Fire Emblem Engageis the newest entry to the Fire Emblem Franchise, debuting in January 2023. This new entry provides new content with a fresh take on old fan favorites. There’s an entire cast of brand-new characters, colorful and vibrant along with a large variety. Not only in appearance but in class as well. Many classes make their grand return while others are new to the franchise entirely. Presenting itselfwith 27 chapters, there’s a lot to discover. Characters aren’t obtainable all at base game, making the gameplay exciting with finding new friends to join the team.
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Each new character has their own base stats, the growth of those stats, class, and fighting style. This highlights the individual strengths of each member, making them useful in their own ways. Some may shine in their brute force and powerful strength, while others in their complex magic. This brings up a whole world of possibilities when it comes to making a unique, strong, and durable team. In Fire Emblem: Engage, characters can be knocked out of battle, and not return. This makes it scary to fight tough enemies, each fight is crucial. With this, their stats, too.
Who is Zelkov
With a tragic backstory based on vengeance, this Royal Knight originates from Elusia. His family had been killed by bandits, yet after his vengeance, he sought out other ventures. This leads him to be the retainer to Princess Ivy. He is first met in Chapter 8: Kingdom of Might, yet doesn’t join the team until Chapter 11: Retreat. Joining the team before the halfway point of the game, he’s a valuable asset to keep on the team.
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Base Build & Stat Growth
As a team member, he’ll start by being a thief in class. Zelkov fights in a Covert style. Being in the Covert fighting style means he’ll receive double terrain bonus effects. Along with this, his personal skill is Not Quite. Using this skill, if a foe initiates combat with Zelkov, they will have 10 hits points inflicted onto them. Zelkov shines in his higher speed, dexterity, and skill. Sneaking through the battlefield is the way Zelkov will be used for most of his playtime.
Zelkov’s Growth Rate
Zelkov’s Base Stats
Looking at both his growth rate and stats, he has a nice HP stat. Along with this, the growth rate for his health is extremely high, the highest of all of his stats. His Dexterity, Speed, Defense, and Strength are average. Where he subsides is his resistance, build, and magic. While not quite as low as some other cast members, Zelkov is not fit to handle any heavy weaponry or intense magic. From where his stats shine, he’s the best fit in the back or middle of the battle. Due to not having the highest resistance, hits could really land a good blow on him, rendering him unable to fight anymore.
For pairing up Zelkov, using beefier characters is a good way to assure his safety. Characters with high Build, Strength, or Magic. This will cover what Zelkov lacks, making him safer on the field along with the character who was brought along with him. Characters like Mauvier, Veyle, or Pandreo are all good magic users to pair with Zelkov.
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Good Classes
Zelkov will fit just fine in the thief class. His stats are fit for it, and he doesn’t need to change much at all. Being a thief also gives him access to high-ranking knives, though the disposition is that he can only use knives and not weapons like axes or swords. Being in the thief class is an excellent class for Zelkov, making him one of the best thieves in the game.
Recommended Emblems for Zelkov:
The Silver Dagger is a good base weapon, having no extreme ups or downs to the weapon. The Cinquedea can be utilized quite well with its high critical chance. There won’t be the Cinquedea in the early game, due to it only being obtained in the last half of the game. While the Peshkatz may have a higher critical chance, it’s not too smart to wield with Zelkov. It’s closer combat, meaning that Zelkov will need to be in the front of the battle for proper usage. That with his low resistance wouldn’t mix well.
Zelkov can also work as a Wolf Knight. This gives him access to more weaponry as well as works with his Speed and Dexterity. He can also fit in this role due to his average strength, making him fit to go into the Wolf Knight role without any extreme downsides. This doesn’t make him the best Wolf Knight there is, but if he’s the only option to be a Wolf Knight or has the highest Dexterity of the current bunch, it’s not a bad idea at all.
Recommended Emblems:
Yet again, the Silver Dagger is a good weapon for this role. It’s got good base stats and no real downsides besides not being quite as strong as other knives out there. The Armorslayer is as it sounds, sweeping through enemies wearing lots of armor to make the fight a bit easier. Going into the late game, there’s also the Cinquedea. This weapon goes well with Zelkov, yet won’t be obtained until later in the game.
Gifting Zelkov
Wanting a bit of an extra boost?Gifting does just that. Boosting the support level with the protagonist and heightening their bond and motivation. This makes them more trustworthy on the team and unlocks more cutscenes and options with that character. Every character has unique likes and dislikes.
Zelkov’s Favorite Gifts:
He, along with every other cast member, will like the Spirit Gem. That is a universal gifting item. Besides all of his favorites, he has some that he dislikes. Avoid gifting things that Zelkov dislikes to him, as it won’t provide any boosts. He won’t like the Playing Cards or the Lovely Candle.
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