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Defense

From Fire Emblem Wiki, your source on Fire Emblem information. By fans, for fans.
This article is about the stat. For the staff from New Mystery of the Emblem, see Defense Staff.

Defense (Japanese: 守備 defense), abbreviated Def, is a statistic belonging to units which determines a unit's ability to resist physical damage. It is used to reduce the hit point damage taken from incoming physical attacks fueled by the strength stat. When attacking physically—for instance, with lances, swords or bows—a unit's calculated attack has their target's defense subtracted from it to produce the damage they actually deal against this target, and vice versa. Defense can be temporarily enhanced by taking shelter in terrain types which give defense boosts, such as forests or forts, and can also be boosted through some support bonuses.

Gatrie has such a high defense stat that this Myrmidon's Iron Sword does not damage him at all.

Some classes, most notably the various members of the Knight class family, are built to possess very high defense on average compared to other classes. As a general rule, units and classes with high defense tend to be slow, while it is common for units and classes with high skill and speed (such as the Myrmidon class family) or who wield magic to have poor defense. There is also a correlation between defense and hit points, where units and classes with high defense will also frequently have high HP.

A unit's defense stat will not protect them against magical attacks at all. When a unit is defending against an enemy who is using tomes or magic weapons, their resistance stat is used to reduce damage instead.

Calculations

Damage

Note that this does not include alterations to damage from critical hits, skills, special effects on items and weapons, etc.

Game Formula Notes
Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.
Gaiden (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 1.
Mystery of the Emblem (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.
Genealogy of the Holy War (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 1.
Thracia 776 (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Magic*) Minimum damage of 0.
The Binding Blade (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.
The Blazing Blade (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.
The Sacred Stones (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.
Path of Radiance (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.
Radiant Dawn (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.
Shadow Dragon (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.
New Mystery of the Emblem (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.
Awakening (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.
Fates (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.
Echoes: Shadows of Valentia (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 1.
Heroes (attacker's Attack) − (defending unit's Defense*/Resistance*) Minimum damage of 0.

