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Intro

There are 73 characters in Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn, so you don't always know who to use and when. Therefore, I created this handy guide to help you with it! This guide will tell you who plays and who passes. Enjoy it, and good luck in your game! I hope my guide helps you!

Character Rankings List

Part 1: Silvered Hair Maiden
The characters in Part 1 are mostly low leveled and it will be hard to protect them. Sothe, Muarim, Volug, Zihark, Jill, and Tauroneo are the only units with actual room to improve who will most likely not die. Nailah and the Black Knight are two units that will never die, but are completely over leveled and really don't belong.

Name: Micaiah
Starting Level/Class: Level 1 Light Mage.
Micaiah is the lord character for all of Part 1 and there is not one level where she is allowed to die while you are controlling her. She can be a useful unit, quite useful, actually, and her special tome, Thani, can be VERY useful against horseback and armored units. I've seen it go up to 50-50!-MT against an armored unit. She will gain EXP well and should be up to level 20 when she gets moved up to a Light Sage automatically by Pellius and once again to Light Priestess by Yune. However, from Light Priestess in the Tower, she is probably okay where she stands, and she won't be gaining much EXP anyway.

Name: Edward
Starting Level/Class: Level 4 Myrmidon
Edward will join at Micaiah's side in chapter 1, and from there always try his best. He, however, is very weak defense wise. His attacks are usually double attacks, but not enough to finally finish the job on the enemy. However, building him up and using him is a good idea. Although he would be the best Trueblade, I've only gotten him to Swordmaster in Part 4, and that was with lots of leveling up. Sure, he's worth it, as he'll be better than any Dawn Brigade member other than Micaiah or Sothe, and can actually dish out damage in Part 4.

Name: Leonardo
Starting Level/Class: Level 4 Archer
Leonardo...Leonardo..he comes into the game with a Dracoshield..yes, it's hinting what you think it is..LET HIM USE IT!! He will get clobbered if any enemies get close enough to him. I'm sorry, but he really is NOT a good soldier, period. I hate to say it like that, but if he gets attacked, it's almost guaranteed he goes down, plus he can't counterattack should he live. His Cancel ability should be removed and given to someone useful..it's not like you're going to use an archer to attack another unit with a ranged attack. Poor Leonardo is probably the worst archer, on horseback or not, in the game.

Name: Laura
Starting Level/Class: Level 1 Priest
Laura is the first healer of the game, and, though her stats are low, her healing will be enough to keep you covered. However, she must-MUST-be kept away from any attacks. She will fall to basically any blow. She will be helpful in the first part of the game, but by the time you get her back in part 3, she'll be almost useless. It is almost impossible without Bonus EXP for her to become a Bishop, and I'll kiss a frog if someone can get her to a Saint. You have to use her every turn or she'll stay at single-digit levels throughout the whole game. Unfortunately, although good for a bit, in the long-run, Laura is the worst healer in the game.

Name: Sothe
Starting Level/Class: Level 1 Rogue
Sothe is a VERY helpful unit, especially for Micaiah. You see, they START the game with an A-rank support, plus Sothe has the guard ability, to redirect attacks at Micaiah back to him. Use Sothe to hurt enemies with a low-level weapon, and Micaiah to finish them off. Don't forget, Sothe's just the class-up from a thief. He can steal and pick locks open. Sothe is a great unit in part 1, but in parts 3 and 4 he does start to fade, unable to finish units even with a strong weapon. You are also forced to use him in many chapters, making it so he will become a stronger unit. He does get an automatic recruit to Whisper as well, so make sure you bring him up. Once he's a Whisper, however, he has probably the worst Skill ever. Say you're against an enemy with 14 HP left. You have to hits for 12 damage each. The first hit brings him to 2 damage. Their counterattack misses. Suddenly, his stupid skill, Bane, activates, and instead of finishing the unit, the unit goes down to 1 HP. This is probably the most annoying thing that's ever happened to me in a Fire Emblem game, besides the time I had a 93% hit chance and it missed. (I got my disc cleaned the next day). Unfortunately, too, Sothe is forced into the Endgame of Part 4, and he really doesn't compare with any other unit that you should throw in there.

Name: Ilyana
Starting Level/Class: Level 12 Thunder Mage
Ilyana is a very fragile unit. Although she will be a little helpful in part 1, when you get her again, it will be hard to use her at all. She also does not have great attack power after part 1. I used her and Elthunder and we couldn't bring a Wyvern down half-way, despite the attack bonus. Really, she is not a very helpful unit, and if you want to keep her alive, you'll have to keep her away from fighting for the most part. I don't suggest using her unless you have enough spots to have all characters join the current fight, which is uncommon.

Name: Aran
Starting Level/Class: Level 7 Soldier
Aran is a pretty average unit. In the level he joins, he can be used to weaken enemies so other units can move in and finish them for EXP. However, Aran is no shining star. He can't hit much, and when he does, it's not usually a lot. He isn't very useful past Part 1, for better lancers come soon. Unfortunately, in my opinion, Aran is another unit I have to remain pessimistic about.

