Though the weapon triangle is not present in every Fire Emblem title, it is a staple combat mechanic within the series and more important than ever in Fire Emblem: Engage due to the break mechanic. Many entries introduce the player to the triangle with a trio of character types. This usually consists of the main character (often called a Lord) wielding swords, a Cavalier using lances, and an Axe Fighter. Alongside Alear and Alfred, Boucheron completes this trio as the Axe wielder of the group. Axes typically play the role of the unwieldy yet powerful weapon type, characterized by their high base damage, low hit, and propensity for crits.
With the right support, Boucheron can overcome the weaknesses of his weapon type, while making the most of its benefits. Here are some classes, strategies, and skills that will allow him to repel the oncoming waves of Corrupted between the Divine Dragon and his foe.
Growth Rates
The first thing you will likely notice when looking at Boucheron’s growth rates is his absolutely monstrous 85% HP growth, easily the highest in the game. Alongside his boosted rates from his class, he has the chance to gain 2 points in HP on a single level-up. Other notable numbers are his stellar Dexterity, tied for highest in the game, and his above-average Speed. He also has 20% Build growth, another chart-topper! One downside to his stat line, however, is his 20% Strength. While this is below average, it is made up for by his ability to double, crit, and with his incredible Build, wield the strongest weapons available.
|
Base |
Axe Fighter |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Max HP |
85% |
+25% |
|
Strength |
20% |
+20% |
|
Magic |
0% |
+0% |
|
Dexterity |
50% |
+5% |
|
Speed |
45% |
+10% |
|
Defense |
35% |
+5% |
|
Resistance |
20% |
+0% |
|
Luck |
15% |
+0% |
|
Build |
20% |
+5% |
Best Classes
From his stat line, we can surmise that Boucheron’s best strategy is to take hits with his massive bulk and return them with interest. To reach this goal, there are a few different options, depending on how you want him to play, and what roles need to be filled in your squad. If you need nothing new out of Boucheron, and wish for him to focus on becoming the absolute pinnacle of axe destruction, then Berserker is for you. Warrior is a similar option that gives up some proficiency in axes for access to bows, but as the ranged axes are quite powerful, access to bows is less significant than it may seem. For teams lacking mobility, you should consider reclassing Boucheron into a Wyvern Knight or a Great Knight, which provides the needed movement as well as your choice of additional weapon type. Finally, if you wish for him to stand in the frontline of your team without fear of being broken, the General class can pair with his naturally high speed to create a deceptively fast armored unit.
Best Weapons
As mentioned above, ranged axes are incredible weapons. Hand axes are available very early in the game and allow the wielder to counterattack anything outside of longbows and lightning spells. In the later half of the game, you will gain access to tomahawks which, while heavier, are twice as strong. At any point in the game, a sufficiently refined hand axe or tomahawk will let Boucheron output tremendous pressure. Additionally, he should hold onto your strongest iron, steel, or silver axes for melee-only matchups and a hammer or poleaxe for movement-type effectiveness. Greataxes are an option, though removing the ability to follow-up will likely do more harm than the high might can make up for.
Best Emblem Rings
Boucheron’s base attributes are strong enough that he can make excellent use of many Emblem Rings, to suit many situations. If you intend to focus on the player phase and breaking the enemy, Marth is a powerful partner. As with many versatile melee units, Boucheron can wield Leif quite effectively, as well as being one of the better partners for Roy. Finally, a more defensively focused Boucheron should absolutely consider teaming up with Ike to create a hyper-resilient crit machine. If you have access to the DLC, Hector, and Tiki are also great choices.
Best Skills
There are quite a few good options for skills that Boucheron can wield, but there are two which far surpass the rest in power. The combination of Vantage and Wrath is powerful on many units, but Boucheron is easily one of its best users due to his massive HP stat and naturally high dexterity. For other options, consider Resolve, Arms Shield, and Alacrity.
|
Skill |
Effect |
Requirements |
SP Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Resolve |
If unit is 75% HP or less after combat, grants Def/Res+5 |
Ike Bond Level 5 |
1000 |
|
Wrath |
At start of combat unit gains Crit+1 for each HP lost, up to +30 |
Ike Bond Level 13 |
2000 |
|
Vantage |
If unit’s HP is 25% or less and foe initiates combat, unit counterattacks before foe’s attack |
Leif Bond Level 5 |
500 |
|
Arms Shield |
When unit has weapon advantage, unit takes 3 less damage |
Leif Bond Level 5 |
200 |
|
Alacrity |
If the unit initiates combat with a Speed advantage of 9 or more, the unit performs a follow-up attack before the foe’s counterattack |
Lyn Bond Level 5 |
1000 |
