Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance – Complete Recruitment Guide for Nintendo Switch Online
With the recent addition of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance to the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app on Nintendo Switch 2, strategy enthusiasts and long-time fans are revisiting Tellius to guide Ike and the Greil Mercenaries into battle.
Produced by Intelligent Systems and originally released for the Nintendo GameCube in April 2005 in Japan and North America, Path of Radiance remains one of the most cherished entries in the Fire Emblem series.
This updated guide provides a comprehensive look at how to recruit every available character in the game’s Nintendo Switch Online re-release—helping players assemble the strongest possible army for their campaign. Background: Classic Strategy on Modern Hardware Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance marked the series’ debut on home consoles, bringing refined tactical gameplay, a compelling cast, and memorable storylines to a wider audience.
Now, through the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app on Nintendo Switch 2, a new generation can experience this hallmark title.
Path of Radiance continues to be praised for its deep strategy mechanics and engaging recruitment system.
While newer Fire Emblem installments may add complexity to character recruitment, Path of Radiance keeps the process mostly straightforward, yet still rewarding for completionists. Breakdown of All Recruitable Characters Most units in Path of Radiance are automatically recruited as you progress, while others join after specific conversations or base interactions.
Players who wish to unlock the complete roster should be aware of essential in-game actions, such as speaking to NPCs with certain units or reading pivotal Info sections before missions. Key auto-recruits from early chapters include Ike (Ranger), Boyd (Fighter), Oscar (Lance Knight), and Titania (Paladin), all of whom join during the opening prologue and Chapter 1.
By Chapter 2, Rhys (Priest) joins without any additional requirements.
As the story unfolds, other characters, such as Soren (Mage), Mist (Cleric), and Rolf (Archer), are added to your ranks automatically at defined story points. Other, more elusive characters require special actions.
For instance, to add Brom, Nephenee, and Kieran you must personally direct Ike or Oscar to their prison cells during Chapter 10.
In Chapter 12, reading the Info section in your base is necessary to recruit Sothe (Thief).
Marcia, Gatrie, and Shinon are notable for having specific recruitment windows spread across multiple chapters, so careful tracking is advised. Unique cases include Stefan (Swordmaster), who appears only if Lethe or Mordecai is moved onto a secret tile, and Haar (Wyvern Lord), who can be recruited by having Jill engage him on the field.
The game’s latter chapters also feature contingent recruits—such as Ena or Nasir depending on your outcome in Chapter 27, and a trio of final options: Giffca, Naesala, or Tibarn, one of whom may join during the endgame based on your choice. In total, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance features an expansive cast for players to discover, each offering unique skills and story perspectives.
The Nintendo Switch Online release preserves these mechanics, ensuring the original experience remains intact for both veterans and newcomers. Developer Achievements and Platform History Developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo, Path of Radiance solidified Fire Emblem’s reputation outside Japan, laying the groundwork for sequels like Radiant Dawn and the smash-hit Awakening on Nintendo 3DS.
Its inclusion in the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app on Nintendo Switch 2 further demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to preserving key franchises and introducing them to new audiences via Nintendo Switch Online and the eShop. With this guide, Fire Emblem fans can confidently recruit every character in Path of Radiance, optimizing their strategies and fully experiencing one of the series’ most acclaimed entries now accessible on modern Nintendo hardware.
Produced by Intelligent Systems and originally released for the Nintendo GameCube in April 2005 in Japan and North America, Path of Radiance remains one of the most cherished entries in the Fire Emblem series.
This updated guide provides a comprehensive look at how to recruit every available character in the game’s Nintendo Switch Online re-release—helping players assemble the strongest possible army for their campaign. Background: Classic Strategy on Modern Hardware Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance marked the series’ debut on home consoles, bringing refined tactical gameplay, a compelling cast, and memorable storylines to a wider audience.
Now, through the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app on Nintendo Switch 2, a new generation can experience this hallmark title.
Path of Radiance continues to be praised for its deep strategy mechanics and engaging recruitment system.
While newer Fire Emblem installments may add complexity to character recruitment, Path of Radiance keeps the process mostly straightforward, yet still rewarding for completionists. Breakdown of All Recruitable Characters Most units in Path of Radiance are automatically recruited as you progress, while others join after specific conversations or base interactions.
Players who wish to unlock the complete roster should be aware of essential in-game actions, such as speaking to NPCs with certain units or reading pivotal Info sections before missions. Key auto-recruits from early chapters include Ike (Ranger), Boyd (Fighter), Oscar (Lance Knight), and Titania (Paladin), all of whom join during the opening prologue and Chapter 1.
By Chapter 2, Rhys (Priest) joins without any additional requirements.
As the story unfolds, other characters, such as Soren (Mage), Mist (Cleric), and Rolf (Archer), are added to your ranks automatically at defined story points. Other, more elusive characters require special actions.
For instance, to add Brom, Nephenee, and Kieran you must personally direct Ike or Oscar to their prison cells during Chapter 10.
In Chapter 12, reading the Info section in your base is necessary to recruit Sothe (Thief).
Marcia, Gatrie, and Shinon are notable for having specific recruitment windows spread across multiple chapters, so careful tracking is advised. Unique cases include Stefan (Swordmaster), who appears only if Lethe or Mordecai is moved onto a secret tile, and Haar (Wyvern Lord), who can be recruited by having Jill engage him on the field.
The game’s latter chapters also feature contingent recruits—such as Ena or Nasir depending on your outcome in Chapter 27, and a trio of final options: Giffca, Naesala, or Tibarn, one of whom may join during the endgame based on your choice. In total, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance features an expansive cast for players to discover, each offering unique skills and story perspectives.
The Nintendo Switch Online release preserves these mechanics, ensuring the original experience remains intact for both veterans and newcomers. Developer Achievements and Platform History Developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo, Path of Radiance solidified Fire Emblem’s reputation outside Japan, laying the groundwork for sequels like Radiant Dawn and the smash-hit Awakening on Nintendo 3DS.
Its inclusion in the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app on Nintendo Switch 2 further demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to preserving key franchises and introducing them to new audiences via Nintendo Switch Online and the eShop. With this guide, Fire Emblem fans can confidently recruit every character in Path of Radiance, optimizing their strategies and fully experiencing one of the series’ most acclaimed entries now accessible on modern Nintendo hardware.
