Permadeath Explained: What Happens When A Unit Dies?

Permadeath is enabled by playing on Classic Mode in Fire Emblem Engage. Learn how to enable or disable Permadeath, as well as how it affects your gameplay.

Is There Permadeath?

Fallen Units are Permanently Dead on Classic Mode

Permadeath returns as a feature in Fire Emblem Engage, as players have the option to choose between the Classic and Casual modes. With permadeath enabled on Classic Mode, units who die in battle are permanently dead and can never be used again. Units who die during battle in Casual Mode simply retreat with their gained levels and exp, and can be used from the next battle.

In previous games like Three Houses, key characters that are important to the story simply retreat instead of dying when running out of HP on Classic Mode, but still become too injured to participate in future battles. However, if the main character dies, you will either need to rewind or restart the battle.

▶︎ Difficulty Level Differences

Can You Revert a Unit's Death?

Fire Emblem Engage does have a rewind mechanic that'll allow you to go back a few turns in order to redo your actions. Using this, you would be able to save a fallen unit (but only if the rewind mechanic allows you to return to a point before their death).

Additionally, save scumming is also an option, albeit a less than ideal one. Using this method, players can manually save before a battle and restart/reset their game should one of their units die in order to revert the unit's death, so to speak.

▶︎ Rewind Mechanic Explained

Should You Enable Permadeath?

Recommended for Experienced Players

Beginners and players who are new to the Fire Emblem series should try Casual mode first, before taking on permadeath in Classic mode. Avoiding the consequences of permadeath will require serious strategy and knowledge of gameplay mechanics, so as not to make a small mistake that'll cost you a unit's life. Otherwise, you'll find yourself relying on resetting the game a lot in order to progress.

Experienced players and those confident in their skills are encouraged to take on Classic mode, so they can get the true Fire Emblem experience.

How to Turn Off Permadeath

Switch to Casual Mode

Permadeath is only enabled in Classic mode, so selecting Casual mode will allow you to play with permadeath turned off. You choose between Casual and Classic mode at the start of your playthrough, but it can be changed at anytime by visiting the main character's room in Somniel.

Missable Items, Characters, and Points of No Return

Fire Emblem Engage Related Guides

▶︎ Beginner's Guide to Fire Emblem Engage

All Tips and Tricks