Name: Meg
Starting Level/Class: Level 3 Armored Sword
Meg joins in the exact wrong chapter. It's the chapter where you fight quick slashing laguz. Meg is slow and her defense is low, and will easily be taken out by any of these laguz. Meg is not a good character, either. Although she can be built up after much time and effort, the gap between Part 1 and Part 3, when you control Micaiah's group again, is quite large, and she, like other unfortunate units with potential such as Aran, does not get much of a spotlight. She can join Ike's group if in one of the Part 3 chapters when the Greil Mercenaries are trying to cross the river if Brom speaks to her, but she is packed right next to the Black Knight-so it's definite death for either her or her father. Meg, unfortunately, starts at too low of a level to really be a helpful unit. She also has limited movement, so she can't really get around much to finish off hurt units. Brom and Gatrie, two other armored units, are more promising in this game, so Meg really doesn't have her place. And don't even get me started with Tauroneo, the other armored unit in this part-he's easily one of your best units, and should easily replace Meg.

Name: Volug
Starting Level/Class: Level 15 Wolf
Your first laguz unit, however, he is unlike any other you've encountered since PoR. He can change whenever he wants to, and is of the newly discovered tribe, the wolves. He is one of your best units in the first part, but Elfire will easily do 30 damage to him--over half of what he has, on average. For the most part, he can be helpful, but will take away EXP from other members. He will fall back, however. Once you emerge into Part 3, he'll be only a decent frontline unit and will require healings. Once you get into Part 4, he's not as much of a necessity-if he was much of one before. Use him, but eventually lose him, especially with all of the stronger laguz joining in Part 4.

Name: Tauroneo
Starting Level/Class: Level 14 Lance General
A high leveled second class armored A-ranked lance wielding beast. Tauroneo is a brute and one of the best fighter on Micaiah's team. Unfortunately, there are many chapters where he is not allowed to fight. Other than those chapters, use him. Throw him at your enemies. Use his brute strength to finish them off-or hurt them just enough for someone else to go in and gain some valuable EXP. His great defense makes him the ideal frontline unit. And don't feel too guilty about him gaining EXP-he still has another class to advance. Without the setback of fighting in very few levels, Tauroneo can become a great help and one of your most valuable units. I'm just going to say this--Use him when you can, and let him get EXP, because he's in even less chapters than the rest of Micaiah's team.

Name: Jill
Starting Level/Class: Level 14 Dracoknight
You're first flyer, you're first mounted unit, and it's a great first impression. Jill will be a great help if you put her to work quickly. She can become a great axe-wielder. Brave, Silver, Short--soon, any axe you give her, she will pummel enemies with. Of course, she is on Micaiah's team-however, I have found a way to get her onto Ike's team, if you wish. Do the same thing with Meg, on the chapter where the mercenaries are trying to cross the river, have Haar speak to her. She will leave Micaiah's team, though, which will set them back quite a bit, so be aware of that. She can become quite a unit, though, although Haar will easily surpass her.

Name: Zihark
Starting Level/Class: Level 3 Swordmaster
Zihark is your best swordsman as of now, possibly may become best in the game. With speed and skill on his side, his Adept skill will activate quite constantly, allowing you two hits when you were only promised one, or three hits when promised two. He also comes with a great Killing Edge. He VS. Edward is him, hands down, due to the fact that Edward starts at a much lower level. However, he and Mia can cross paths if, in the chapter where the mercenaries are trying to cross the river, Mordecai or Lethe speak to him. Is he better than Mia? She's more of a challenge, and it all comes down to who you want to fight and who you want to bench. I really don't know which I'd pick-it may come down to support or the affinity of the map or something smaller like that. Yeah, THAT'S how close the two are.

Name: Fiona
Starting Level/Class: Level 9 Lance Knight
Fiona..is another one of those failure characters in Radiant Dawn..the Lady of Marado is no fighter, especially compared to many of the other units in this part. She will rarely go above doing 5 damage, along with a small chance of hitting and taking damage easily. Fiona is a BAD character-plain and simple. You won't need to use her over ANY other unit on Micaiah's team, so bench her whenever you need to.


Name: Tormod
Starting Level/Class: Level 5 Fire Sage
Tormod is a very able fighting mage and can help take care of many units. He is far ahead of Ilyana, obviously. However, of course, he's on Micaiah's team, so he doesn't appear for a long time after Part 1. However, he appears even LONGER after Part 1--he appears again in Part 4!! This is quite unfortunate, for he could've helped to take out Laguz in later chapters, especially the one near the end of Part 3 when you're up against a bunch of beasts and a few brids trying to hold the Castle. Though he did have potential, Tormod can't become a great unit--he comes with a skill that allows 2 extra move, though, so take that from him before he leaves.

Name: Muarim
Starting Level/Class: Level 19 Tiger
Muarim is Tormod's tiger friend and will tear up anything that stands in his way in Part 1. His claws will kill anything in his path. Therefore, he will hog up experience, which he doesn't need, because after leaving in Part 1 he returns with Tormod in Part 4. Really, not much to say about him...except that he will make chapters easier, but take EXP that you need.

Name: Vika
Starting Level/Class: Level 13 Raven
Vika is a unit able to hold her own and sometimes bring them down to just enough for another weaker unit to finish them off and gain the EXP, making her one of those really great and reliable units. Vika is very speedy and has her share of strength as well. She has the most potential out of the three units on Tormod's team, but, unfortunately, you won't gain control of her until Part 4, meaning she's useless. It's a shame--these three units have great potential, but they can't really shine.

