Fire Emblem Gaiden

Fire Emblem Gaiden is the second title in the Fire Emblem series and serves as a side story (or “gaiden”) to Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light. The game is set on the continent of Valentia, a land divided between two opposing nations: the fertile Kingdom of Zofia in the south and the harsh Empire of Rigel in the north. These nations are guided by their patron deities, Mila and Duma, who represent the ideals of indulgence and discipline, respectively. Over time, the balance between these divine influences collapses, leading to conflict and social decline across Valentia.

The narrative follows two protagonists, Alm and Celica, who were childhood friends separated by circumstance. Alm is raised in a small Zofian village and later joins a resistance army fighting to liberate the kingdom from invading forces. Celica, having become a priestess, embarks on a journey to find the missing goddess Mila and uncover the reasons behind the continent’s turmoil.

Gameplay retains the turn-based tactical combat of its predecessor but introduces several new systems. Players can move between locations on an overworld map, enter towns to interact with characters, and explore dungeons containing enemy encounters. Units can change classes through shrines, and magic is learned automatically and consumes the caster’s health points when used. Two armies are managed separately, allowing progress to alternate between Alm’s and Celica’s groups throughout the game.