As a longtime Fire Emblem fan with over a decade of series experience, I‘ve explored the full potential of countless heroes across these intricate tactical epics. Now Three Hopes brings together the best parts of Three Houses – its beloved characters – while taking their stories and gameplay in bold new directions.
After pouring 50+ hours into this epic sequel, I‘ve unlocked every playable fighter and pushed their capabilities to the limits across the battlefield. Read on for my definitive analysis of ALL Three Hopes heroes plus expert tips on mastering their powers!
Table of Contents
Core Characters
As in the original Three Houses, Byleth and the customizable mercenary Shez anchor Three Hopes‘ central narrative from different perspectives.
Shez
This newcomer wields tremendous versatility – their class, skills and even gender all customize to your playstyle preferences. Though defaulting to Myrmidon, I‘ve powered Shez through Martial Master, Wyvern Lord and even Mortal Savant seamlessly.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: Mortal Savant (or Wyvern Lord)
- Skills: Astra, Swordfaire/Axefaire, Movement +1, and more
Regardless if playing on Scarlet Blaze or another path, invest in Swords, Reason and Bow skills early. This balances Shez‘s physical and magical damage for maximum flexibility as the game progresses.
Playable On: All Routes
Joins: Chapter 1
Byleth
The Ashen Demon‘s versatility feels more limited than in Three Houses…but that focused potential makes them quite deadly indeed. With effort, recruiting Byleth pays exceptional dividends on any path.
My strategy involves building up Axes and Bows before swapping to War Master to inflict lethal critical hits. Use Divine Pulse wisely and Byleth will win entire maps alone.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: War Master
- Skills: Axe Crit +10, Swordbreaker/Bowbreaker, Defiant Str, more
Their Hero Relic sword stays useful for monsters while Bow access enables powerful Gambits like Deadeye Volley. If properly leveled, the Enlightened One class and Sword of the Creator still demolish armies.
Playable On: All Routes (If Recruited)
Joins: Chapter 10-12 (Varies On Route)
Blue Lions
I‘ve carefully optimized every one of these Azure Moon heroes across 30+ hours playing the tragic yet glorious Blue Lions path…
Dimitri
His shattered psyche may be unstable, but Dimitri‘s raw power with relic lance Areadbhar makes him an absolute must-use on Azure Gleam. Effortlessly attaining 100+ Crit, he literally shreds maps single-handedly after unlocking Great Lord.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: Great Lord
- Skills: Swordbreaker, Lancefaire, Defiant Str, more
While shaky early on, Dimitri‘s strength grows exponentially once you push past Chapter 12. Feed him every Energy Drop, Secret Book and Strength boosting meal to unlock his true potential.
Weapons: Lances, Swords
Joins: Chapter 3
Dedue
Among Three Hopes‘ absolute tankiest units, Dedue mixes superb Defense with utility via Battalion skills and Debuffs/Heals when mastering Adjutant or Fortress Knight classes. Use shields to enhance Protection and mitigate mage weaknesses.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: Fortress/Great Knight
- Skills: Pavise, Axebreaker, Movement +1
Sturdy Steel weapons bypass his iffy Strength growth while enhancing survivability. Consider mastering Heavy Armor skills early to access Great Knight‘s well-rounded promotion bonuses.
Weapons: Axes, Shields
Joins: Chapter 3
Felix
Already a formidable Swordmaster in Three Houses, Felix sees his speed, skill and strength growth taken to even deadlier heights in Three Hopes. Push him into Mortal Savant to diversify his skills before reclassing to Assassin or Swordmaster to inflict lethal critical strike chains.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: Mortal Savant > Assassin/Swordmaster
- Skills: Sword Crit +10, Pavise, Astra, Swordfaire
Felix can reliably activate Astra and Aegis thanks to his high Speed and Dexterity. He excels with Wo Dao+ to boost Crit damage further and can boss abuse via the Retribution skill.
Weapons: Swords
Joins: Chapter 3
And that‘s just the beginning! Further in we‘ll explore builds for Annette, Mercedes, Ashe and additional Blue Lions allies…
Golden Deer
Claude and friends see their schemes fully realized with diverse promotions, specialty skills and more. Here‘s how to master Golden Wildfire‘s top strategic assets:
Claude
Now boasting Crest-enhanced mortal savant capabilities, Claude maintains impressive mobility via flying classes while dishing death from all angles.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: Barbarossa or Wyvern Lord
- Skills: Bow Crit +10, Swordfaire, Movement +1
Use Fallen Star‘s combat art to close distance gaps and corral enemies for point blank Savage Blow crits. Alternatively, master Wyvern Lord for added Strength before diversifying skills as a Mortal Savant.
Weapons: Bows, Swords, Axes
Joins: Chapter 4
Hilda
While frail early on, Hilda grows into a versatile weapon triangle threat upon mastering Brigand, Wyvern Rider and her canon Freikugel wielding Wyvern Lord class. Consider building Resistance and Luck to further improve survivability.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: Wyvern Lord > Falcon Knight
- Skills: Axefaire, Swordbreaker, Movement +1
Hilda makes exceptional use of hand axes while flying to pick off weakened foes. Rally Dexterity/Speed boost key stats for multiple allies at once. If struggling, reclass to Falcon Knight for better Resistance and Avoid.