Items and skills affecting defense

Weapons, items, and skills providing equipping bonus
Item Defense increase Games
  Firestone +12/+20/+9 when equipped. Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light, The Binding Blade, Shadow Dragon, New Mystery of the Emblem
  Divinestone +15 when equipped. Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light, The Binding Blade, Shadow Dragon, New Mystery of the Emblem
  Magestone +16/+20/+11 when equipped. Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light, The Binding Blade, Shadow Dragon, New Mystery of the Emblem
-- Earthstone +23 when equipped. Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light
  Leather Shield +3/+1 when equipped. Gaiden, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, Three Houses
  Steel Shield +5/+3 when equipped. Gaiden, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, Three Houses
  Silver Shield +7/+4 when equipped. Gaiden, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, Three Houses
  Blessed Shield +13 against monsters when equipped. Gaiden, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Dracoshield +13 when equipped. Gaiden, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Safeguard +7 when equipped. Genealogy of the Holy War
  Gungnir +10 when equipped. Genealogy of the Holy War, Thracia 776 (Unused)
  Gáe Bolg +10/+5 when equipped. Genealogy of the Holy War, Awakening
  Helswath +20/+5 when equipped. Genealogy of the Holy War, Awakening
  Valflame +10 when equipped. Genealogy of the Holy War
  Naga +20/+5 when equipped. Genealogy of the Holy War, Awakening
  Shield Ring +5 when in inventory. Genealogy of the Holy War
  Paragon Sword +5 when equipped. Thracia 776
  Binding Blade +5 when equipped. The Binding Blade
  Armads +5 when equipped. The Binding Blade, The Blazing Blade, Awakening
  Spear (Vaida's) +4 when equipped. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
  Flametongue +20 when equipped. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
  Vidofnir +5 when equipped. The Sacred Stones
  Ivaldi +5 when equipped. The Sacred Stones
  Wretched Air +20 when equipped. The Sacred Stones
  Ravager +15 when equipped. The Sacred Stones
  Demon Light +10 when equipped. The Sacred Stones
  Dragonstone +15/+10/+4 when equipped. The Sacred Stones, Awakening, Fates
  Amiti +3 when equipped. Path of Radiance, Radiant Dawn
  Vague Katti +3 when equipped. Path of Radiance, Radiant Dawn
  Alondite +3 when equipped. Path of Radiance, Radiant Dawn
  Ragnell +5/+3 when equipped. Path of Radiance, Radiant Dawn, Awakening, Fates
  Double Bow +3/+5 when equipped. Path of Radiance, Radiant Dawn, Awakening
  Rexaura +3 when equipped. Path of Radiance, Radiant Dawn
  Knight Ward +2 when equipped. Path of Radiance
  Unlock +1 when equipped. Radiant Dawn
  Ward +2 when equipped. Radiant Dawn
  Hammerne +3 when equipped. Radiant Dawn
  Rescue +4 when equipped. Radiant Dawn
  Matrona +5 when equipped. Radiant Dawn
  Ashera Staff +1 when equipped. Radiant Dawn
  Rudol Gem +10 when in inventory. Radiant Dawn
  Icestone +13 when equipped. New Mystery of the Emblem
  Wyvernstone +8 when equipped. New Mystery of the Emblem
  Pisces Shard +1 when in inventory. New Mystery of the Emblem
  Taurus Shard +1 when in inventory. New Mystery of the Emblem
  Cancer Shard +2 when in inventory. New Mystery of the Emblem
  Starsphere +2 when in inventory. New Mystery of the Emblem
  Binding Shield +2 when in inventory. New Mystery of the Emblem
  Finn's Lance +2 when equipped. Awakening
  Hector's Axe +2 when equipped. Awakening
  Micaiah's Pyre +2 when equipped. Awakening
  Beaststone +1 when equipped. Awakening
  Beaststone+ +4 when equipped. Awakening
  Dragonstone+ +13/+9 when equipped. Awakening, Fates
  Defense +2 +2 when active. Awakening, Fates, Three Houses
  All Stats +2 +2 when active. Awakening
  Visitation Seal +2 when in inventory. Fates
  Master Emblem +1 when in inventory. Fates
  Siegfried +4 when in inventory. Fates
  Xander's Lance +2 when equipped. Fates
  Nohrian Blade +3 when equipped Fates
  Camilla's Axe +3 when equipped. Fates
  Ike's Backup +3 when equipped. Fates
  Arthur's Axe +3 when equipped. Fates
  Yato Grim and Alpha forms: +2 when in inventory.
Shadow and Omega forms: +4 when in inventory.
Fates
  Guard Naginata +5 when equipped. Fates
All naginata other than the Guard Naginata, Bold Naginata, and Hinoka's Spear +1 when equipped. Fates
  Adamant Club +4 when equipped. Fates
  Ox Spirit +1 when equipped. Fates
  Dragon Spirit +1 when equipped. Fates
  Calamity Gate +1 when equipped. Fates
  Horse Spirit +3 when equipped. Fates
  Sheep Spirit +1 when equipped. Fates
  Beastrune +4 when equipped. Fates
  Iron Shield +4/+2 when equipped. Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, Three Houses
  Rion Shield +2 when equipped. Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Fugue Shield +2 when equipped. Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Royal Shield +3 when equipped. Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Sage's Shield +5 when equipped. Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Duma's Shield +2 when equipped. Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Eleven Shield +4 when equipped. Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Hexlock Shield +2 when equipped. Three Houses
  Aurora Shield +3 when equipped. Three Houses
  Kadmos Shield +3 when equipped. Three Houses
  Lampos Shield +3 when equipped. Three Houses
  Seiros Shield +5 when equipped. Three Houses
Items providing a permanent increase
Item Defense increase Games
  Dracoshield Permanent +3/+4/+2 increase when used. All titles except Gaiden, Genealogy of the Holy War, Thracia 776, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia and Three Houses
  Shield Ring Permanent +2 increase when used. Thracia 776
  Naga's Tear Permanent +2 increase when used. Awakening
  Dragon Herbs Permanent +1 increase when used. Fates
  Ambrosia Permanent +2/+1 increase when used. Echoes: Shadows of Valentia, Three Houses
Items and skills modifying the growth rate
Item/skill Defense growth modification Games
  Pisces Shard +10% to growth rate when in inventory. Mystery of the Emblem, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Taurus Shard +5% to growth rate when in inventory. Mystery of the Emblem, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Gemini Shard +30%/+20% to growth rate when in inventory. Mystery of the Emblem, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Cancer Shard +50% to growth rate when in inventory. Mystery of the Emblem, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Leo Shard -10% to growth rate when in inventory. Mystery of the Emblem, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Virgo Shard -10% to growth rate when in inventory. Mystery of the Emblem, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Capricorn Shard +10% to growth rate when in inventory. Mystery of the Emblem, Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
