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Chrom

Chrom (Japanese: クロム, Hepburn: Kuromu) is a fictional character in Nintendo's Fire Emblem video game franchise, developed by Intelligent Systems. He first appeared as one of the two central protagonists in the 2012 Nintendo 3DS title Fire Emblem Awakening. In the game, Chrom is the prince of the Halidom of Ylisse, a descendant of the Hero-King Marth, and the leader of the Shepherds, a militia group dedicated to peacekeeping and defending his homeland from threats. Born on May 27 in Ylisse, Chrom is the younger brother of Exalt Emmeryn and older brother to Princess Lissa; he later becomes the father of Lucina, his daughter from the future who travels back in time to prevent a catastrophic war. Bearing the Mark of the Exalt on his right shoulder—a sign of his royal lineage—Chrom inherits the legendary sword Falchion, a blade capable of slaying dragons and sealing away the Fell Dragon Grima. As a sword-wielding Lord class unit, he is portrayed as noble, approachable, and somewhat clumsy, often breaking objects unintentionally, while leading the Shepherds alongside the amnesiac tactician Robin against undead Risen hordes, the rival kingdom of Plegia, and a divine conspiracy. After Emmeryn's sacrifice, Chrom assumes the role of acting Exalt and safeguards the Fire Emblem—the sacred Binding Shield containing five gemstones—to protect Ylisse, ultimately fulfilling a destiny intertwined with time travel and apocalyptic prophecy. Beyond Awakening, Chrom recurs as a prominent figure across the Fire Emblem series and related titles. In the 2023 game , he manifests as the Emblem of Bonds, a summonable entity via an Emblem Bracelet that pairs his swordsmanship with Robin's magic and strategies, available through . He is playable in the crossover (2014) and (2018), where his moveset emphasizes sword-based aerial attacks and references his Awakening heritage. Additional appearances include the mobile strategy game (2017) as a summonable hero in various forms, the hack-and-slash (2017) as a core playable character, and the JRPG (2015) in a crossover role. Chrom's design and story have contributed to the revitalization of the series, emphasizing themes of bonds, leadership, and legacy.

Conception and development

Creation process

Chrom's conception occurred during the initial planning phase of , which began in 2010 at , with Nintendo's Genki Yokota appointed as the project's external director to oversee development alongside the core team. The game marked a pivotal effort to revitalize the series following modest sales of prior entries, prompting a focus on innovative narrative structures while adhering to traditions. As the central protagonist, Chrom was envisioned as the prince of Ylisse and leader of the Shepherds, positioned as a non-tactician figure, with the player embodying the amnesiac tactician Robin who serves as Chrom's strategic advisor, thereby emphasizing Chrom's role as a unifying commander driven by duty and personal growth. Kouhei Maeda, Intelligent Systems' director and lead scenario writer, crafted the foundational story outline during 2010–2011 brainstorming sessions, integrating themes of legacy, familial bonds, and time travel—particularly through Chrom's future daughter Lucina—to explore motifs of defying fate and building alliances. The process involved collaborative document reviews to ensure character consistency, with Maeda prioritizing narrative elements that complemented gameplay, such as Chrom's leadership in fostering unit supports. Yokota highlighted Chrom's thematic significance, stating, "I like the way Chrom and Marth’s lines about changing or challenging fate really describe the whole game," underscoring how his arc reinforced the title's core message of hope amid despair. From proposal to approval, the ideation phase spanned approximately one and a half years, culminating in a script refined by a dedicated writing team to balance epic scope with intimate character moments. In terms of broader recognition, Chrom was initially planned for inclusion in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U but was ultimately excluded in 2014, as director determined he would overlap too closely with sword fighters Marth and , lacking sufficiently unique mechanics to justify a slot.

