Site News


Before Awakening



Before Awakening


Outrealms (Ylisse: The Northroad)


Invader Oni Savage (chapters 7-14)/Oni Chieftain (chapter 15 onward)

Delicate?! I am NOT... Grrrrr. Ignore my brother, please. He can be a bit thick sometimes.
— Lissa

Before Awakening (Japanese:覚醒との邂逅 A Chance Encounter with Awakening) is a downloadable content xenologue chapter in Fire Emblem Fates. As a xenologue chapter, it does not officially bear a chapter number; if all xenologues are purchased and its list is viewed at the Dragon's Gate, Before Awakening is the sixth one from the top in the North American version of the game. Before Awakening is part of the first series of DLC releases in all regions.

This chapter was first made available on July 23, 2015 in Japan, February 19, 2016 in North America, and May 20-21 in the PAL regions, in all cases on the same day the vanilla Fates game was released in each region and as the first DLC chapter to be released.

In this chapter, Corrin's army has found themselves chasing invisible soldiers into an Outrealm placing them in the world of Fates's precedecessor, Fire Emblem Awakening, shortly before the events of that game begin. It is up to Corrin's army to fight alongside Chrom and his Shepherds to drive away the invisible menace.


Main article: Before Awakening/Script
The below plot corresponds to the use of a male Fates Avatar and a male Awakening Avatar. If you refresh this page, it is possible to get an alternate reading using a female Fates Avatar and a female Awakening Avatar instead.

Felicia tells Corrin that they may have trouble, to which Corrin asks her what is wrong; Felicia states she was cleaning up a part of the castle, minding her own business, when she saw movement from invisible soldiers from the corner of her eye. Corrin asks Felicia if she actually saw invisible soldiers, to which Felicia confirms, albeit stating they weren't completely invisible; Felicia states she screamed when she saw the soldiers, causing them to run off. Corrin asks which direction the soldiers ran off in, to which Felicia states she tried to follow them but then went through a sliver of light acting like a gateway—she peered inside, but all she could see were trees, stating she's never seen a forest like it; Corrin naturally wonders about the forest across the gateway, to which Felicia states it didn't feel like any place they've been to—it felt like another world entirely. Corrin states that, if the invisible soldiers went to that world, the people there may be in danger and they need to chase after them; he asks Felicia if she remembers where the gate is, to which Felicia states she does and asks Corrin to follow her.

Once in the forest, Corrin states that they've safely made it through the gate, but then asks where they are, to which Felicia states she doesn't have a clue; as Corrin asks what they're going to do now, he spots a legible sign and reads it to find that they are in the Halidom of Ylisse. A man named Chrom approaches and asks Corrin if he needs any help, startling them, to which Chrom notices she's a bit lost; a man named Frederick tells Chrom he doesn't think he's ever seen Corrin or his army before, after which a woman named Lissa says she believes them to be travelers, which would explain the strange clothes they're wearing. Corrin asks Chrom's group just who they are; Chrom first introduces himself as the captain of the Shepherds, then introduces Lissa as the "delicate one", prompting an angry reaction from Lissa, before finally introducing Frederick, who states he serves as Chrom's aide and second-in-command. Corrin then introduces himself and Felicia, who states it's nice to make the Shepherds' acquaintance; Chrom states it's a pleasure to meet them and then asks Corrin what brings his army through the area that day, to which Corrin states they're in pursuit of a group. Corrin then asks Chrom if he's noticed anything strange lately, possibly having seen invisible warriors, prompting a puzzled reaction from Chrom; Frederick deduces that Ylisse has been invaded and reveals that they could be from neighboring Plegia. Felicia tells Corrin to remember that they might be in another world, and they should do their best not to confuse or panic the Shepherds if they can avoid it; Corrin takes the opportunity to state he meant "invisible warthogs", that their prized invisible warthogs got loose, to which Felicia tells him he's not good at improvising. Chrom inquires about the invisible warthogs, to which Corrin states that they are a very dangerous type of beast from their homeland—excellent guard animals, but can cause a lot of trouble if left alone; Felicia, attempting to convince Chrom of Corrin's lie, states that these warthogs can even destroy towns and are very dangerous—if one thinks of the worst wild animal they can, these are much worse. Chrom states that the warthogs sound awful, to which Corrin states it's best to run away if one spots an invisible warthog, and if they're too close, to hold nothing back when fighting them; Chrom asks Corrin if the warthogs really are theirs, to which Corrin states who owns them isn't important--it matters more to him that no one gets hurt in their rampage, and they've traveled very far to make sure everyone stays safe, with Chrom making a nervous reaction. Frederick states that he finds Corrin's behavior very suspicious and asks him what he's up to, his story sounds unlikely at best; Frederick also reveals Felicia's manner of address toward Corrin and asks him to be kind enough to explain why he'd be addressed as a lord. Corrin attempts to start improvising again, with Felicia thinking they'd all be doomed if Corrin were to improvise again; she then duly states that Corrin is a prince, prompting shocked reactions from Frederick and Lissa with Felicia having to confirm. Corrin tries to rein Felicia in, before Chrom notices the surprising revelation before he then states that he himself is a princeas well, in turn prompting a shocked reaction from Corrin. A young boy appears on the scene and screams loudly, which Corrin notices and Felicia noticing which direction it came from; Corrin asks Felicia to come with him, as he believes they might have found their invisible warriors--correctng it to "warthogs" on the fly, to which Felicia states she's got this. Lissa attempts to inquire, before Chrom states that the Shepherds are going as well, calling for Lissa and Frederick following him, to which Frederick confirms.

