Fire Emblem Heroes: A Nintendo Mobile Success Story

It’s fast approaching seven years since Fire Emblem Heroes marked one of Nintendo’s first forays into the world of mobile gaming. At the time, the idea of a Nintendo game leaving company hardware was a bizarre, curious novelty.

From Obscurity to Phenomenal Success

Despite being relatively obscure compared to Nintendo powerhouses like Mario, Zelda, and Animal Crossing, Fire Emblem Heroes has defied expectations and become a phenomenal success. It recently crossed the $1 billion milestone, accounting for a staggering 54.5% of Nintendo’s mobile revenue.

Gearing Up for Version 8.0 Update

Heroes’ lucrative performance as an RPG gacha game, popular in Japan, is the main reason for its continuous updates and success. While other Nintendo mobile games like Mario Kart: Tour are winding down, Fire Emblem Heroes is gearing up for its Version 8.0 update. This update will introduce a new story mode, a new game mode called Affinity Auto-Battles, and exciting rewards and new characters.

Enter Book 8: A New Chapter

The highly anticipated next major update for Fire Emblem Heroes, Book 8, has been confirmed for release on December 7. Book 8 will introduce a brand-new story campaign, designed to be a standalone experience for new fans while also providing overarching lore for longtime players.

A New Hero Emerges: Ratatoska

In preparation for Book 8’s launch, Fire Emblem Heroes has introduced players to Ratatoska, the new protagonist who will fight alongside mainstays Alphonse and Sharena. Ratatoska is a Divine Beast who can transform between human form and a giant squirrel, drawing inspiration from the Nordic mythological creature of the same name. The game’s interpretation of mythology is one of its appeals, with each Book introducing new locations like the World Tree Yggdrasil.

Featuring Cross-Platform Crossovers

Ratatoska’s Divine Vein skill takes inspiration directly from Fire Emblem Engage on Nintendo Switch. This skill allows players to manipulate the battlefield itself, subtly bridging the gap between the mobile and console versions. Fire Emblem Heroes has successfully used cross-platform crossovers throughout 2023 to engage and excite fans across all platforms.

Meet Your Favorite Characters

Fire Emblem Heroes has introduced hundreds of fan-favorite characters from the series’ legacy over the years. Many of these characters are obtainable through the gacha, the game’s monetization model that contributed to reaching the impressive $1 billion milestone. In addition to original characters, the game also features seasonal alts based on real-world events. With Version 8.0, characters from the 3DS era, including Inigo, Severa, Laurent, and Rearmed Lucina, will be joining the roster.

Building Bridges to the Main Series

Fire Emblem Heroes has effectively encouraged main series Fire Emblem fans to try out the mobile game by introducing new characters before their debut on the Nintendo Switch. The game also offers special rewards on Switch for playing the mobile version first, creating a seamless experience for fans across both platforms. Engage’s DLC even featured the formerly mobile-exclusive character Veronica, showcasing Nintendo’s appreciation and understanding of its mobile audience.