  Starsphere +30% to growth rate when in inventory. Mystery of the Emblem
  Heim Scroll -10% to growth rate when in inventory. Thracia 776
  Baldr Scroll +5% to growth rate when in inventory. Thracia 776
  Nál Scroll +10% to growth rate when in inventory. Thracia 776
  Njörun Scroll +5% to growth rate when in inventory. Thracia 776
  Dáinn Scroll +30% to growth rate when in inventory. Thracia 776
  Afa's Drops Permanent +5% to growth rate when used. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
  Metis's Tome Permanent +5% to growth rate when used. The Sacred Stones
  Soldier Band +5% to growth rate when in inventory. Path of Radiance
  Knight Band +5% to growth rate when in inventory. Path of Radiance
  Wyvern Band +5% to growth rate when in inventory. Path of Radiance
  Growth Drop Permanent +10% to growth rate when used. New Mystery of the Emblem
  Aptitude +20%/+10% to all growth rates when active. Awakening, Fates, Three Houses
Items and skills providing a temporary boost
Item Defense increase Games
  Ninis's Grace +10 to one adjacent ally for one turn. Activated via the Dance/Play command. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
  Adamant +1 to all allies for the duration of the map*. Shadow Dragon, New Mystery of the Emblem
  Defense Bond +2 for the duration of one mission when used. New Mystery of the Emblem
  Defense Tonic +2 for the duration of one mission when used. New Mystery of the Emblem, Awakening, Fates, Engage
  Rainbow Tonic +2 for the duration of one mission when used. New Mystery of the Emblem, Fates
  Kris's Confect +2 for the duration of one mission when used. Awakening
  Tiki's Tear +2 for the duration of one mission when used. Awakening
  Defender +1 when Pair Up is is in effect. Awakening, Fates
  Special Dance +2 to one adjacent ally for one turn. Activated via the Dance command. Awakening
  Rally Heart +2 to all allied units in a 3-tile radius of the user for one turn. Awakening
  Rally Defense +4 to all allied units in a 3/2-tile radius of the user for one turn/to an adjacent allied unit for one turn. Awakening, Fates, Three Houses
  Rally Spectrum +4/+2 to all allied units in a 3/4-tile radius of the user for one turn. Awakening, Fates
  Armored Blow +10/+6 if unit initiates the combat. Fates, Three Houses
  Defensetaker +2 when defeating an enemy.* Fates
  Staunch Shield +4 for one turn when choosing to wait. Three Houses
  Defiant Defense +8 if HP ≤ 25%. Three Houses
  Absolute Defense +6 to all allied units within its area of effect for one turn. Three Houses
Weapons and skills providing a temporary decrease after use
Item/skill Defense change Games
  Bronze Dagger If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -2 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Iron Dagger If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -3 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Steel Dagger If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Silver Dagger If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Soldier's Knife If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -5 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Fruit Knife If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -3 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Hunter's Knife If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -3 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Kris Knife If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Quill Pen If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -1 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Stale Bread If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -3 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Raider Knife If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -2 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Votive Candle If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -3 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Sacrificial Knife If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -5 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Felicia's Plate If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Jakob's Tray If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Pebble If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Iago's Tome If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Brass Shuriken If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -2 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Iron Shuriken If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -3 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Steel Shuriken If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Silver Shuriken If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Spy's Shuriken If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -5 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Dual Shuriken If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Sting Shuriken If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -3 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Barb Shuriken If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Flame Shuriken If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Chakram If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -6 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Chopstick If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -1 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Hair Pin If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -2 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Caltrop If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -8 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Kaze's Needle If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Saizo's Star If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Kagero's Dart If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -3 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Setsuna's Yumi If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Enfeeble If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates
  Draconic Hex If user survives, inflicts -4 debuff on the target after combat. Fates, Engage
  Seal Defense If user survives/If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -6 debuff on the target after combat. Fates, Three Houses
  Mire Β If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -5 debuff on the target after combat. Three Houses
  Blade Breaker If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -6 debuff on the target after combat. Three Houses
  Shatter Slash If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -5 debuff on the target after combat. Three Houses
  Break Shot If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -5 debuff on the target after combat. Three Houses
  Dust If user's attack hit the target, inflicts -5 debuff on the target after combat. Three Houses
  Flame Breath, Brimstone Breath Inflicts -5 debuff on targets on hit. Three Houses