We cut to the bridge at the Northroad, where Corrin notices the invisible soldiers and Felicia states she's so glad they found them; Chrom asks Corrin to wait and states the Shepherds will join them, to which Corrin states he doesn't want to involve the Shepherds in his army's troubles. Chrom states it is the Shepherds' duty as defenders of Ylisse to help whenever it's threatened, thus they'll aid Corrin; Corrin thanks Chrom and ask they work together to end the invisible soldiers' rampage. Preparations take place at this point.

Once the battle ends, Corrin states he believes they've gotten all of the invisible soldiers, to which Chrom states he owes him, that Corrin and his army have his gratitude; Corrin states that his army were the ones that got the Shepherds into this mess and to think nothing of it, even apologizing for putting the Shepherds and Ylissean inhabitants into harm's way, and they'll do their best to prevent something like this from happening again—Felicia states that she wishes they could say it actually would never happen again, but they can't make that kind of promise, to which Corrin states is unfortunately true. Chrom deduces that things must be rough in Corrin's kingdom.

The first time the player completes the chapter, Chrom asks Corrin to take two valuable gifts with him; to Lissa's shocked reaction, Chrom reveals the gifts to be the Exalt's Brand and Hero's Brand their sister Emmeryn gave him. Frederick asks Chrom if he's sure about it, as those gifts are on par with the kingdom's royal treasures, to which Corrin states he can't accept something like that from Chrom; Chrom states he wants Corrin to have them, knowing full well how valuable they are, but also thinking they would be of great help to Corrin and his allies—he saw how hard he fought hard to keep them all safe from harm and wants to show him his appreciation and asks Corrin to take them. Corrin thanks Chrom and promises to use the gifts well; Frederick states he cannot stop Chrom if he insists, and he will give Corrin something as well.

Subsequent times the player completes the chapter, Frederick states that if they could only offer Corrin something that could help him in this time of need, then asks Corrin if he would be interested in an object he's holding.

Upon Frederick offering an object, Corrin asks Frederick if he is giving him a pebble, to which Frederick confirms--he collects them from Chrom's and Lissa's path so they don't trip, and he has a strange feeling this pebble may help Corrin in some way, to whch Corrin states he'll find a way to use it. Felicia tells Corrin that they should start heading home, to which Corrin confirms and tells Chrom, Lissa, and Frederick it was nice meeting them; Chrom tells Corrin that, if he gets the chance, to come visit them again sometime, as he'd like to talk more about their respective kingdoms. Corrin states he's sure if Chrom wishes it they'll someday meet again if they hold fast to their beliefs; Chrom confirms, saying he'll look forward to the day their paths cross again, to which Corrin thanks him and also hoping to spend some time together someday as well.

