In the world of Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, some characters stick with you beyond their first loss, and Zarcone is a prime example. Unlike many early-game thieves who disappear after defeat, Zarcone is eager to continue his journey by joining your party—especially if you’re willing to negotiate. Figuring out how to recruit him not only adds a quirky personality to your roster but also gives insight into the game’s recruitment dynamics.
Recruiting Zarcone isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Depending on your chosen route, the timing and requirements to bring him into your team differ. This ensures each playthrough feels fresh and that you can’t rely on the same characters across every path. Some routes allow for an early recruitment, while others ask you to be patient and invest time first.
| Route | Support Requirement | Renown Requirement | Special Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cai | 3 | 8 | Haggle Zarcone |
| Leda | 2 | 5 | Haggle Zarcone |
| Theodora | 1 | 4 | Haggle Zarcone |
| Dietrich | 3 | 7 | Haggle Zarcone |
As the table shows, **Theodora** and **Leda** can recruit Zarcone quite early compared to **Cai** and **Dietrich**, who require more time before having the chance. To build Zarcone’s support quickly, focus on giving him alcoholic gifts—he notoriously enjoys drinking with friends, even if you’re his only companion. This boosts your relationship and moves you closer to meeting his recruitment threshold.
Once Zarcone’s support level and renown requirements are satisfied, he’ll hit you with what seems like an outrageous recruitment fee of 10,000 Gold. Rather than paying upfront, try refusing his initial demand. Zarcone, surprisingly eager, will counter with a reduced offer of 1,000 Gold, revealing his desperation to join your ranks.
If 1,000 Gold still feels steep for the guy who crashed out in the very first round of the Heroic Games, don’t pay just yet. Declining again will cause Zarcone to lower his price even further—to a mere 100 Gold. This haggling mechanic sneaks in a fun transactional aspect that feels rewarding when you manage to get a character onboard at a bargain.
Pay the 100 Gold fee, and Zarcone officially becomes part of your party for a fraction of his initial asking price. This is often cheaper than the gifts you’d be giving him to raise his support level, so the negotiation itself is a key piece of his recruitment puzzle.
While Zarcone’s personal skill—which grants a modest +10 hit chance when wielding axes—doesn’t stand out amid the game’s many powerful abilities, having him in your roster can add flavor and fun to your team composition. He might not be a game-changing unit, but for players who appreciate character depth and quirky personalities, Zarcone is worth the effort.
Zarcone’s use as a party member sadly isn’t much to write home about. His personal skill gives him +10 hit when wielding an axe, which is next to nothing compared to the crazy skills that most other characters in the game have.