Flavor text

Game Text
(English)
Text
(Japanese)
The Binding Blade
(Unit stat)
Defensive skill. Reduces
damage from weapons.*
ユニットの守備力です
武器によるダメージを減らします
The Binding Blade
(Detailed combat forecast)
Unit's defense.*
ユニットの守備力です
敵の攻撃によるダメージを減らします
The Blazing Blade
(Unit stat)
Defensive skill. Reduces
damage from weapons.
ユニットの守備力です
武器によるダメージを減らします
The Blazing Blade
(Detailed combat forecast)
Defense.
Decreases damage from attacks.
ユニットの守備力です
敵の攻撃によるダメージを減らします
The Sacred Stones
(Unit stat)
Defensive skill. Reduces
damage from weapons.
ユニットの守備力です
武器によるダメージを減らします
The Sacred Stones
(Detailed combat forecast)
Defense.
Decreases damage from attacks.
ユニットの守備力です
敵の攻撃によるダメージを減らします
Path of Radiance
The unit's ability to defend against attacks.
This reduces damage taken from weapons.
ユニットの守備力です
武器によるダメージを減らします
Radiant Dawn
The unit's ability to defend against
attacks. This reduces damage taken
from weapons.
ユニット自身の守備力
敵からの攻撃によるダメージを減らす
Awakening
Defense. Reduces damage
from physical attacks.
守備 高いほど、敵の剣などの
物理攻撃のダメージを減らせる
Fates
Defense. Reduces damage
from physical attacks.
守備 高いほど、敵の剣などの
物理攻撃のダメージを減らせる
Echoes: Shadows of Valentia
Defense. Reduces damage
from physical attacks.
守備 高いほど、敵の剣などの
物理攻撃のダメージを減らせる
Three Houses
(Defense)
Reduces damage from physical attacks.
守備。高いほど、敵の剣などの
物理攻撃への耐性が高い。
Three Houses
(Protection)
Reduces damage from physical attacks.
高いほど、敵の剣などの
物理攻撃のダメージを減らせる。
Engage
Defense. Reduces damage
from physical attacks.
守備力。高いほど敵の物理攻撃の
ダメージを小さくする

Etymology and other languages

Names, etymology, and in other regions
Language Name Definition, etymology, and notes
English

Defense

--

Japanese

守備
しゅびりょく

• Defense. Used in Mystery of the Emblem and games from Thracia 776 onward.
• Defensive power. Used in Shadow Dragon & the Blade of Light, Gaiden, and Genealogy of the Holy War.

Spanish

Defense

Defense

French

Défense

Defense

German

Verteidigung

Defense

Italian

Abilità di difesa

Defense ability

Dutch

Verdediging

Defense

Korean

수비

Defense

Simplified Chinese

防守

Defense

Traditional Chinese

防守

Defense

Gallery

References

Game mechanics
Out-of-battle management Base (BarracksBase CampBase conversationEveryone's ConditionsExpeditionGarreg Mach Monastery (Abyss) • My CastleSomniel) • Bonus experienceDungeonsGameplay modes (DifficultyCreature CampaignNew Game +) • GoldLessonsMila ShrinesPeddlerPreparationsRenownShopping (ArmoryBargainsForgeItem shopMerchantOnline shopSecret shop) • Supply convoyWorld map
Battles and chapters ArenaBattle saveBossCastleChapter (Alternate routeParalogueSide quest) • ChestCombat forecastEvent tilesHidden treasureObjectivesReinforcementSkirmishTerrain (Hazards) • Turn (Turn rewind) • Weather (Fog of war) • Village
Stats Units ActionAffinityAuthorityBiorhythmCharmClass (Class masteryClass relative powerUnit type) • Constitution (Aid) • DefenseExperienceFollow-up critical multiplierGrowth rateHit pointHoly BloodInventoryLevelLuckMagicMovementProficiencyResistanceSkillSpeedStrengthWeapon levelWeight
Weapons Brave weaponCritical rateDurabilityHitKill bonusMightPersonal weaponsRangeWeapon experienceWeapon levelWeightWorth
Unit mechanics and commands AdjutantAttack (Counterattack) • Auto-BattleBattalion (Gambit) • CantoChain attackChain GuardClass change (Reclass) • Combat artCrestsDance (GaldrarPlaySing) • Death (Decoy) • DismountDragon VeinEmblem RingsFatigueInventoryLaguz transformationLove (JealousyInheritance) • Pair UpRallyRecruitmentRescue (Capture) • Skills (Offensive skill) • SmashStaggering BlowStatus effectsSupportTalkTradeUnit (AvatarBond unitsBonus unitEinherjarLoan unitPrisonerReplacement unitSubstitute character) • Visit
Calculations AttackAttack speedAvoidBonus damageCritical hit (Combination bonusDodgeTriangle Attack) • Hit rate (True hit) • Random number generatorWeapon triangle (Trinity of magic)
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