Name: Nailah
Starting Level/Class: Level 33 Wolf
Queen Nailah..the first of the Laguz royalty who can shift into their animal form at will and never come out. She absolutely does NOT belong in Part 1. XD To be honest with you, she's just there so they can make harder levels. She's got an SS rank in strike, Gaurd skill, and Savage Skill. She also has a bond with Rafiel, so when he is near, her Critical hit percent goes up. She is a faboulous unit, and will kill anything she touches in one, or rarely two (her strength is a tad low), hits. She does have 7 levels to go, but really--why waste all that experience. She really is just for emergency situations, like when the enemy brings in unexpected reinforcements from behind. However, you only get to use her in few chapters, so, although contradicting myself, I guess you should use her to your heart's content..if you wish. I guess it's all your choice.

Name: Rafiel
Starting Level/Class: Level 12 Heron
Rafiel is the first of the Heron trio that you will obtain, and the only one unfortunately unable to fly. This therefore costs him the Canto skill, so he can't do "Chant and Runs". However, he can refresh up to four units at a time without needing transformation like Reyson did in the last game. In the chapter you get him, he is with Nailah and Volug. His bond with Nailah means when he is close, her Critical Hit chance goes up, which is most excellent. He can also refresh both her and Volug to defend him. In the next chapter, he can't really help..he'd have to put himself into a dangerous position to Chant. He can be useful in Part 4 when he reappears, but do give him Tormod's special skill to add two move-it will be most helpful.

Name: Black Knight
Starting Level/Class: Level 20 Black Knight
Nothing hurts him and he kills everything in his path, without gaining EXP. Um...I really don't know what to say, except that, on hard mode, you may need to use him in the Endgame, because Micaiah's team can't take care of themselves, literally at all. I've tried giving him a forged bronze sword with literally 1 strength, but he finished enemies with two shots with that one.


Part 2: Of Countries and Kings
Elincia's chapters are few but the characters you get in them are quite diverse, more of a beorc and laguz variation. From many quick Paladins to solid armored units and halberdiers, from flying dark Ravens to strong and slow Tigers.

Name: Elincia
Starting Level/Class: Level 1 Queen
The fair flyer and Queen of Crimea, Elincia is a FANTASTIC unit! She starts with just a slim sword, but soon she gets Amiti, which has the same effect as a Brave Sword, plus it never breaks. She also has high speed, meaning she will slash four times on almost any unit! She also dodges well, and her special skill restores 10% of health each turn. Elincia also heals, and will be a fabulous healer. Especially if you can get her a Physic staff. She definitely is a candidate for the Endgame of Part Four. However, make sure you remove the Mercy skill so she can kill!

Name: Marcia
Starting Level/Class: Level 5 Falcon Knight
Elincia's kind friend who aids her in the Prologue of Part 2, Marcia can be of help for Part 2, but I didn't use her much past then. She isn't a great fighter, plus most bows can take her out. However, she is a fine fighter, don't get me wrong, and you should certainly use her above some other units. Not much more to say about her...except that the other three Pegasus riders--Tanith, Sigrun, and, technically, Elincia--are must better units than her.

Name: Nealuchi
Starting Level/Class: Level 22 Raven
Nealuchi is a decent laguz fighter, and when he joins, despite his old age, he can be of great help. However, once you get him back in Part 4, he's faded much, and is absoulutely nothing against any of the Laguz kings. He's not your worst unit, so use him when you want to.

Name: Leanne
Starting Level/Class: Level 5 Heron
Leanne is the most fragile of the three Herons and the worst, IMO. Although she can regenerate two people at once (but they have to be either on her left and right or above and below), she starts with a low level and Vigor is probably the only Galdr she will learn. Also, even when she is transformed into her animal form, she can only refresh two units. She should be used when you have her (which is actually few chapters), but she is NOT the choice of Heron for the Endgame.

Name: Haar
Starting Level/Class: Level 11 Dragon Master
AAAAAAAH! HAAR IS A BEEEEEEEEAST! Put him to work as soon as you recruit him by talking to him with Marcia! He has skills in both lance and axe and his strength rises majorly! I used him in every chapter of the game I could, including the Endgame! However, he does have one weakness. Lightning magic. To counter this, there is a certain General in the Endgame of Part 2 with a Nullify scroll you get if you kill him. I struck him down and gave Haar the nullify. Nothing ever killed Haar except for Ashera once. He easily makes it to Level 20 Dragon Lord, a class up from Dragon Master. He's...unstoppable.

Name: Brom
Starting Level/Class: Level 2 Axe General
Brom's brute strength will help him greatly. He is a great unit, but unfortunately immobile, which was the only reason I couldn't get him much EXP in Part 2 Endgame. However, he joins Ike's group in Part 3, which is the longest part and has the best chance to get some solid EXP. I got him almost to a Marshall, but I didn't use him obsessively. His Disarm skill is pretty helpful-the enemy unequips their weapon until their turn, when they reequip it again. This can give a thief a chance to steal the weapon or someone can attack without fear of being counterattacked.

Name: Nephenee
Starting Level/Class: Level 1 Halberdier
Nephenee is a very helpful and high defense unit. This country gal has high skill and speed and will cap it quickly, plus strength and defense are good, too. She has a great chance of becoming a Sentinel, but you will have to abuse her to unleash the beast within. If you do manage to get her to a high level, and I don't mean a level 20 Sentinel, just high enough that she is one of your best units, she can be a candidate for using Wishblade in Endgame Part 4.

