The results of the highly anticipated Fire Emblem Engage character popularity poll, conducted by Nintendo Dream magazine in early 2026, have finally been unveiled, offering a fascinating glimpse into the hearts of fans. This exclusive poll, which surveyed readers in Japan, featured 39 characters from the tactical RPG that has captivated players since its release. The rankings reveal not just which heroes and royals have won over the player base, but also hint at the qualities that make a Fire Emblem character truly memorable. What does it take to climb to the top of such a competitive list? Is it sheer battlefield prowess, compelling personal stories, or an irresistible charm that defies logic? Let's explore the top 10 most beloved characters from Elyos.

#10: Ivy, The Elusian Crown Princess

Claiming the tenth spot is the formidable Ivy, Crown Princess of the Elusia Kingdom. Her journey from antagonist to ally is a central narrative arc, as she joins Alear's cause after the pivotal events of Chapter 11. This complex redemption story clearly resonated with voters. On the battlefield, Ivy is a force of nature. Beginning as a Wing Tamer and promoting to the powerful Lindwurm class, she dominates the skies while wielding devastating tomes and supportive staves. Her blend of narrative depth and tactical utility makes her a standout character.

#9: Veyle, The Fell Child

In ninth place is Veyle, a character defined by internal conflict. As Sombron's child and Alear's sister, she grapples with a dual nature—her innate kindness versus a darker personality imposed upon her. Her struggle for autonomy and eventual alliance with Alear to confront her past creates a deeply emotional storyline. As a unique Fell Child unit, her gameplay mechanics are as distinctive as her story. She exhibits a rare proficiency with Emblems, making her a versatile and potent asset in any team composition, adept with both tomes and knives.

#8: Pandreo, The Energetic Priest

A surprise entry in the eighth position is Pandreo, Fogado's retainer from Solm. His high ranking is a testament to how a character's battlefield performance can skyrocket their popularity. Beyond his lively and infectious personality, Pandreo is an exceptionally useful unit. Starting as a High Priest, he provides unparalleled support with access to Tomes, Staves, and Arts, offering healing, offensive magic, and chain attack capabilities all in one package. His backstory, involving leaving and later returning to lead his family's church, adds a layer of relatable depth to this fan-favorite support character.

#7: Celine, The Graceful Princess of Firene

Princess Celine of the Firene Kingdom secures the seventh spot. She embodies the classic noble archetype with a heartfelt twist: a deep devotion to her kingdom and a constant, caring worry for her older brother Alfred's health. Her love for tea and graceful demeanor make her an instantly likable character. In combat, she is far from delicate. Progressing from a Noble to the formidable Vidame class, Celine becomes a potent hybrid unit, skillfully blending swordplay with magical prowess from tomes, while still offering support with staves.

#6: Sommie, The Adorable Mascot

Proving that popularity isn't always about combat stats, the enigmatic Sommie captured the sixth place! This small, charming creature resides in the Somniel and serves as a delightful companion. Players can bond with Sommie by feeding and petting it, and even dress it up with various accessories. Originally Lumera's companion, it eventually follows Alear, offering assistance in mini-games and a constant source of cute interactions. Sommie's presence is a reminder of the lighter, more personal moments in Engage, and its high ranking shows how much players value these heartfelt connections.

#5: Yunaka, The Quirky Enigma

Breaking into the top five is the unforgettable Yunaka, whom players meet early in their quest. Her instant popularity can be attributed to her incredibly unique and quirky personality, marked by a distinctive speech pattern that fans found endlessly endearing. She is a character full of mystery and charm. As a unit, she excels in her role. Starting as a Thief, Yunaka is a master of the knife, relying on her exceptional speed and dexterity to outmaneuver foes rather than overpower them, making her a reliable and stylish combatant.

#4: Alcryst, The Self-Doubting Prince

The fourth most popular character is Alcryst, the second prince of Brodia. His appeal lies in his profound and relatable character development. Plagued by crippling self-doubt and feelings of inferiority next to his accomplished brother Diamant, Alcryst's journey through his support conversations is one of gradual self-acceptance and growing confidence. This emotional arc clearly struck a chord with players. He also happens to be one of the game's premier archers. Progressing from Lord to the elite Tireur d'élite class, Alcryst can eliminate threats from a distance with terrifying efficiency.

#3: Alfred, The Flower-Loving Crown Prince

The bronze medal goes to Alfred, the Crown Prince of Firene. As one of Alear's first allies, Alfred's optimistic spirit and unexpected passion for flowers make him a wonderfully layered character. He is often cited as one of the game's best-written personalities, combining royal duty with a genuine, gentle heart. This narrative strength is matched by his strength on the battlefield. A cavalry unit through and through, Alfred promotes from Noble to the unique Avenir class, becoming a mobile and powerful force skilled with both lance and sword.

#2: Diamant, The Stalwart Crown Prince

The runner-up is the unflappable Diamant, Crown Prince of Brodia. He represents the ideal of a strong, calm, and compassionate leader. His seriousness is balanced by a deep kindness, particularly seen in his supportive relationship with his younger brother Alcryst. Diamant joins the army with impressively high base stats, immediately establishing himself as a cornerstone of any player's team. His class progression from Lord to Successor unlocks the use of axes alongside swords, making him an incredibly versatile and durable physical powerhouse.

#1: Alear, The Divine Dragon

Topping the poll, perhaps unsurprisingly, is the game's protagonist, Alear. In this poll, the male and female versions of the character were combined into a single entry. As the avatar through which players experience the story of Elyos, Alear's journey from uncertainty to legendary hero naturally fostered a strong connection with the audience. From a gameplay perspective, Alear is consistently useful and engaging to control. Starting as a Dragon Child and promoting to the iconic Divine Dragon class, Alear possesses high speed, dexterity, and the unique ability to utilize Emblems to their fullest potential, later gaining access to Arts.

The 2026 popularity poll ultimately highlights the diverse reasons players fall in love with Fire Emblem characters. From the strategic depth of units like Pandreo and Ivy to the emotional narratives of Alcryst and Veyle, and even the pure charm of Sommie, the results celebrate the rich tapestry that makes Fire Emblem Engage a standout title in the storied franchise. As the game continues to be enjoyed by players, these characters' legacies are firmly cemented in fan admiration.

The analysis is based on Game Developer, a respected source for industry news and developer insights. Their features on Fire Emblem Engage have explored how character popularity is often shaped by a blend of narrative depth, unique gameplay mechanics, and the emotional resonance of support conversations—factors clearly reflected in the 2026 poll results, where both main characters and unexpected favorites like Sommie earned top spots due to their memorable design and player interaction opportunities.