After Corrin and his army leave the scene, Lissa notes their departure and the fact that they were interesting people, to which Chrom states he has a feeling they might see them again sometime; Lissa states she was thinking the same thing, that Corrin was a very talented leader and that she was really impressed by the different battle tactics he used, to which Chrom states the Shepherds could really benefit from a talented tactician, but battle strategy isn't his strength—Lissa stating Chrom is more brawn than brains, to which Chrom states he wouldn't go that far. Frederick tells Chrom and Lissa that they themselves should get on their way, that they must make headway farther south before sunset; Chrom apologizes and says they should get going, then notices that someone's fainted up ahead, prompting a shocked reactions from Frederick and Lissa. Lissa asks what they should do with this person, to which Chrom states they need to offer him help; Chrom notes he isn't dead at least and asks why anyone would lay down out in this area, also noting he's never seen clothes like his before. Chrom begins to ask another question, but Lissa tells him that they have to do something; Chrom asks Lissa for ideas, but Lissa says she has no idea. As Chrom notices the mysterious person is awake, after Lissa gets a quick word in, Chrom states to the mysterious person that there are better places to take a nap than on the ground, and asks him to give him a hand.

Website summary

Beyond the gate to another world lies the Halidom of Ylisse.[1]

North American eShop summary

Venture to the Halidom of Ylisse...
Rewards: Exalt's Brand and Hero's Brand (1st time), Pebble (afterward)

Chapter data

Chapter Data
Unit Data
Victory: Rout the enemy Player Other Enemy
Defeat: Corrin dies* or the player's army is routed 5 3 12+10
Cm fe14 ba.png
Difficulty rating:
Stage dimensions:
15 columns by 20 rows
Block sizes:
Japan: ??
North America: 229
PAL region: ??
Map based from: Chapter 2 of Awakening
Map phase music: Prelude
Battle phase music: Prelude (Ablaze)
Japan: ¥0
United States: $0.00
Europe: €0.00
United Kingdom: £0.00
Australia: $0.00
New Zealand: $0.00
Also available in: Series 1 (Japan)
Map Pack 1 (international) Pack
Japan: ¥2000
United States: $17.99
Europe: €17.99
United Kingdom: £16.19
Australia: $23.40
New Zealand: $30.60

Character data

Birthright Conquest Revelation

New Units
Returning Characters

Small portrait avatar m-default fe14.pngSmall portrait kaze fe14.pngSmall portrait rinkah fe14.pngSmall portrait sakura fe14.pngSmall portrait azura fe14.pngSmall portrait felicia fe14.png

Note: The returning characters list represents the minimum characterbase recruitable by the point the player can first access the Dragon's Gate. Felicia is only a returning character if Corrin is male, while Jakob is only a returning character if Corrin is female. If more chapters along the chosen main story path are cleared, or if any paralogues are cleared, the player can have access to characters not listed here by the point the chapter is first started. As bonus units are recruitable at the player's discretion, the returning characters list does not list them either.

Item data

Name Obtainment Method
Is 3ds02 class change.png Exalt's Brand Clear chapter for the first time without a single NPC defeated
Is 3ds02 class change.png Hero's Brand Clear chapter for the first time without a single NPC defeated
Is 3ds02 dagger.png Pebble Clear chapter

Event tile and Dragon Vein data

There are no event tiles or Dragon Veins in this chapter.

Level scaling data

This chapter's enemy and NPC units are subject to level scaling mechanisms that increase their levels as the player makes progress along the main story path. The tables below show the differences between the initial levels of the units and the levels of the units at each particular main story path chapter position. Initial unpromoted units who reach an effective level of 21 will become promoted units of level (effective level -20).

Level Gain 0 0 +1 +1 +1 +2 +1 +2 +1 +2 +1 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2
To Date 0 0 +1 +2 +3 +5 +6 +8 +9 +11 +12 +14 +16 +18 +20 +22 +24 +26 +28 +30 +32
Additional notes: The boss becomes promoted upon reaching the chapter 17 position. All other enemies become promoted upon reaching the chapter 18 position.