Design and voice acting

Chrom's visual design was crafted by Yusuke Kozaki, who served as the lead character designer and illustrator for , creating visuals for approximately 60 characters to balance appeal for newcomers and series veterans. Kozaki's work on the title evolved through iterative sketches and concepts, as documented in the official art book The Art of Fire Emblem Awakening, which features early designs, alternate outfits, and final models for key figures including Chrom. Chrom appears with distinctive blue hair, ornate royal attire in blue and silver tones, and the signature sword at his side, embodying the noble bearing of the series' traditional protagonists. In terms of , Chrom was first voiced in by for his debut in in 2012, with Sugita reprising the role in subsequent titles and spin-offs. Sugita's performance brings a suitable for Chrom's youthful yet resolute demeanor, consistent across portrayals in games like . For the English localization of Awakening released in 2013, provided Chrom's voice, emphasizing a blend of relatable heroism and emotional nuance to make the character accessible and engaging for Western audiences. Mercer described his approach as portraying Chrom as "young, but [with] a good head on his shoulders," capturing the prince's amid personal challenges. Both actors have continued voicing Chrom in later media, maintaining continuity in his auditory portrayal. Chrom's design has seen adaptations and tweaks in other media. In Fire Emblem Heroes, he features multiple variants, including the Rearmed Chrom (Fell Exalt) introduced in the 2023 "New Heroes & Rearmed Chrom" summoning banner and rerun in 2024, which alters his appearance with darker, corrupted elements while retaining core visual motifs like his armor and sword. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018), Chrom's model draws directly from Kozaki's Awakening artwork, incorporating unique idle animations such as a confident sword flourish and agile recovery motions tailored to his knightly style, alongside a team-based Final Smash with Robin. As of 2025, Chrom appeared in Fire Emblem Heroes' events with new seasonal variants, such as the "Pivotal Blow" iteration, featuring fresh voice lines recorded by Sugita and Mercer to suit thematic contexts like festive or alternate-world scenarios.

Appearances

Fire Emblem Awakening

Chrom is introduced as the prince of the Halidom of Ylisse, a peaceful kingdom modeled after the ideals of its ancient founder, the Hero-King Marth, from whom Chrom descends as the inheritor of the legendary blade Falchion, once used to seal away the Fell Dragon Grima. As the younger brother of the reigning Exalt Emmeryn and the elder brother to Princess Lissa, Chrom embodies the royal lineage's commitment to diplomacy and protection of the realm. When tensions escalate with the aggressive neighboring kingdom of Plegia, which seeks to revive Grima and unleash chaos, Chrom forms and leads the Shepherds, a volunteer militia of knights, mages, and civilians dedicated to defending Ylisse from invasion and supernatural threats. Throughout the story, Chrom's journey centers on recruiting allies and forging bonds amid escalating conflicts, beginning with the rescue and enlistment of Robin, an amnesiac tactician found unconscious on a , whose strategic expertise becomes indispensable to the Shepherds. The narrative arc incorporates time-travel elements, as future descendants, including Chrom's own daughter Lucina—a skilled swordfighter bearing the royal Brand of the Exalt—arrive to aid in averting a doomed timeline marked by Grima's dominance. Key events unfold through a series of confrontations and alliances, culminating in epic battles that determine Ylisse's survival and the balance between human resolve and draconic forces, all while Chrom grapples with his responsibilities as a leader and heir. Chrom's relationships form a core pillar of his development, highlighting his close familial ties with Emmeryn, whose pacifist rule inspires his sense of duty, and Lissa, whose youthful energy provides emotional support within the Shepherds. His leadership fosters deep camaraderie among the group, but also introduces romantic possibilities with various allies, which can lead to the birth of second-generation units, such as , emphasizing generational continuity and the personal stakes of war. These dynamics underscore Chrom's growth from a somewhat impulsive noble to a resolute commander balancing protection, loyalty, and foresight. Fire Emblem Awakening, Chrom's debut title, was released in on April 19, 2012, followed by on February 4, 2013, and on April 19, 2013. Chrom's arc uniquely weaves themes of —exploring how legacies of heroism and burden pass across generations—and , as characters confront the costs of and familial in a world teetering on apocalypse.