Weapons: Axes, Bows
Joins: Chapter 4
Plenty more schemes, stratagems and API where these came from! Still to come we‘ll dive deep on Lorenz, Lysithea, Leonie, Raphael and additional Leicester Alliance hero builds.
Black Eagles
From mighty emperors to mage prodigies, the Black Eagle Strike Force harbor no shortage of power. Below I detail my insight for attaining peak performance from these elite magic and axe wielders on the Scarlet Blaze route:
Edelgard
Edelgard‘s already formidable strength scales even higher when you guide her down the Armored Lord upgrade path culminating in the devastating Emperor promotion.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: Emperor
- Skills: Axe Crit +10, Pavise, Axefaire
Early on, consider mastering Fighter for Vantage to better sustain HP between heals. Use character boosts on Strength, Defense and HP growths to unlock her fearsome frontline potential.
Weapons: Axes, Shields
Joins: Chapter 3
Hubert
While flimsy as most mages, high Dexterity and Resistance growth lend Hubert surprising magical durability. Mastering Dark Bishop enhances his formidable combat repertoire with improved heal utility via Renewal or extra range through Mag. Range +1.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: Dark Bishop
- Skills: Fiendish Blow, Lifetaker, Heartseeker
Use Hubert‘s Gloucester healing art plus Lifetaker to maintain HP while blasting foes apart with Luna. Alternatively make him a magical sniper via the Dark Knight‘s ranged Dire Thunder spell.
Weapons: Swords, Black/Dark Magic
Joins: Chapter 3
Further in we‘ll explore mastering the full Black Eagle roster including Petra, Caspar, Linhardt and more. Each can promote into potent class trees with the right focus and investment…
Ashen Wolves
Saved from the abyss, there‘s far more to these four outcasts than meets the eye. Below I explain how to attain peak performance from Yuri, Balthus, Constance and Hapi!
Yuri
From boosting EXP gains to amassing TONS of gold via raids and quests, the scheming Trickster Yuri delivers tremendous strategic utility. Consider promoting to Assassin and build Swords/Bows until unlocking his exclusive Fetters of Dromi dagger.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: Assassin/Trickster
- Skills: Locktouch, Movement +1, Steal, more
Use Foul Play swaps to unleash artillery mages and reposition slower tanks as needed mid-map. Yuri‘s high Speed and Charm ensure success.
Weapons: Swords, Bows
Joins: Chapter 10
Constance
A glass cannon capable of massive magical burst damage, Constance demands protection early on to realize her full potential. Seraphim gives her superb utility against monsters as a prelude to nuking armies apart with Bolting, Meteor and more.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: Dark Flier > Gremory
- Skills: Defiant Mag/Res, Magic +2
Upon promoting to Dark Flier, Constance gains mobility alongside Tomefaire‘s +5 Magic damage, enabling her to safer snipe from maximum range. Use gambits to support when fragile.
Weapons: Swords, Black/White Magic
Joins: Chapter 12
Plenty of explosive, doom and gloom capabilities left in the Ashen Wolves roster! Still to come, we‘ll detail gloriously OP builds for the beastly Balthus and goddess of sighs herself – Hapi!
Secret Unlocks
The following legendary characters only become playable in optional side chapters unlocked after completing the main story campaigns:
Rhea
While exceedingly fragile early on, Rhea‘s magical prowess scales exponentially to rival Hanneman and Manuela from Three Houses given enough time and resources. Patience pays off enormously.
My Optimal Build:
- Class: Saint/Gremory
- Skills: Renewal, Defiant Mag, Magic +2
Use character boosts on Magic, Resistance and Luck to further accelerate Rhea‘s magical scaling. She learns warp at A Rank Faith to teleport your strongest warriors around.
Weapons: White Magic
Joins: Post-Game
Sothis
Don‘t be fooled by her seemingly frail little girl persona – Sothis eventually unlocks astronomical Magic over 999+ thanks to boasting the game‘s highest growths. Yes, over NINE THOUSAND!
In addition, Swords and Black/Dark magic access make Sothis versatile while spells like Hades Ω and Sublime Heaven decimate bosses.
Weapons: Swords, Black/White Magic
Joins: Post-Game
Arval
This mysterious being‘s motives stay shrouded in fog but his combat capabilities prove second only to Shez over time. Upon rescue, invest in training Bows, Reason and Faith magics to quickly build weapon ranks for class diversification.
Weapons: Swords, Lances, Axes, Bows, Black/White Magic
Joins: Post-Game
I hope these tips and insights from 400+ hours across the Fire Emblem series provide the perfect guide to unlocking every character‘s maximum potential in Three Hopes!
Remember to consider long-term development, optimal class routes and skill combos tailored to highlight each hero‘s unique strengths while shoring up weaknesses. Doing so will ensure glorious victory across this expansive tactical journey!
Now then, who will be the unstoppable champions to lead your forces to victory? The choice lies in your hands…now take up arms and conquer Fódlan however you desire!
