How Long is Fire Emblem: Three Houses?
Fire Emblem: Three Houses, developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo, has quickly become one of the most beloved titles in the Fire Emblem series. Since its release in 2019, the game has garnered a massive fan base, and many players are curious about how long it takes to complete this epic tactical RPG. If you’re wondering how long is Fire Emblem: Three Houses, you’re in the right place. This article will break down the game’s length, including the main story, side quests, and replayability, to give you a clear idea of what to expect.
Main Story Length: A Tale of Strategy and Depth
The main story of Fire Emblem: Three Houses is where the game truly shines. The narrative is divided into multiple chapters, each with its own set of battles, character interactions, and plot twists. The game is designed to be both challenging and engaging, with a focus on strategic combat and character development.
On average, completing the main story of Fire Emblem: Three Houses will take around 40 to 60 hours. This estimate varies depending on your playstyle. If you’re a seasoned Fire Emblem player who knows the ropes, you might complete the game on the faster side. However, if you’re new to the series or prefer to take your time to explore every nook and cranny, it could take closer to 60 hours.
Side Quests and Paralogue Battles: Adding Depth to the Experience
One of the standout features of Fire Emblem: Three Houses is its abundance of side content. Side quests and Paralogue battles provide additional storylines, character development, and rewards that can enhance your gameplay experience. These optional missions can add an extra 10 to 20 hours to your playtime, depending on how thoroughly you explore them.
Paralogue battles, in particular, are worth mentioning. These unique missions are tied to specific characters and offer a deeper dive into their backstories. Completing these not only strengthens your bond with the characters but also provides valuable experience and items for your army.
Replayability: A Game Designed to Be Played Multiple Times
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is known for its high replayability. The game features four distinct routes, each aligned with one of the three houses (Black Eagles, Blue Lions, and Golden Deer) and a fourth route that becomes available after completing the game once. Each route offers a unique perspective on the story, with different characters, plot twists, and endings.
Additionally, the game’s New Game+ mode allows you to carry over certain items and experience from your previous playthrough, making subsequent runs faster and more convenient. This feature is particularly appealing to completionists who want to unlock all the game’s secrets and achievements.
Given the multiple routes and the New Game+ feature, the total playtime for Fire Emblem: Three Houses can easily exceed 100 hours if you aim to experience everything the game has to offer.
DLC and Additional Content: Expanding the Adventure
Nintendo has also released several DLCs (Downloadable Content) for Fire Emblem: Three Houses, including new characters, maps, and storylines. These DLCs add several extra hours to the game, providing fresh challenges and story content for fans who want more.
One of the most notable DLCs is the Cindered Shadows expansion, which introduces a new storyline involving the Officers’ Academy’s secret fourth house, the Ashen Wolves. This DLC alone can add around 8 to 12 hours to your playtime, depending on how thoroughly you explore it.
Conclusion: A Timeless Adventure
In summary, Fire Emblem: Three Houses offers a rich and immersive experience that can last well over 100 hours if you fully explore all its content. The main story alone is a substantial journey that will keep you engaged for dozens of hours, and the additional side quests, Paralogue battles, and DLCs only add to the game’s depth and replayability.
Whether you’re a fan of strategic combat, character-driven stories, or simply looking for a game that offers great value for your time, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is an excellent choice. So, if you’re wondering how long is Fire Emblem: Three Houses, the answer is simple: it’s a game that will keep you coming back for more, time and time again.