Nintendo's Fire Emblem: Three Houses is one of the most successful Strategy JRPGs on the Switch. Featuring roughly 100 hours of storyline per playthrough, this title offers incredibly deep character interaction, tons of customization options, and plenty of amazing battles. Three Houses encourages veteran players to start back up and play the game on New Game Plus.
However, it's worth noting several things to keep in mind when starting off on the second playthrough. There's no pressure since these things can be done throughout Part I with plenty of time to do so. For reference, it might be worth checking out a list of carryover and bonuses before delving into our New Game Plus tips.
10 Upgrade Skill Levels with Renown After C
The renown carryover allows players to upgrade certain stats in their dorm. Among other stats, skill level is one of the most important. This will allow players to use Brave weapons, and other unique weapons, early in the game.
However, it's imperative to level up a weapon level rank to C. This way they don't waste renown on a grind that can take within 10 battles to obtain. After C, when it takes more time to level up weapons in battle, that would be the best time to use renown. Keep in mind this can apply to all House members in the player's army.
9 Check Requirements to Access the Crimson Flower Route
Unlike the Blue Lions and Golden Deer routes, the Black Eagles' second arc requires a few requirements to unlock. Should they be ignored, the player will enter the Silver Snow phase. This path deviates greatly from the one initially intended.
In order to pursue Edelgard's route, players must hit at least C+ Support with her. In February, before the battle, speak to her in the monastery. Afterward, accept her offer when the time comes after a decisive plot point.
8 Don't Bother Exploring or Doing Auxillary Battles Too Much
After the first playthrough, the Monastery does not exactly change much. The dialogue is still the same as are the side-quests and rewards. Aside from prioritizing certain points, players need not run around aimlessly.
For players who feel confident in their battle prowess and stats, it's completely okay to take a rest and move on. White Clouds still takes forever to get through despite barely changing save for some dialogue points. It's also worth mentioning that, for players recruiting characters from their last playthrough's house, there's little point in redoing their respective side-quests. Furthermore, characters like Annette can only gain her Crusher exclusively in the Blue Lions route.
7 Use Renown for Professor Level
The Professor Level allows several bonuses to players. For one, they can spend more activity points in the Monastery, Battle, and Lecturing. This in turn will make units stronger.
Secondly, this means better weapons to forge and more gardening options. Upgrading Professor Level should be paramount as soon as the player starts New Game Plus and enters their dorm. Make sure to use the remainder of that renown at the Saint Statues as well.
6 Spend Activity Points on Faculty Training
While it's not imperative to simply wander around the Monastery, the priority goes to leveling up weapons. Spend activity points on characters to train weapons higher. Players can also invite said character to the sauna which will boost their weapon level gain prior to training.
This will also make it easier to get to C-rank which in turn can be boosted via renown. Opening these options becomes crucial especially if the player chooses to attempt a harder difficulty. Afterward, rinse and repeat whenever exploring the Monastery.
5 Try Out the New Cosmetics
Three Houses allows players to try on different costumes. This includes both Byleth as well as the other playable characters. Players can also use their pre and post-timeskip costumes.
After clearing the game once, players access new options. Among these include hairstyles for the lords. Players can mix and match to their heart's content wearing costumes exclusively to New Game Plus.
4 Boost Supports With Wanted Units
As mentioned earlier, it's entirely possible to build up Weapon levels easily with renown. Combined with giving Flowers to boost affection with certain units, it's worth grabbing them as quickly as possible. Boosted weapon levels will make it possible to recruit them much faster than ever possible in the first playthrough.
Keep in mind that each House's default unit set is more than enough to take on the game. However, players seeking a preference or a stronger unit, such as a better archer than Ignatz, might want to take this opportunity to recruit. Furthermore, players with the DLC can recruit the four powerful units of the Ashen Wolves.
3 Build Up Byleth's Enlightened One Weapon Skills
If players are looking to strengthen Byleth's default promo class, it's recommended to go with Swords, Fists, and Light Magic. As these makeup Byleth's primary weapon stats, it will be easier to settle into using higher-level weaponry once promoted. Alternatively, the player is more than welcome to experiment with other classes.
However, if they do go for Enlightened One, it might also be worth investing time into different classes. If they mastered Swordmaster in one playthrough, maybe try Mercenary, Hero, or Brawler. These will grant new skills for the player they can mix and match with as well.
2 Re-Enter the Amiibo Gazebo
Perhaps one of the most easily missable parts of any playthrough is the Amiibo Gazebo. This small courtyard is blocked off by hedges and appears in a small part of the middle of the Monastery map. Going here to scan amiibos grants bonuses to players.
While it's worth checking out every month for bonuses, players can scan Fire Emblem amiibos to unlock music in battles from previous Fire Emblem titles. However, an exclusive item to New Game Plus is the Sothis Shield. By entering the Holy Tomb in the replay, players can collect this bonus.
1 Try Out the Expansion Pass
For players who are looking for a bit more adventure, it's completely worth trying out Cindered Shadows. While the Expansion Pass will unlock a few minor features, such as costumes and feeding pets, the Cindered Shadows expansion opens up a new storyline. Not only is it quite well-written but it nets many bonuses for the player.
Cindered Shadows allows players access to the Abyss which can give them rare and exclusive weapons. Plus they can recruit four characters. Each character also comes with a different class from the DLC which any character can promote into. Players seeking a challenge are especially recommended to try this 10-hour long campaign.