Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave centers on a complex web of alliances and rivalries, with the Vandahl Trading Company standing out as a particularly intriguing faction. Among its members, the gambler Simon is as tricky to fight in battle as he is valuable once recruited. His ability to flip the odds in your favor makes him a unique addition, but first, you have to convince him to leave his post and join your cause.
Recruitment in Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave varies significantly depending on which protagonist you choose, ensuring each playthrough offers fresh challenges and party compositions. Simon’s case is no exception. While you won’t have access to him immediately in any route, some protagonists must wait longer than others to persuade Simon to join. Understanding these route-specific requirements is essential for timing your recruitment just right.
Every unit’s recruitment requirements varies depending on your route in order to make sure you don’t rely on the same party for all characters. While no protagonist can get Simon early, in order for him to remain with Talimun for some specific events, Cai will need to wait slightly longer than everyone else to recruit him. Here are his recruitment requirements across all four routes.
Simon’s recruitment needs differ across the four routes, touching on his support level, renown, and a unique coin flip event only available to you. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements by protagonist:
| Route | Support Requirement | Renown Requirement | Special Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cai | 3 | 8 | Call the Coin Flip |
| Leda | 3 | 7 | Call the Coin Flip |
| Theodora | 2 | 7 | Call the Coin Flip |
| Dietrich | 3 | 7 | Call the Coin Flip |
You’ll need to build a solid relationship with Simon by raising his support level, which typically means reaching level 3—except in Theodora’s route, where level 2 suffices. This involves gifting him items he appreciates and making sure he participates in social events like feasts and theater visits. Doing so over a few weeks steadily builds trust and opens the door to recruitment.
Before he joins your ranks, Simon presents one last challenge—a coin flip. Each guess costs you 500 gold coins, but unlike a true gamble, this isn’t about luck once you crack the pattern. Winning this coin flip is mandatory to secure his allegiance and avoid losing gold unnecessarily.
The trick with Simon’s coin flip is to always call Tails. No matter how often he flips the coin or which protagonist you’re playing, retreating to tails guarantees a win. It feels like Simon’s sly way of testing you, but knowing the pattern means you sidestep any random chance here and claim victory on your terms.
Simon’s flair for risk doesn’t end with recruitment. His personal skill allows him a chance to survive potentially fatal blows with just 1 HP, a clutch ability that scales with his luck stat. To make the most of it, plan for good luck growth while leveling him, turning him into a tenacious fighter who can tip the scales at the most critical moments.