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How to recruit Byleth in Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes

It’s a little unclear why in Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes Byleth is the enemy, but there are also some other twists and turns, as you can find out below

Byleth facing up to Shez on the battlefield in Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is an alternate retelling of the era in which Fire Emblem: Three Houses takes place. Just like the three different timelines in the original game, there are three in Three Hopes. While the huge number of returning characters are the same as their original selves, one character is a bit different.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes’ Byleth doesn’t join the Garreg Mach monastery, but rather remains as a mercenary alongside Jeralt. This often puts them at odds with Shez, the main character of Three Hopes, resulting in many battles between the two. So, they’re the enemy, simple as, right?

Well, no. But there are some minor late-game spoilers ahead, so don’t go on if you don’t want any surprises ruined. For more on the game, check out our Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes review to see if it’s the one for you, or our Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes characters guide, to double-check if your favourite fighter is playable.

How do I recruit Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes Byleth?

Byleth is a secret playable character in Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes. While they appear to be the enemy at first, you can actually get them to change sides and join your cause. But how do you do it?

There are three different story routes in Three Hopes, so you need to make sure you take the right steps depending on your path. As the Black Eagles or Blue Lions, you get the opportunity to recruit them in chapter twelve, while as the Golden Dear this happens in chapter ten.

Edelgard brandishing her axe in Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes, ready for battle.

How to recruit Byleth to the Black Eagles in the Scarlet Blaze path

Before the battle in chapter twelve when you can recruit Byleth, you will see a message that says “your actions in this battle will greatly impact the outcome of the story.” When you see that, this is the battle where you need to follow these steps:

  • Unlock the resonant lighting strategy before the battle
  • Activate the strategy when prompted in battle
  • Complete the side mission for the engineers
  • Do not complete the side mission to defeat Byleth
  • Defeat Alois and Rodrigue
  • All done!

Dimitri wielding his lance in a fighting pose in Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes.

How to recruit Byleth to the Blue Lions in the Azure Gleam path

Before the battle in chapter twelve when you can recruit Byleth, you will see a message that says “your actions in this battle will greatly impact the outcome of the story.” When you see that, this is the battle where you need to follow these steps:

  • Unlock the locate ambushers strategy
  • Activate the strategy when prompted in battle
  • Ensure none of your units are spotted by the mercenaries
  • Defeat the mercenaries and then Fleche
  • Defeat Randolph before Byleth arrives

Dimitri pulling taught his bowstring mid-battle in Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes.

How to recruit Byleth to the Golden Dear in the Golden Wildfire path

Before the battle in chapter ten when you can recruit Byleth, you will see a message that says “your actions in this battle will greatly impact the outcome of the story.” When you see that, this is the battle where you need to follow these steps:

  • Follow the main mission, capturing strongholds and gathering info
  • Defeat Alois and defeat Yuri (or recruit if you have the persuade strategy active)
  • Keep assisting Claude’s advance
  • Ignore the side mission to defeat Byleth when Claude begins to retreat
  • Complete the mission without engaging Byleth

Those are the three ways to recruit Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes’ Byleth, thus unlocking a secret chapter later in the game. For more FE details, check out our Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes romance guide to see what options are available.