4 Games to Play Like Fire Emblem That Aren’t by Nintendo

Nintendo and Intelligent Systems recently revealed Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, the next mainline game in the strategic Fire Emblem series. The long-running tactical series has seen many changes over the years, and this Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive title has the potential to unite the fanbase and be the best game yet. That said, with no release date outside of 2026, fans may be eager to scratch the tactical army commanding itch the series invokes. While replaying old Fire Emblem games is appealing to some, others may want something new, a fresh experience. Fortunately, other developers have tackled the genre outside of Nintendo.

What makes Fire Emblem so special isn’t just the grid-based strategy elements, but the permanent consequences and relationship-driven storytelling. Combining strong strategic gameplay with compelling characters and rich worldbuilding is a difficult task. But if you are drawn to the Fire Emblem series, the four games below will satisfy this desire until Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave releases next year.

4) Unicorn Overlord

Unicorn Overlord may have been developed by Vanillaware and published by Atlus, but this tactical RPG feels right at home alongside the Fire Emblem series. Released in 2024, fans can find it on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. This grand, beautifully illustrated strategy epic is a must-play for those who love Fire Emblem’s deep gameplay and robust relationship systems.

Like Nintendo’s series, Unicorn Overlord focuses on strategic battle, character progression, and developing bonds between characters. Where the two differ is how they handle battle. Vanillaware trades Fire Emblem’s turn-based combat for real-time combat. This adds a new layer of strategy as players manage unit placement and terrain. Tactical decisions have to be made as the enemy moves, giving battles a sense of momentum and urgency.

Narratively, Unicorn Overlord channels the same themes of nobility, rebellion, and political intrigue of the Fire Emblem series. Its characters, from noble warriors to misfit rebels, are brought to life through expressive dialogue and side quests that deepen your emotional connection to your army. Combined with the class system, this leads to a wide range of units that not only create strategic flexibility but also diverse personalities and goals among them.

If you love the Fire Emblem series‘ sense of adventure, tactical depth, and rich character arcs, then Unicorn Overlord is the game for you. It is an ambitious and polished alternative to Nintendo’s beloved series. Vanillaware hasn’t made any comments about a sequel, but the first game is a love letter to the genre and proves Nintendo isn’t the only one who can make a game in this vein.

3) Lost Eidolons

Ocean Drive Studio’s inspiration for Lost Eidolons is readily apparent. It takes the Fire Emblem series and gives it a modern makeover, trading the anime aesthetic for a more realistic design. This indie project is available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, and dares to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Nintendo’s series on its own turf. It has received a mostly positive reception thanks to its smart, challenging battles, cast of likable but flawed characters, and a world shaped by political and personal ambition.

The game tells the story of Eden, a mercenary leader caught in the middle of a crumbling empire, something that will be familiar to Fire Emblem fans. Each battle feels like a small-scale war, demanding precision in positioning, resource management, and tactical choices. The terrain and formation of your troops are major factors in determining who is the victor. Characters can be customized with different classes, weapons, and abilities, adding a layer of depth that rewards careful planning and experimentation.

Lost Eidolons truly captures the sense of camaraderie and consequence of Fire Emblem. Relationships matter on and off the battlefield. Characters can build bonds that improve their performance or lead to romantic affairs, but all of this can be shattered with Lost Eidolons’ permadeath (which can be disabled). This is further reinforced by the many moral dilemmas you’ll encounter, leading to hard choices that shape the fate of your army.

Lost Eidolons may not have Nintendo’s polish, but for an indie and Ocean Drive Studio’s debut game, it is a great competitor to Fire Emblem. Not only that, but players can continue the gameplay in the studio’s second game in the series, Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch. It incorporates roguelike elements, giving it a twist on the formula fans know and love.

2) Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark

Like Unicorn Overlord, Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark differs slightly in gameplay from Fire Emblem, but is still similar. 6 Eyes Studio’s inspirations come from Nintendo’s series as well as Square Enix’s Final Fantasy Tactics and Tactics Ogre series. This tactical indie RPG is perfect for fans of the genre and is available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark takes place in a richly detailed fantasy world, and players control Kyrie, an Arbiter tasked with maintaining order. This leads to a narrative filled with tactical battles on beautifully hand-drawn, isometric maps. Unit positioning, elevations, and environmental hazards are just some of the elements you need to consider while engaging in combat.

Depth is one of the best parts of Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark. It offers over 20 classes and hundreds of abilities, allowing you to craft unique part builds to fit your playstyle. It encourages experimentation and adapting your strategy. The flexibility adds layers of tactical choices that feel right at home within the Fire Emblem series.

Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark feels a little closer to Final Fantasy Tactics, which just had a remaster, than Fire Emblem, as it doesn’t have relationship supports or permadeath. But it features a mature, political, and character-driven storytelling as well as deep tactical gameplay that fans will love. 6 Eyes Studio’s strategic RPG is an easy recommendation for fans waiting to jump into Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave.

1) Dark Deity 2

Looking for an experience similar to Fire Emblem Path of Radiance? Dark Deity 2 is just the game. Sword & Axe LLC was directly inspired by this era of the series, which is available on PC and Nintendo Switch, and while there is a first Dark Deity, the two games aren’t directly related, and the sequel improves on nearly every aspect. Still, the first game is worth checking out if you are a fan of the genre.

Where Dark Deity 2 shines is its nostalgic pixel art, grid-based combat, and relationship-driven storytelling that feel right out of Fire Emblem’s golden era with elements from the modern games. Sword & Axe LLC further expands these improved visuals, more complex maps, and a deeper class system. What makes it more unique compared to Nintendo’s games is the built-in randomizer and campaign customization, allowing you full freedom in how you play.

A divisive mechanic in Dark Deity 2 and its first game is how the developers handle permadeath. There is no permanent loss of troops, but rather a wound system. Upon falling in battle, characters gain a permanent loss of a stat. Some fans have loved this, while others merely wish for a permadeath option. The feature does add a layer of strategic depth that feels familiar and different enough when managing unit loss to make it unique compared to Fire Emblem.

Fire Emblem players who miss the old-school visuals will love Dark Deity 2. Its sprites, stat screens, and turn-based tactics feel right out of the Game Boy Advance era while still feeling modern. In this way, it honors Fire Emblem’s legacy while building its own.

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