In the next chapter from now, you can freely purchase master seals in the shop at a much reduced price.

Do not hesitate to promote each unit if you can avoid it. From this point onward, you will be facing higher tier foes.

Of course, it's still wise to reserve some bonus experience to take advantage of stats reaching their maximum before promotion.

This map's primary objective is preventing the prisoners from being executed while ensuring your own safety.

However, so long as at least one prisoner survives, you will not lose this battle.

Additionally, you only need to save four of them for maximum bonus experience earned.

To prevent yourself from being overwhelmed in the center of the map, some sacrifices (to distract several foes) may be necessary.

Upon reaching higher ranks, Laguz units will earn considerably less EXP when defeating Beorc, especially during Hard or Maddening mode.

However, they do not have an EXP penalty when fighting other Laguz units at a similar level.

It is therefore recommend to fight enemy Laguz with your own, earning them kills to increase their level further and obtain a higher rank.

Weapons with a ★ symbol are unique versions that are more powerful than usual. They're usually locked to the units who have them.

Maximum weapon ranks for non-staves are always SS for Beorc units, no matter the class or tier. For staves, it's A rank besides specific units (S) and priests (SS).

At the end of this map, all units who leave this army will automatically deposit their full inventory to the convoy.

These units would be Tormod, Muarim, Vika, Nailah, Rafiel and the Black Knight. If Ilyana is not deployed on this map, she will also leave this army just like the original game. However, deploying her will mean she will remain during part 3.

Either way, you can no longer transfer weapons and items from the Dawn Brigade to the Greil Mercenaries.

Compared to the original game, the mercenaries have much more gold and resources by default to help offset this.

Lastly, any Action, Biorhythm or Primal scrolls used for any of the aforementioned units will return to you after this map as well.

Tormod, Muarim and Vika will rejoin this army later in part 3, so other skills remaining with them can be useful later on.

As with endgame of Part 1, units who leave for an extended period of time will deposit their inventory to the convoy automatically.

Lucia's inventory has already been deposited, with Elincia, Nealuchi and Leanne's to follow suit when Part 2 is completed.

For any resources you want to send across to early Part 3, it may still be ideal to trade them over to other units accordingly.

As with Ilyana at the end of part 1, gems will be deposited to the convoy for units that rejoin in early part 3. Keep this in mind.

During this map, playable allies other than Ike who are defeated will not be permanantly lost.

Similarly, revival effects such as Miracle or Resurrect will not trigger (besides Ike).

Allies who retreat will accelerate the condition required to end the map. This could be useful if your goal is to finish the map sooner.

By default, the convoy can be accessed if a unit's inventory becomes full, meaning you will not need to discard any equipment or items.

Several stat boosters are weaker than usual but will appear far more often. This will grant you plenty of freedom to distribute bonuses with higher frequency.

Non-crucial playable units who are defeated will have their inventory and equipped skills sent to convoy. Be sure to leave enough room in case this happens.

Hidden treasure will now always be visible through sparkling tiles. The chance to find them is guarenteed, no matter the unit.

Each type of forged weapon has its own unique perk besides the modified stats and coin bonus. You can check these using before selecting.

Do not be overly concerned with conserving gold between maps. Each one should provide a decent amount of gold to be spent within the next chapter.

Equipment will only deactivate when a unit's action has ended. Trade strategies can situationally enable multiple equipment during their current action.

Some classes, such as soldiers or armored knights, gain an additional bonus while holding a shield. Keep in mind that class bonuses won't appear as active within the base.

Compared to the original game, some units have changes to their avaliability or alleviating restrictions for usage.

On this map, these three allies have now joined your ranks.

On future maps, look out for avaliable talk commands to recruit specific units sooner.

On Maddening mode specifically, this map would contain this requirement.

You have a limited number of turns this battle. Complete your task in the set number of turns to win and move on.

You can set supplies on fire when you're standing next to them. Burn all the supplies to disrupt the enemy.

In upcoming chapters, the units you control will change.

No matter who you face, your goal is to keep the units under your control alive. This is your primary concern.

For this map, proceed with extreme caution. You may require some additional assistance, so stall for time until that arrives.

Play defensive initially until it is safe to proceed. You should take advantage of the terrain and chokepoints until then.

The characters you defeat in the enemy army will not die. Focus on the units under your control, and defeat foes to force their retreat.

Unlike the original map, you can clear it more quickly by defeating the boss, rather than defending for 12 turns.

As a reminder, Micaiah, Sothe and the Black Knight will not move from their current location.

Micaiah will also not initiate combat and neither will Laura. Long range tomes or staves will therefore not be used or wasted.

During this map, you have control of both Ike and the Crimean Army.

Many foes will charge towards Geoffrey's group directly, with fewer enemies to deal with in the south.

Your goal is to defeat the boss, so while Geoffrey is defending, have Ike's group take care of the primary objective.

Keep in mind that the northern reinforcements will get stronger and increasingly more difficult to defend as time goes on.

Do not hesitate to end the map quickly if you're at risk of being overwhelmed.

Additionally, Elincia will always move towards Geoffrey, so be wary of his position at all times.

During this map, Micaiah will use Great Sacrifice at the beginning of turns 4 and 9, fully healing all allied units.

Micaiah also needs to be at 50% health or higher to cast it, setting her health to 1 after usage. With this in mind, you may be able to set up effective turns where the healing will allow you to play more aggressively and clear out additional foes.

When a certain number of units have been defeated, additional enemies will continuously spawn during this current map.

Be cautious when extending your own units towards the opposing army. However, most enemies will only move at a specific turn.

You can take only a limited number of units with you. Choose the units that accompany you carefully.

Several units have had significant changes to their availability. Don't be too afraid to give any specific unit investment or resources with this in mind.

Herons now have the Sacrifice skill. While only situationally useful, it can allow them to cleanse conditions such as sleep or silence when required.

At this stage, do not overlook items such as Pure Water or Shine Barrier. The latter can be incredibly useful by delaying reinforcements or splitting enemy groups.

Leonardo's Longbowman is incredibly strong at baiting ranged foes, often allowing him to defeat them in a single attack, even while below a ledge.

Elincia's Airborne Monarch will grant a skill to both herself and all allied flying units depending on the map's affinity. Skill combos can activate from this!