Name: Heather
Starting Level/Class: Level 7 Rogue
Heather is not bad. She has nice speed, and with the right weapons can be pretty helpful. However, the main reason you need her is for getting the treasure in Parts 2-4 (if she's in the Greil army during Part 4), because Sothe and Heather never cross paths. However, don't put too much work into her--Sothe is forced into Endgame Part 4, so you won't be in need of a thief. Other than that, I'd just use her when you can, and if she can finish an enemy, go for it. You will be needing her.

Name: Lucia
Starting Level/Class: Level 14 Swordmaster
OK, I'm going to put this out here now: Lucia is available for literally 3 chapters and most certainly should not make Part 4 Endgame. She is available in 2-2 with her nice hair,and 4-2, and 4-5 with her new haircut. I didn't use any Swordmasters/Trueblades in Part 4 Endgame. The only thing she was really good for was her Parity skill (to sell) and her bond with Elincia. It gives Elincia a small extra on her critical hit chance when she's near. Other than that, I didn't use her much. She's not your WORST unit, but she sure ain't up there too high.

Name: Lethe
Starting Level/Class: Level 21 Cat
Lethe's at a decent level, but she won't gain EXP too fast and she really isn't as spectacular as in the last game. Last game, she'd double attack everything and kill anything but an armored unit, which she'd nicely injure for others to finish off and gain EXP. However, in this game, she is not very helpful, unfortunately. She is a decent cat, but won't be killing anything. She has a nice bond with Mordecai and Lyre which help her critical hit percentage, which she'll need to kill anything. Although Lethe has a decent level, she can't go up too quickly, and will probably soon be benched until you split into 3 armies and you have more than enough character spots.

Name: Mordecai
Starting Level/Class: Level 16 Tiger
Lethe's comrade, I've seen better form Mordecai in the last game. He is very slow, and his brute strength can't make up for 19 damage against a 38 HP unit. (that irritates me so much!) However, I've witnessed him staying in tiger form a lot longer than Lethe, oddly. Anyway, not much to say..except you better keep him away from fire mages, because his resistance is low and guess what--it hardly ever gets better from a level up.


Name: Geoffrey
Starting Level/Class: Level 15 Lance Paladin
Elincia's true, loyal knight, Geoffrey is a force to be reckoned with. In Part 2 he can pretty much run out in the middle of a battlefield without the risk of death. He also has a bond with Elincia, meaning when she's is near, his critical hit rate goes up and vice-versa. Geoffrey also comes in with many unique weapons, so he's fit for any situation. Furthermore, when he becomes a Silver Knight, he can wield bows, the one ranged weapon that can activate the special power of Sol. However, Geoffrey isn't a complete God like Haar. He leaves after Part 2, appears a total of once in Part 3, and comes back at the end of Part 4. By then, at LEAST Titania should be beating him. (However, Titania's the best Paladin in the game). He also uses Lances and Bows, which are the least powerful but most accurate weapons. That's another minor setback, but all of these setbacks together make him less helpful than many other decent Paladins, namely Titania, Oscar, and Kieran.


Name: Kieran
Starting Level/Class: Level 11 Axe Paladin
Bold, steadfast Kieran, deputy commander of the Royal Knights, is quite helpful and the second strongest of all of Part 2's Paladins. He is probably the only one other than Geoffrey who can also run into the middle of a battlefield without falling (he will need more proper healing, though). Equipped with the Silver Axe you can get from the previous Info conversation, he can be a pretty good in Part 2, but by Part 4, he won't be nearly as magnificent as before. He will still be of great help, mind you, but he won't be good. He also starts at the lowest level of the top 4 Paladins (Titania, Geoffrey, Oscar, and himself), so this is a bit degrading, too. HOWEVER, I got him into a Level 5 Gold Knight, and Level 5 Gold Knight Kieran VS. Level 5 Silver Knight Geoffrey, Kieran OWNED. He has more strength, speed, skill, and defense. Geoffrey had luck, magic, and resistance, all three of which really don't matter other than the resistance, which helps against magic attacks only. Titania is obviously going to Part 4 Endgame over him, but he's still a great choice for the chapters you have him.

Name: Astrid
Starting Level/Class: Level 2 Bow Paladin
Astrid is bad (not as bad as Leonardo, PLEASE don't bring him up), and, despite her Paragon skill, she shouldn't be used. Unlike in PoR, you can remove the Paragon skill and give it to another, someone who actually has potential (psst, give it to Kieran!). Kieran is a good choice to give it to, since he can actually use it, because he has sort of an in-the-middle level. Her potential is low, due to strength and defense being quite low to start. She can help soften up enemies, but she's really only helpful in Part 2 (hardly), and after that, you should use practically anyone above her after removing Paragon (even Ilyana!). To be flat with you, she sucks.

Name: Makalov
Starting Level/Class: Level 7 Sword Paladin
Makalov too has low potential and should probably be more of a bench warmer, but is easily placed above Astrid. He has his problems and is probably even with Ilyana on the character chart: Use them when you have extra spaces in place of your Level 2 Bow Paladins with low strength and defense (that's Astrid for all of you who forgot). In the end, Makalov sure isn't going to Part 4 Endgame, but he can be a little helpful when used correctly.


Name: Danved
Starting Level/Class: Level 9 Halberdier
Danved's a solid unit when he joins, although he loses to all of the Paladins you get because of his immobility. He's got good speed and skill, and defense and strength follow. He won't be much of a stand out in Part 4, but can help start off enemies for others to finish them, or his speed can allow him to finish some himself.