Enemy data

Note: The following enemies' levels are those assuming the player plays this chapter closer to chapter 7 than closer to the final chapter. Levels may be higher depending on progress along the main story path.
Enemy Units
Name Class Lv # Inventory and Skills Notes
Ma 3ds02 samurai vallite enemy.gif
Invader Samurai 7 3 Iron Sword
Vantage* Duelist's Blow*
The southern one immediately begins moving unprovoked.
Ma 3ds02 oni savage vallite enemy.gif
Invader Oni Savage 7 4 Iron Axe
HP +5* Rally Strength*
The southern one immediately begins moving unprovoked.
Ma 3ds02 spear fighter vallite enemy.gif
Invader Spear Fighter 7 4 Iron Lance
Seal Speed* Seal Defense**
The southern one immediately begins moving unprovoked.
Ma 3ds02 oni savage vallite enemy.gif
Invader Oni Savage 9 1 Hand Axe
HP +5* Counter*
Name Class Lv # Inventory and Skills Notes
Ma 3ds02 ninja vallite enemy.gif
Invader Ninja 7 10 Iron Shuriken
Lunge Poison Strike* Savage Blow*


  • Turns 1, 3, and 4
    • 2 Ninjas; one from the northwestern and northeastern forts each
  • Turns 2 and 4
    • 2 Ninjas; one from the southwestern and southeastern forts each

NPC data

NPC Units
Name Class Lv # Inventory and Skills Notes
Ma 3ds01 lord chrom other.gif
Chrom Lord 6 1 Falchion Vulnerary
Dual Striker
Ma 3ds01 cleric lissa other.gif
Lissa Cleric 6 1 Heal Concoction
Ma 3ds01 great knight frederick other.gif
Frederick Great Knight 6 1 Silver Lance
Elbow Room
Name Class Lv # Inventory and Skills Notes

Boss data

Stats with two figures separated by a ~ are presented as a range. The figures to the left of the ~ are taken from a chapter 7 playthrough, the earliest possible point where this chapter may be undertaken; the figures to the right of the ~ are taken from a chapter 27 playthrough, the latest possible point a save file may be positioned at.

Normal Hard Lunatic

Generic small portrait oni savage vallite fe14.png
Ma 3ds02 oni savage vallite enemy.gif Oni Savage
Level 9~P.20
Movement -
Max HP 27~52 Speed 7~21
Strength 9~30 Luck 4~8
Magic 1~14 Defense 10~30
Skill 8~18 Resistance 4~19
Inventory Skills
Hand Axe --
Weapon Levels
Swords/Katanas -- Lances/Naginata -- Axes/Clubs D Bows/Yumi --
Tomes/Scrolls -~E Staves/Rods -- Daggers/Shuriken -- Dragonstones --




Beware the Ninja reinforcements with Lunge. They can catapult your weaker units into the thick of combat and cause them to get swarmed rather quickly. Also beware that Chrom and his companions are somewhat reckless in battle without their Avatar to keep them in check; Frederick can hold his own, but Chrom and Lissa can easily get themselves beaten up and cost you your first-clear prizes.


  • This chapter is the only one in Fates that makes usage of the Lord and Cleric classes.
    • This chapter also utilizes an alternate variation of Falchion.
  • Contrary to a number of sources including the North American eShop listing and the Europe/Australian official websites, which claim the Pebble is only obtained in clearings of the chapter subsequent to the first, the Pebble is indeed one of the items obtainable in a first clearing of the chapter along with the Exalt's Brand and Hero's Brand. The official North American website is one of the few sources that gets this detail correct.
  • Of all chapters in Fates that scale characters in proportion to the player's progress, Before Awakening is the chapter that starts to do so at the earliest point, doing so once the player reaches chapter 9.

Etymology and other languages

Names, etymology and in other regions
Language Name Definition, etymology and notes
English Before Awakening
Japanese 覚醒との邂逅 Translates to "A Chance Encounter with Awakening"
French Détour Ylissien Ylissean Detour




Royal Royale Before Awakening Hidden Truths 1

Fire Emblem Fates
Playable characters Birthright
DLC Anna
Non-playable characters CadrosCassitaIkonaKaterinaLaylaLilithMoroRainbow Sage
Bosses ???AnankosAnthonyAreteCandaceDaichiDanielaFunkeGaronGazakHaitakaHansIagoKilmaKotaroKumageraLlewelynLloydMikotoNicholOmozuSennoSumeragiTakumiTarbaZharaZola
amiibo characters IkeLucinaMarthRobin
Regalia and personal weapons Astral BlessingAurgelmirBifröstBölverkBrynhildrChakramExcaliburFujin YumiGanglariHagakure BladeMissiletainnPursuerRaijintoSiegfriedSkadiWaterwheelYato
Hero Battles Hero-King MarthRadiant Hero IkePrincess LucinaGrandmaster Robin
Groups, objects, and concepts Curse of VallaDragon VeinMy Castle