Introduction
Fire Emblem: Three Houses stands out as one of the most replayable tactical RPGs, thanks to its intricate branching storylines and a wealth of character-specific endings. Much like unlocking secret characters in games such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, achieving every ending in Three Houses requires strategic planning, multiple playthroughs, and a keen understanding of the game's mechanics. This guide will walk you through unlocking every major route, secret path, and character epilogue in the game.
The Foundation: House Choice and Story Structure
Your journey begins with a pivotal decision: which house to lead at Garreg Mach Monastery. This choice determines your initial allies and sets the stage for one of the game's four main story routes:
- Blue Lions (Dimitri)
- Golden Deer (Claude)
- Black Eagles (Edelgard or Church of Seiros)
Unlike games with linear progression, such as Hollow Knight's achievements or Angry Birds 2's level count, Three Houses branches dramatically based on your choices.
The Four Main Routes: How to Unlock Each Ending
| House/Route | Leader | Route Name | How to Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Eagles | Edelgard | Crimson Flower | Choose Black Eagles, raise Edelgard’s support to C+ before Chapter 11, accompany her to Enbarr, and choose to protect her at the Holy Tomb. |
| Black Eagles | Church of Seiros | Silver Snow | Choose Black Eagles, do NOT meet Crimson Flower conditions, or side against Edelgard at the Holy Tomb. |
| Blue Lions | Dimitri | Azure Moon | Choose Blue Lions at the start and follow the story. |
| Golden Deer | Claude | Verdant Wind | Choose Golden Deer at the start and follow the story. |
Black Eagles: Crimson Flower (Edelgard's Route)
- Requirements:
- Choose Black Eagles.
- Raise Edelgard’s support to C+ before Chapter 11.
- During Chapter 11, agree to accompany Edelgard to Enbarr.
- At the Holy Tomb, choose to "Protect Edelgard."
- Notes: This is the shortest route (18 chapters) and offers a unique perspective on the war.
Black Eagles: Silver Snow (Church Route)
- Requirements:
- Choose Black Eagles.
- Do not fulfill Crimson Flower conditions (no C+ support, don’t go to Enbarr, or choose to oppose Edelgard).
- Notes: Shares similarities with Verdant Wind but focuses on the Church of Seiros.
Blue Lions: Azure Moon
- Requirements: Choose Blue Lions at the start. The route is linear and focuses on Dimitri’s personal journey.
Golden Deer: Verdant Wind
- Requirements: Choose Golden Deer at the start. This route uncovers the most lore about Fódlan and its mysteries.
Secret Route: Cindered Shadows (DLC)
The Cindered Shadows DLC introduces the Ashen Wolves. While this side story does not affect the main game’s endings, it adds new characters and lore, similar to how expansions in games like Diablo IV enhance the base experience.
Character Endings: Paired and Solo Epilogues
Each character’s fate is determined by their support levels at the end of the game:
- Paired Endings: Achieved when two characters reach A or A+ support. Byleth can achieve an S-support (romantic ending) with one character per playthrough by giving them the ring in the final chapter.
- Solo Endings: If a character has no qualifying A-supports, they receive a unique solo ending.
Maximizing Support Points
To unlock all possible pairings:
- Battle with characters adjacent to each other.
- Share meals and participate in group tasks.
- Give gifts and return lost items.
- Use free time to build relationships.
For a full list of possible endings, see Serenes Forest: Endings List.
Special and Hidden Endings
Some endings require additional steps:
- Golden Ending for Edelgard (Crimson Flower): Recruit Lysithea and achieve A-support between Edelgard and Lysithea.
- Redemption Ending for Rhea (Silver Snow): Achieve A-support with Rhea and choose forgiving dialogue options.
- Claude’s True Ambition (Verdant Wind): Keep all Golden Deer members alive and achieve A-support with key characters.
Tips for Unlocking All Endings
- Multiple Playthroughs: At least four are required to see all main routes.
- Strategic Saves: Use multiple save files, especially before key decisions (e.g., Chapter 11 for Black Eagles).
- New Game+: Carry over Professor Level, Renown, and support levels to speed up subsequent runs.
- Recruitment: Recruit as many students as possible to unlock more paired endings.
- DLC Content: Playing the Cindered Shadows DLC adds more characters and endings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unlock all endings in one playthrough?
No. Mutually exclusive choices require multiple playthroughs.
Are there canon endings?
There is no official canon, though Silver Snow and Verdant Wind are often considered the most neutral.
Do choices outside the main route affect endings?
Yes, especially support levels and certain dialogue choices.
Useful Resources
- Serenes Forest: Endings List
- Fire Emblem Wiki: Three Houses Endings
- Nintendo: Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Conclusion
Unlocking all endings in Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a rewarding journey, much like achieving 100% completion in games with vast content such as Gardenscapes or Homescapes. With careful planning, strategic saves, and attention to character relationships, you can experience every possible fate for the students and leaders of Garreg Mach. Good luck, Professor—may your guidance lead Fódlan to its many destinies!