Name: Calill
Starting Level/Class: Level 6 Fire Sage
Pretty women walking down the street, yes the kind you'd like to meet, don't have a place in Fire Emblem (don't go for Heather, she has a...liking...for Nephenee. Yeah, they're both girls), and Calill, with her low defense, applies to that rule. She does come in with Meteor that can be pretty helpful in Part 2: Endgame, but other than that, she won't be used much. She's probably just over or just under Ilyana and Makalov, depending on how you used them. The only thing that really stands out about her is her speed-it's not THAT great, but she still will double attack a lot. She isn't the greatest Sage as she thinks she is, as we can plainly see.

Part 3: Intersecting Vows

Part 3 is the best chance to get valuable EXP. With many strong units in Greil's Mercenaries, most of who have good chance to get into Third Tier, Part 3 is all about choosing your units carefully. Make sure you choose a varied amount of units so everyone gets a good amount of EXP.

Name: Ike
Starting Level/Class: Level 11 Hero
Ah, my blue-haired friend, with his deep voice, powerful blade, and friend-fighting personality, Ike has returned!! Another important Lord, not one chapter goes by where he's allowed to be defeated, only one of two people who are important enough for that to happen. He's back and better than ever, baby! With a new special blade, Ettard, he can smash enemies, from heavily armored axemen to light mages pleading for mercy before his brute-like muscles. He has plenty of bonds for lots of critical hit chance, and his affinity gives him a major support bonus. (Do support with Soren; it'll pay off for many reasons). Once promoted to Vanguard in the beginning of Part 4, he can also wield axes like his daddy. However, for the most part, you'll probably just want to keep Ragnell equipped unless he's attacking a bunch of weak enemies and you want him to get Weapon Experience for Axes. He's forced into Endgame, but I'd bring him anyway. He's a great unit and should certainly be used. Oh, that's right, you have to use him anyway!

Name: Titania
Starting Level/Class: Level 16 Axe Paladin
Titania comes into the game practically promoted to a Gold Knight, as she's in Part 3, which is thick with EXP and is the best chapter to be alive in. She is EASILY the number one Paladin of the game. A Level 4 Titania could take down a Level 16 Renning, and Titania should be even better than Level 4 given the immense amounts of time you have her. She also has many more upsides, a silly counter skill that you can sell (it's worthless), a bond with Ike to increase critical hit rate, and when promoted, she has a C rank in swords, so you can give her a decent blade to deal with sword enemies that beat her axe (you probably won't need to, but it's always good to have a second option). Sol activates constantly thanks to dominating skill. She was the one who carried Urvan into Part 4 Endgame, with an easy SS rank in axes. Titania's definitely going into Part 4 Endgame over any other Beorc and possibly even beating one or two of the Laguz nobles *gasp*.

Name: Soren
Starting Level/Class: Level 5 Wind Sage
Although a seemingly low level, Soren should be an Arch Sage by Endgame as he should accompany you in every mission he can. Reach an A-Rank support between Ike and he and Ike will have a major bonus when standing near him. His Wind magic should be the only thing you use, as he is deadly with Arcwind and should eventually be using Rexcalibur in Part 4 Endgame. He can blast Pegasi out of the skies and should definitely be used. He tops Bastian at the least, because of his more usability and his magic stat should be higher due to his constant level ups in it. He should accompany Titania into Part 4 Endgame.

Name: Mist
Starting Level/Class: Level 1 Cleric
Mist aids with Sword and Staff, and although you may be saying "Just like Elincia, she must be great", however, she does not fly and does not have Amiti, the unlimited use Brave Sword. Also, lower strength, speed, skill...everything. She can hardly damage many things, but when you get the Holy Crown in Part 4, she will become a Valkyrie, a sword and staff wielding horsewoman, giving her more mobility and Canto. Her special sword, Florete, can attack from range. If you can get a Warrior down to low HP you can finish them with Mist. However, she probably isn't worth leveling up since Elincia will replace her.

Name: Rolf
Starting Level/Class: Level 1 Sniper
Rolf is an okay archer, but for the most part, he doesn't shine very much. He is a decent unit for using Ballistae, but you should easily prefer Shinon to him easily, because although Shinon has room to improve, he still can deal out solid damage. Rolf can still be pretty good against flying units and he's not a benchwarmer, in fact, I think he should definitely be used. Keep him with a Crossbow so he can retaliate even when attacked from close range. He's not an every chapter unit, like Titania or Haar, but he should still be used every other or every few chapters.

Name: Boyd
Starting Level/Class: Level 8 Warrior
Boyd has brute strength and is a good unit to use, but his skill, speed, and resistance are problems. Skill and resistance are the worst of the two, because Part 3 is full of harsh mages and if you miss them because of your low skill, their counterattack will hurt because of your low resistance. Speed will also be a problem, because he can get enemies down to about half damage, and a second strike could do it. Unfortunately, he mostly focuses on HP and Strength, which he definitely gets a lot of. You could try equipping him with a Brave Axe to help his Speed problem, although you don't come across many. He can make it to Reaver pretty easily with some work, but by that time, the enemies will have even higher speed, so he won't be double attacking. However, I eat my words when he turns into Reaver. He easily becomes a star unit and strikes quite often. I'd use him throughout Part 3 and Part 4, but he's not going to Endgame.

