Weapon Triangle

The signature weapon triangle system of the Fire Emblem series is applied in combat as well. This system applies to everyone in the battlefield, foes and enemies alike, including allies that you can’t control.

As a review:

Sword > Axe

Axe > Lance

Lance > Sword

*For the weapon types not listed above, the effects will be neutral.

Fortunately, the game will mark officer-type enemies you’ll be facing with arrows to determine your selected character’s weapon advantage or disadvantage against the enemy. Upward arrow means that the enemy has advantage against you, while down arrow indicates you have advantage against the enemy.

Attacking an enemy when you have the weapon advantage enables you to deal more damage, the Stun Gauge appears more often, and the strength of Critical Hits will be boosted. In the other hand, when you’re at the disadvantage, enemies will be able to block your attacks more easily, the Stun Gauge will not appear, and they’ll have increased damage against you.

It’s not the end of the world if you end up fighting units you’re at a disadvantage to; however, consider avoiding these situations by consulting the Map often or deploying playable allies in strategic positions. Should you be forced to fight with a disadvantage, you can fight defensively by blocking or evading often, or better yet, enter Awakening state to ignore the weapon triangle and deal greater damage.

Finally, keep an eye out for weapons that are designed to deal fatal damage against certain types. For example, bows and archer units can decimate flyer units like a Pegasus while weapons like Mountslayer and Armorslayer can deal massive damage against mounted units and armored units like knights.