Other Fire Emblem titles

In (2015), Chrom makes a cameo appearance in the free DLC map "Ghostly Gold," where Corrin and their allies encounter an Outrealm Gate leading to a phantom version of Ylisse, allowing brief interaction with Chrom, Lissa, and as allied NPCs who assist in battle but cannot be recruited. This multiverse connection subtly links the kingdom of Ylisse to the continent of Nohr, emphasizing interdimensional themes without deeper narrative integration. Chrom features prominently in (2023) as the Emblem of Bonds, accessible via DLC Wave 3's Bracelet of Exalt, which also houses Robin's spirit and enables units to Engage for enhanced sword-based combat, including the signature skill that combines and effects for simultaneous damage and healing. In the Fell Xenologue DLC storyline, the bracelet appears as a key artifact in the alternate ruined world of Elyos, with Chrom providing tactical support during pivotal battles against corrupted forces. Since its launch in 2017, has featured Chrom as a summonable in numerous variants, starting with his base Exalted form, followed by seasonal iterations like Spring Exalt (2017) and Gifted Leader ( variant, 2018), Crowned Exalt (2021), and more recent additions such as Rearmed Fell Exalt (2024). These versions participate in ongoing events that expand on Awakening's lore, including duo units with Robin that explore themes of fate and camaraderie through special story chapters.

Crossover appearances

Chrom first appeared outside the series in the crossover tactical role-playing game , released in 2015 for , where he serves as a playable paired unit alongside his daughter Lucina, engaging in battles with characters from , , and franchises. In the 2015 crossover JRPG for (with an enhanced Encore version for in 2019), Chrom appears as a Mirage, a spiritual partner that the protagonist Itsuki Aoi can form a pact with. As a Lord-class Mirage, he grants sword-based physical attacks and support skills inspired by his Awakening abilities, fitting into the game's idol-themed battles against interdimensional threats. In 2017, Chrom became a playable in , a musou-style co-developed by , , and , blending elements from and with mechanics. Integrated into the crossover storyline involving multiversal threats, Chrom wields his signature and employs Awakening-specific skills like Armsthrift, which prevents weapon degradation, allowing for sustained combat performance in large-scale battles. Chrom's most prominent non-Fire Emblem appearance came in (2018) for , marking his debut as a fully playable in the series after an initial echo fighter consideration. His moveset draws directly from , incorporating rapid sword combos for standard attacks, an up special reflecting his critical hit animation, and a Final Smash called Exalted that summons spectral allies for a devastating multi-hit assault. Notably, Chrom was excluded from for / (2014) due to similarities with existing Fire Emblem s like Marth, despite fan following Awakening's popularity. Additional cameo roles include a brief appearance in (2018) for , where Chrom features in a microgame parodying combat mechanics, requiring players to execute sword strikes against foes. The Chrom figure, released in 2017 as part of the and lines, extends his presence across Nintendo titles from 2015 onward, such as unlocking exclusive weapons or bonuses in compatible games like and providing in-game rewards when scanned in .

