Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn | Part 1 Chapters 1–2: protect allies and recover Thani on Normal

On Normal, Chapter 1 requires defeating the commander and Chapter 2 routing the enemy. Progress without letting allies die in either. On Hard, Chapter 1 changes to a timed escape for Micaiah, and Chapter 2 to having Laura arrive, so do not simply copy another difficulty's guide. Open the objectives screen at the start to check your goal.

Nolan joins in this chapter. First check enemy movement destinations and weapon ranges to limit whom he faces. Place Micaiah and Leonardo behind him. When advancing Edward, do not assume he can survive as many attacks as Nolan; judge from the combat forecast and remaining HP.

During your phase, weaken enemies with ranged attacks and finish them with allies who can withstand a counterattack. Do not leave an injured Micaiah where she will be attacked next enemy phase. Check whether defeating an enemy has opened a passage for others farther back to reach you.

The house left of the starting position gives a Vulnerary, and the central church gives a Hand Axe. Separate the visiting and defensive roles, and give the Hand Axe to Nolan for another attack option. There is no need to send the visitor alone close to enemies.

Defeating commander Isaiya ends the chapter. Check both visits before concentrating attacks on him. Defeating him also grants a Steel Sword. Choose front-line units for their ability to survive upcoming attacks, rather than equipment strength alone.

Laura accompanies you in Chapter 2, and Sothe joins on turn 3. Deal with nearby enemies in order at first, letting Laura heal from safety. Having healing available does not justify pushing a front-line unit where several enemies can attack.

Sothe supports difficult fights and chest collection. He can weaken enemies when you want younger allies to gain experience, but let him finish the enemy rather than risking a loss to hand off the kill. When he heads for the chests, check that the remaining force can protect Laura.

Of the two chests at the lower left, the upper one contains a Wind Edge and the lower Thani. The upper-right chest holds an Energy Drop. Make room before collecting them with Sothe by passing healing items and other supplies to allies. Once you obtain Thani, give it to Micaiah to prepare for commander Zaitan.

Magic is an effective approach against Zaitan. However, do not assume magic means taking no damage: check counterattacks and remaining HP in the forecast before attacking. There is no need to repeat dangerous attacks for training. Normal ends by routing the enemy, so check all three chests before defeating the last foe.

For now, giving Micaiah opportunities to attack and sharing safe finishing blows with desired allies such as Edward and Leonardo is enough. Do not add danger to distribute experience evenly. You need not avoid Nolan or Sothe; prioritize healing and switching out wounded front-line units. You can store the Energy Drop if you cannot decide immediately who should use it.

• Chapter 1: you completed the Vulnerary and Hand Axe visits
• Chapter 2: you kept Laura outside enemy range
• Chapter 2: you collected Wind Edge, Thani, and the Energy Drop
• You gave Thani to Micaiah
• You checked allied survival and inventories before ending the chapter