Name: Oscar
Starting Level/Class: Level 12 Lance Paladin
With a good shot at becoming a Silver Knight, Oscar can be a solid unit, but is the polar opposite to Boyd-he usually gets a double shot and lands them both, but they aren't very strong. He also uses Lances, which are weaker but more accurate, which is the exact weapon he doesn't need (if he wielded axes, he'd be a lot higher on my favorite units list). There are a few chapters in Part 3 that mounted units are completely useless in, like where they try to cross the river and horses can't go into the water to go across, so he can't be used there to gain nice EXP. One of his biggest problems I've noticed are Armored Units, who he can land two hits for 4 damage apiece on sometimes, which is quite measly. Since Geoffrey had all those cool weapons with him, he could duke out more damage than Oscar can. What's that? Just forge him a strong weapon, you say? You have tiny gold to work with, so you really can only use the weapons that the Mercenaries brought on their own. Like Boyd, however, when Oscar becomes a Silver Knight, his attacks are strong and fast, plus at about that time Sigrun should present you some decent war funds, allowing you to properly equip him. He definitely has potential and earns his place in the Top 4 Paladins.

Name: Shinon
Starting Level/Class: Level 13 Sniper
Shinon's a fabulous archer, best in Tellius and the game. He should soon become a Marksman in either Part 3 or 4, and he constantly hits his criticals. He is amazing and will be terribly helpful when you have him. His skills from long range will be helpful. However, no archer of mine went to Part 4 Endgame, so, although leveling him up is a great idea, he's actually going nowhere.

Name: Gatrie
Starting Level/Class: Level 10 Lance General
Gatrie is also a surpassing general who will probably be the strongest of your three. He has S in Lances to start along with a B in Axes, so he can wield a strong axe as well, such as a Steel Poleax. He can become very strong, with high strength, skill, speed, and defense! He should definitely be used in almost every chapter you have him in, but I really don't think he's a Part 4 Endgame candidate...but can be an excellent unit for all of Part 3 and the first half of Part 4!

Name: Rhys
Starting Level/Class: Level 3 Bishop
Although a decent healer, he isn't nearly as good of a light user as Micaiah, as she has Thani, her special tome. Rhys just has Ellight and has a low rank in Light Magic, so he can't do much better. You should use both Mist and he, but he probably won't become a Saint. However, he is MUCH better than Laura without a doubt.

Name: Mia
Starting Level/Class: Level 7 Swordmaster
Mia is a decent sword fighter, but she can do hardly any damage against Armored Units. Armored Lances are obviously the worst challenge, and it's been my experience that the enemy just LOVES to plop those around the map throughout Parts 3 and 4. However, she's got an S in swords, so equip her more properly than when she comes into the game with a mere steel sword and a Wo Dao. She can be very helpful, and her HP grows quickly, along with Speed, Skill, and Strength, meaning she can be quite a unit.

Name: Ranulf
Starting Level/Class: Level 26 Cat
Ranulf can easily make it to Level 30 quickly, and he comes packed with a Satori Sign that he should use to gain Rend, a fabulous skill that will activate quite often due to his high skill. He's a unit who stays useful throughout Part 4, being able to knock down an armored unit fully. Plus, you're forced to use him through almost every chapter of Part 3, so his leveling up is obvious and not a "maybe". He could go to Endgame with enough work, but with the terribly over-powered Laguz Kings around, he may lose his limelight.

Name: Kyza
Starting Level/Class: Level 18 Tiger
Terrible. Better than Lyre, but the worst Tiger in the game. Use him for very few chapters if any.

Name: Lyre
Starting Level/Class: Level 17 Cat
Lyre sucks and should absolutely never be used. Use Astrid instead-she actually has a shot at becoming a usable Unit, while Lyre can't double attack anything and can't do any more than 10 damage, even in the chapter she joins.

Name: Reyson
Starting Level/Class: Level 15 Heron
Reyson's the final Heron you meet and probably the best in the game. Although he must wait to refresh four units at once, he has the best stats and comes in at a higher level with a second Chant. He can easily make it to Level 25 where he learns the chant to give any Laguz unit a full Laguz Meter, so I chose him for Endgame. Stock him up with Laguz Stones and Olivi Grasses so he can show his full potential.

Name: Janaff
Starting Level/Class: Level 29 Hawk
Janaff is better than Ulki, but Ulki has the better bonus with his "Hearing" so he can dodge more. The only thing that Janaff's "Seeing" is good for is if you put him in the Greil Army on that one dark map he has great vision, but don't put him in the Greil Army-he's best fit where he is. Unlike Ulki, he can finish a Part 4 armored unit, so although he can dish out more damage, he'll also take more than Ulki.

Name: Ulki
Starting Level/Class: Level 28 Hawk
Although a tad worse than Janaff, his "Hearing" makes up for it, because almost nothing will hit him. Although he doesn't duke out as much damage as Janaff, and Tear (if he has it) doesn't activate (nearly) as much, he's still the better Hawk IMO because it's easier for him to survive.

Name: Sigrun
Starting Level/Class: Level 19 Falconknight
Sheesh, why not just throw her at us in third-tier right off the bat...Although Sigrun can promote soon, Tanith is a lot better than her and deals out much more damage. Sigrun is still a solid unit, but Tanith is better stat-wise. Sigrun, however, has that bond with Sanaki, so keep the two close together. Sigrun also has the issue of Wind Magic, which can absolutely annihilate her if she is attacked by the right spellcaster.