Characterization and gameplay

Personality and role

Chrom is depicted as an idealistic and compassionate leader who wears his heart on his sleeve, always prioritizing the well-being of his friends and comrades above all else. Despite his noble status as prince of Ylisse, he maintains a disarmingly approachable demeanor, often struggling with courtly language and exhibiting a clumsy tendency to accidentally break objects around him. This blend of earnestness and hot-headed impulsivity highlights his emotional depth, contrasting sharply with the strategic restraint of his tactician, Robin, and underscoring his personal growth from initial naivety to steadfast resolve amid wartime pressures. Thematically, Chrom serves as a symbol of hope and unbroken lineage within the Fire Emblem series, inheriting the legendary blade Falchion from his ancestor, the Hero-King Marth, and bearing the Brand of the Exalt that marks his destined role in combating ancient evils like the Fell Dragon Grima. His narrative explores the burdens of leadership in a war-torn world, where he assumes the mantle of acting Exalt after his sister Emmeryn's sacrifice, rallying the Shepherds against threats such as Plegia's plots and the undead Risen. This role emphasizes themes of challenging fate, as exemplified in his pivotal confrontations that echo the series' motifs of heroism and redemption. Key relationships define Chrom's interpersonal dynamics, including a protective with his Lucina, who travels from the to avert his foretold and safeguard their . His close with Robin evolves into mutual support, potentially blossoming into romance that reinforces themes of and emotional vulnerability. Additionally, his rivalry with the Grimleal leader Validar intensifies the stakes of his destiny, culminating in a fateful battle where Chrom's survival hinges on altering a prophesied demise. In subsequent media like , Chrom's portrayal gains deeper emotional layers through event stories that reflect on his post-Awakening experiences, portraying a more reflective leader grappling with the lasting impacts of war and family.

In-game mechanics

In , Chrom begins as a level 1 , a sword-locked that emphasizes close-range with high base strength and speed, making him a frontline fighter from the outset. His growth rates reflect a balanced yet physical focus, with 85% in , 60% in strength, , and speed, 70% in , but only 10% in , 45% in , and 25% in , which encourages players to pair him with magical or defensive allies to cover weaknesses. He promotes to Great Lord using a Master Seal at level 10 or higher, gaining access to lances alongside swords and learning signature skills such as at —allowing him to attack twice in succession, with the first strike healing him for 50% of the damage dealt and the second ignoring half the enemy's —and Rightful King at level 15, which provides a +5 damage bonus when fighting enemies wielding the . Chrom's secondary sets include (promoting to or Great Knight) and Archer (promoting to or Bow Knight), offering versatility in mounted or ranged roles without access to magical classes. The serves as Chrom's exclusive personal weapon early in , a effective against wyverns and Risen with innate critical potential, underscoring his role in endgame boss fights where it becomes essential for slaying unpromotable foes. This design promotes tactical usage, as Chrom's high speed and strength growths (both 60%) enable reliable double attacks, but his low and resistance necessitate support from units like the (Robin) for optimal performance, integrating into the game's pairing and systems where his influences unit . Overall, Chrom's balance solo durability with team dependency, high and mitigating risks while low growths (45%) reward strategic positioning. In , Chrom appears as an Emblem ring, equippable by any unit to grant and tome proficiencies along with abilities like (preventing enemy counterattacks when initiating from terrain that provides an Avoid bonus) and Rally Spectrum (boosting nearby allies' stats). When engaged, units perform the Giga Levin Sword attack, a magic-infused strike that uses the unit's physical attack power. At Bond Level 15, the becomes available as an engage weapon, effective against dragons, echoing Chrom's heritage with the blade from Awakening. This adaptation emphasizes Chrom's tactical synergy, particularly with Emblem Robin for chain attacks under the Other Half skill, influencing Engage's bond level system for amplified effects. Chrom features prominently in Fire Emblem Heroes with multiple variants, including the Legendary Hero Chrom: Crowned Exalt (introduced in 2020), a blue armored sword unit with Exalted Falchion that neutralizes penalties and inflicts stat reductions on high-HP foes, refined for arena viability through skills like Blue Flame for area damage. A Rearmed variant added in September 2025 provides an additional movement command via its unique assist skill and improved anti-dragon effects, updating his kit for modes like Aether Raids with stat boosts. These iterations highlight Chrom's enduring gameplay impact, promoting sword-focused offense and support in the gacha-based summoning and PvP systems.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon the release of Fire Emblem Awakening in 2013, critics lauded Chrom's design as a relatable and noble protagonist, emphasizing his heroic archetype while noting its familiarity within the series. IGN highlighted Chrom's fitting role as a "trusting yet noble" leader with strong swordsmanship skills, contributing to the game's engaging narrative and production values that earned it a 9.6/10 score. GameSpot echoed this sentiment in its 8.5/10 review, praising the overall cast's depth, including Chrom's central leadership in the Shepherds, which enhanced the tactical storytelling. However, some outlets critiqued his reliance on classic tropes, such as the idealistic blue-haired prince, with GamingBolt observing that while the voice acting—featuring Matthew Mercer in English and Tomokazu Sugita in Japanese—was mostly strong, certain characterizations risked feeling stereotypical. In spin-off titles, reception to Chrom's gameplay contributions was generally positive but mixed regarding originality. The 2017 crossover received acclaim for its action-oriented combat, with (8/10) specifically appreciating Chrom's flashy special attacks and dynamic presence among the roster, which added flair to the hack-and-slash battles. Conversely, Chrom's inclusion as an Echo Fighter in (2018) drew mixed feedback; noted the abundance of Fire Emblem characters led to perceptions of redundancy, as Chrom's moveset closely mirrored Roy's while visually echoing Marth's style, limiting innovation despite solid execution. Broader critical analysis has positioned Chrom as a pivotal figure in evolving the series' protagonists. A 2023 retrospective on the franchise's history credited Awakening's leads, including Chrom, with diversifying lord archetypes by blending traditional nobility with personal vulnerabilities, helping revitalize the series post its near-cancellation. In Fire Emblem Engage (2023), Polygon's review commended the Emblem Ring system featuring Chrom for evoking nostalgia through his heroic interventions in battles, reinforcing his enduring impact on gameplay mechanics without overshadowing newer elements. As of 2025, ongoing content in has sparked critiques of Chrom's variant implementations behind gacha paywalls, with outlets like Life highlighting balance issues in recent banners that prioritize premium summons over accessibility, though his core design remains a fan-favorite staple.

