"Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave" is a new interesting "FE" game, but no one knows yet if it will be a prequel or sequel to the most recent "Three Houses." It's expected to be launched in 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, but early theories suggest it's going to be a huge title with tons of surprises.
With hints of lore-filled hints, elements familiar to fans, and the return of gods, gamers are now arguing if the new title is a prequel, a sequel, or something innovative.
Return to the 'Three Houses' Universe
The "Three Houses" era continues to be one of the strongest in franchise history due to its rich storytelling and vast world-building. It spawned its own spin-off and made characters such as Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude fan favorites. By associating "Fortune's Weave" with this universe, Intelligent Systems is staking its popularity on nostalgia while also building upon untapped areas.
The trailer revealed crest-wielding swords, devils, and a mysterious figure named the Divine Sovereign, who is eerily similar to the Nabateans, the ancient dragon-like species that are at the core of "Three Houses." Whether this indicates a retelling in the past or a branching universe is uncertain.
Hints Suggesting a Prequel
One of the most interesting reveals of the trailer is The Heroic Games, a competition they call in Japanese the Dagsion Heroic Games.
According to Polygon, the title bears a strong resemblance to Dagda, a location mentioned in Three Houses. Venturing beyond Fódlan would enable developers to maintain lore ties while adding new territories like Brigid and Almyra.
Dietrich, who is illustrated carrying a twitching sword which has a Crest Stone, is only another mystery. Crest Stones were created using the bodies of Nabateans that had been killed, most notably by Nemesis in the War of Heroes.
If "Fortune's Weave" does have one within Dietrich's weapon, then it would imply that "Fortune's Weave" would involve things after Sothis' failure and the ascension of the Agarthans' power.
The Role of Sothis in 'Fortune's Weave'
Sothis' appearance at the trailer's end created yet another layer of mystery. This incarnation of Sothis is different from her childlike reincarnation in "Three Houses" in that she is consciously aware of her divinity. Her complaint of having been forgotten hints at a past extremely far from the start of "Three Houses," maybe even before her perpetual sleep brought upon by depleting her power to prevent the Agarthans.
That would perfectly coincide with the War of Heroes to provide players with a firsthand experience of the violent conflict that reconfigured history and provided the backdrop for "Three Houses."
Why a Sequel is Unlikely
While the hope of a continuation exists, a straightforward sequel is less likely. "Three Houses" contained four branching narratives — Crimson Flower, Azure Moon, Verdant Wind, and Silver Snow.
Each had different endings, from Edelgard destroying the Church of Seiros to Byleth accepting their divine purpose. With so many divergent endings, Intelligent Systems would alienate fans by picking one canon path over the rest.
The most probable situation is a prequel that explores more into the War of Heroes, the decline of the Nabateans, and the ascendancy of man's ambition. With four new lords vying for the Divine Sovereign's favor, "Fortune's Weave" guarantees political intrigue, legendary battles, and lore discovery.
For enthusiasts of "Three Houses," this is an opportunity to see the history that defined Fódlan and to finally discover the secrets concealed behind centuries of revised history.
