# Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is confusing, massive, and excellent

> After 80 hours, I still don't know the right way to play this game, but I can't stop.
- Title: Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is confusing, massive, and…
- Summary: After 80 hours, I still don't know the right way to play this game, but I can't stop. Fortune's Weave is a must-buy tactical RPG with four interweaving…
- Keywords: fire emblem fortune's weave, nintendo switch 2, tactical rpg, fire emblem three houses, fire emblem awakening, nintendo, strategy games, time loops, multiple timelines, dagda, heroic games, technology
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/news/80-hours-into-fire-emblem-fortunes-weave-im-confused-but-having-fun
- Author: Will Greenwald
- Published: 2026-09-16T12:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 3 min
- Topics: fire emblem fortune's weave, nintendo switch 2, tactical rpg, fire emblem three houses, fire emblem awakening, nintendo, strategy games, time loops, multiple timelines, dagda, heroic games, technology
## 80 hours in, still confused
The author has played Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave for over 80 hours and still isn't sure how to play it properly.
## Massive and excellent
It's structured like time loops and parallel stories in a linear campaign. It has the best storytelling in the series with challenging battles.
## A must-buy tactical RPG
If you like tactical RPGs or Fire Emblem, this is essential. It ranks with Three Houses and Awakening as a series favorite.
## Four stories, not just paths
You choose one of four stories almost immediately and can jump between them anytime. You're switching between four distinct timelines with tons of overlap.
## A temple hub system
The game's hub is a temple where you walk up to an obelisk representing each character and start playing as them.
## 15 to 20 hours per campaign
Playing through one obelisk's full campaign takes 15 to 20 hours. Then you can select another obelisk or play the second act of your story.
## The biggest unanswered question
The hardest question is whether to plow through one character's story or methodically go through all four before the climax.

> How to engage with the structure of Fortune's Weave is the biggest and hardest to answer question in the entire game
## A 100-hour commitment
The author chose to play all four first acts, taking 80 hours, and has only done one of four second acts. It's easily a 100-hour game.
## Front-loaded with exploration
First acts are filled with exploration, side quests, recruiting, and training like Three Houses. Second acts are more direct campaigns like older Fire Emblem games.
## You're fate's agent
You're the agent of Fortuna, goddess of fate, sent to meddle in four characters' timelines to change their futures and fight the end of the world.
## The Heroic Games tournament
All four heroes head to Dagsion to compete in the Heroic Games, where the winner's request is granted by the holy emperor and deity Solel.
## Four distinct heroes
Cai wants to save his father. Dietrich seeks the greatest fight. Theodora wants prosperity for her kingdom. Leda seeks vengeance.
## Only one winner possible
There can only be one winner of the Heroic Games. But as a time-traveling agent of fate, how your interference affects the outcome isn't clear.
## Different events, not repetition
The storylines don't cover the same events. Each character has a unique campaign that reveals a different aspect of the game's dense narrative.
## Gods, politics, and sci-fi
One story explores the pantheon of gods. Another reveals political tensions. Yet another has sci-fi intrigue with laser guns.
## 30 hours to see it
It took about 30 hours before the author could confidently say this wasn't just choosing a team and going through the same game.
## No right way to play
Even now, it's not clear what the right way to play is. But it's big, interesting, and fun, and that matters more.
## Second act disappointment
Update: The second act appears nearly identical across all four characters, a disappointing chunk of repetition in an otherwise excellent experience.
## Key takeaway

Fortune's Weave is a must-buy tactical RPG with four interweaving timelines that takes 100+ hours to complete, but its confusing structure is worth navigating for the excellent storytelling.