Fan popularity

Chrom has demonstrated significant fan popularity within the Fire Emblem series, particularly following the release of . In the inaugural Choose Your Legends poll for in 2017, Chrom ranked fourth among male characters with 23,803 votes out of over 500,000 total submissions, highlighting his strong appeal among global fans. His variants have also performed well in subsequent in-game events; for instance, the Rearmed Chrom banner in 2024 achieved high grossing rankings on app stores, driven by Chrom's enduring draw alongside Lucina, underscoring consistent summon interest. Fan engagement with Chrom extends to vibrant community activities, including at major conventions. At Prime 2013, shortly after Awakening's English localization, groups of cosplayers portrayed Chrom alongside other Shepherds characters, reflecting early enthusiasm in North American fan circles. Post-localization fan art saw a notable surge on platforms like , with artwork emphasizing Chrom's design and relationships, contributing to his culture in the early 2010s. Memes often centered on his expressions and catchphrase "Just Chrom!", originating from posts and around 2013-2014 that humorously depicted his personality. Nintendo's promotional efforts have further amplified Chrom's visibility, positioning him as a central figure of leadership in Awakening's 2012 marketing. Trailers from presentations that year, such as the October 25 reveal, showcased Chrom leading the Shepherds against threats, emphasizing his heroic role to build anticipation. His figure from the series was released on October 20, 2017, compatible with multiple titles and boosting merchandise-driven promotion. In 2025, featured events like the Weave of Fate banner with a "Fated Honor" variant of Chrom, tying into the hype for the upcoming Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave and enhancing his relevance ahead of the 2026 release. Chrom's legacy includes influencing subsequent Fire Emblem protagonists through his archetype as a noble, sword-wielding lord with personal growth arcs, seen in characters like those in Fire Emblem: Three Houses who echo his themes of familial duty and alliance-building. Merchandise such as the Empty Chara-Forme figure of Chrom, released around 2014 alongside Awakening promotions, and soundtracks like the Fire Emblem: Awakening Original Soundtrack featuring his themes such as "You Are My Friend," have cemented his cultural footprint among collectors and fans.