Name: Tanith
Starting Level/Class: Level 16 Falconknight
As earlier mentioned, Tanith is stronger than Sigrun and eventually surpasses her in...pretty much everything that matters. Stun activates quite constantly (moreso than Sigrun), so she can be pretty dangerous. She can also help whisk away injured units with her Canto skill and high movement. She also comes in with a ranged sword that helped me immensely. She's probably not going to Endgame (unless you majorly leveled her up), but she has a slight chance.

Part 4: Intersecting Vows

Part 4 has a few characters, three of which join in the tower, but other than that, you probably won't be using any characters past the chapter you meet them in, except for the Laguz Kings, Sanaki, Skrimir, and Pelleas (who you can only get on a 2nd playthrough).

Name: Sanaki
Starting Level/Class: Level 1 Empress
Sanaki is the game's absolute best fire user, and is pretty much just an Arch Sage that can also wield Light magic. Being able to use all magic forms save Dark is extremely helpful, and she comes with Cymbeline, the strongest Fire Magic besides Rexflame, which she should also wield. She is forced into the tower, so build up her power by taking advantage of being able to use almost every type of magic. She can be absolutely deadly, and her only lacking skills are speed and defense. Make sure she survives, because, besides in the Tower, if she falls, it's Game Over.

Name: Skrimir
Starting Level/Class: Level 25 Lion
With proper training to Level 30 and a Satori Sign to give him Roar, Skrimir can become a beast, not quite as powerful as his Uncle but still a powerful force to avoid. He's not a bad choice for Part 4 Endgame. The only problem is his lack of Formshift skill because he's not technically a king, and his Laguz meter runs down rather quickly. Luckily, he has Resolve, which multiplies speed and skill by 1.5 when his HP drops below 50%, which can save his butt in a situation. Stock him up with Laguz Stones, Olivi Grass, or even the Laguz Gem you find in the Desert Chapter (if he's going into the tower).

Name: Naesala
Starting Level/Class: Level 27 Raven
Naesala may be the least strong of the Laguz Kings, but that doesn't mean much. Keep him away from Crossbows (a few can finish him in one hit!). He automatically starts off with Tear, despite not being Level 30 yet, and also has Vantage, so that can help him greatly. Furthermore, he has great movement range. He is like Skrimir, a candidate for Part 4 Endgame with proper training, only better due to Formshift skill.

Name: Tibarn
Starting Level/Class: Level 31 Hawk
Tibarn is one of those "I'm going to Part 4 Endgame to matter what" types of units, which few units also share. He can and should make it to Level 40 in Part 4 Chapter 5 where Izuka summons the Laguz. His worst stat, as usual, is Resistance, but not even enemy Wind Mages can take him down. After all, with a 20% chance of hit, this free flyer isn't going down any time soon.

Name: Pelleas
Starting Level/Class: Level 12 Dark Sage
Timid King Pelleas can still become a very helpful unit in Part 4, although only recruitable on a second playthrough. Since he is your only Dark Magic user until the final part of the final chapter (assuming certain conditions are fulfilled), go crazy with him. Speed is his best stat, and thats very helpful in a Mage. He can also wield powerful Thunder, so use him to take down Dragons in Part 4 Chapter 5, the Izuka Chapter.

Name: Stefan
Starting Level/Class: Level 8 Trueblade
His sword is impeccable and should be given to Ike or Elincia, but I don't see him in Part 4 Endgame. He's one of the characters who joins in the chapter right before Part 4 Endgame. Useless, unfortunately.

Name: Oliver
Starting Level/Class: Level 8 Saint
Although probably your only Saint (unless you used Rhys a lot), Oliver is one of those characters who joins for one chapter, and he joins at the very end no less. The only thing good is his Staff and his Light Magic for Micaiah. This fat man is completely useless.

Name: Bastian
Starting Level/Class: Level 10 Arch Sage
Bastian is a great Sage, but shouldn't replace Soren due to lack of Bonds. You already have Soren and Sanaki going into Endgame wielding Fire and Wind, we don't need another Wind Sage. He is extremely helpful in the Izuka chapter, being able to take down any Laguz that comes at him thanks to mastery with all magic, but is another one of those characters who joins the chapter before the Endgame and can't be used.

Name: Volke
Starting Level/Class: Level 13 Assassin
To be honest with you, not a terrible choice for Endgame. Speed and Skill kick booty, while he has an SS in knives. Unfortunately, you're forced to take Sothe anyway, so he may have to give up Peshkatz to the green-haired boy and sit out. He is also one of those who joins the chapter before Endgame.

Name: Ena
Starting Level/Class: Level 22 Red Dragon
You're forced with her. Live with it. She's sort of like Sothe...you have to have her, and although she's a decent unit, she wouldn't be in if you didn't need her. Use her to your advantage anyway, since she can dish out enough damage to make a difference.

Name: Kurthnaga
Starting Level/Class: Level 20 Black Dragon
Prince Kurthnaga needs help. If you're on Easy Mode, use Laguz Gems on him for the three battles he doesn't have Formshift before you kill his daddy to level him up, since anyone with Formshift is too juicy to give up. If you're on Normal, Laguz Stones will do (Nasir gives you a Laguz Gem if he survives in Easy Mode).

Name: Caineghis
Starting Level/Class: Level 36 Lion
Like Tibarn, going to Endgame. Period. He joins AT Endgame anyway.

Name: Giffca
Starting Level/Class: Level 36 Lion
He's more "iffy" than his King, as he isn't quite as strong. If he doesn't go to Endgame, take his Nullify and give it to Caineghis anyway.

Name: Renning
Starting Level/Class: Level 16 Gold Knight
A Level 4 Titania could take him down. He joins at Endgame and should never go into Endgame because of this. Sorry, Uncle, but even though your niece is going, you sure ain't!

Name: Gareth
Starting Level/Class: Level 31 Red Dragon
Quite a fiend, spare him in Part 4 Endgame Part 3. He can be an enormous help and should replace Ena.

Name: Nasir
Starting Level/Class: Level 34 White Dragon
Also very powerful, take his Nihil and give it to Caineghis/Tibarn. He should replace Sothe.

Name: Lehran
Starting Level/Class: Level 20 Chancellor
Ah yes...a staff that heals all...an SS in Light and Dark...make sure you take Balberith in with you in the tower and give it to him, since no one else will be using it. His staff will be absolutely priceless in this final battle. Since he walks in during the first turn, he won't take up a spot in the character selection, so there is no reason not to use him.

Other Features

The Final Party

People to think about are Nailah, Elincia, Haar, Nephenee, Geoffrey, Kieran, Titania, Soren, Boyd, Oscar, Shinon, Gatrie, Mia, Ranulf, Janaff, Ulki, Tanith, Skrimir, Naesala, Bastian, and Volke. Caineghis and Tibarn are absolutes. Ike, Micaiah, Sothe, and Sanaki are forced, so I hope you leveled them up well. In addition, Ena and Kurthnaga are forced, but you can't do anything to level them up anyway. For a Heron, I'd pick Reyson, although Rafiel is also a do-able choice. Leanne is easily the worst Heron.

Best Characters for Each Class

Note: Ike, Micaiah, Sanaki, Pelleas, Elincia, Mist, Nasir, Kurthnaga, Volke, Lehran and the Black Knight are the only playable members of their class and therefore the best.

Myrmidon/Swordmaster/Trueblade
Mia Best chance to make it to Trueblade. If the game weren't sexist and made it so female Swordmasters could get an SS rank in swords without becoming a Trueblade, she'd easily be the best. She can still wield Vague Katti or Alondite when she becomes a Trueblade.

Soldier/Halberdier/Sentinel
Nephenee Easily beats Danved and it's not a contest against Aran, Nephenee also has the best chance to get to Sentinel. A large candidate for Wishblade.

Fighter/Warrior/Reaver
Boyd Nolan is practically speedless in Part 4, but Boyd still nails enemies to death, hacking away with a tremendously powerful axe. Possible candidate for Endgame if you replace Skrimir or another maybe.

Archer/Sniper/Marksman
Shinon He nails all of his shots and always has a double hit. Give him the Double Bow, as his range can be a great help in the Tower.

Armored/General/Marshall
Gatrie Starting with a B in axes in additon to his SS in Lances along with crazy defense, Gatrie may be avalible as much as Brom but should replace him in Part 3 regardless.

Rogue/Whisper
Sothe He's the one worth leveling up since he must go into the tower, even if Heather ends up being better.

Anima Mage/Sage
Soren Soren nails this spot thanks to an Adept skill that activates pretty constantly for free and Bond supports with Ike. In addition, his Magic stat should cap and he can wield Rexcalibur well. Use him instead of Bastian in the tower.

Priest/Bishop/Saint
Oliver Unless you constantly used Rhys determined to bring him to Saint level, Oliver is probably the only Saint you get. For some reason, his Strength is unnecissarily high, but his Magic stat will also follow.

Sword or Axe Paladin/Gold Knight
Titania Although it's a contest against Kieran, Titania rightfully nabs this spot. Her only other competition is Renning and Makalov. Makalov just plain can't level up and Renning sucks.

Lance Knight/Lance or Bow Paladin/Silver Knight
Oscar We have Astrid who is just really bad, but can help out from range, and Fiona who should absolutely never be used. He easily wins, most likely becoming your only Silver Knight. Possible for Endgame,

Falcon Knight/Seraph Knight
Tanith Tanith easily passes Sigrun and Marcia can't catch up to her. Possible for Endgame, but most likely not.

Dragonmaster/Dragonlord
Haar Jill just can't level up, or she may be better than him. Definitely an Endgame candidate.

Cat
Ranulf Speedy, strong, and skillful, give him Rend and it will activate very often due to great skill. Possibility for Endgame...although easily beaten by some of the Kings.

Tiger
Muarim Although they all suck, Maurim is the best. He's probably the only one of the 3 of his group who won't die in one hit in Part 4.

Lion
Caineghis He's the freaking king! He should definitely be in Endgame. If you disqualify him, Giffca is second best, finally followed by Skrimir.

Hawk
Tibarn Once again, the king. He should accompany you into Endgame. If you disqualify him, I'd probably say Janaff since you don't encounter many crossbows in Part 4 Endgame, but Ulki for all of the other chapters is better.

Raven
Naesala Another king, but not a necessary guy for Endgame like the others. He can still be a powerful force and is a possibility. Followed by Nealuchi, but there is quite a gap between them.

Red Dragon
Gareth Just plain better than Ena.

Wolf
Nailah Obviously the queen. The only other one is Volug, who probably shouldn't enter battle even once in Part 4.

Heron
Reyson Highest level means more Galdrs to help you further. Rafiel is also a good choice, but Leanne is the worst.

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Thank you for reading my guide, I hope it helped a lot.
~Catnip