Break is a combat mechanic introduced in Fire Emblem Engage.

Overview

Break is a unique status effect that usually occurs when the combat initiating unit lands a hit on a foe that they have a Weapon Triangle advantage over them. Breaking a foe causes them to be disarmed of their weapon for the remainder of the fight as well as all subsequent attacks against them until the start of their next turn.

While the Weapon Triangle advantage is the most common way to Break a foe, there are other ways to inflict the status. Art Scroll units can break opponents who wield Bows, Tomes, or Daggers if they initiate combat against them. The Fracture staff can break targets. If a Smash Weapon moves an opponent in the direction of an impassible terrain tile, such as a Wall, the target will Break if they already were not.

The initiating unit must hit the foe to inflict the status, so Avoiding the attack will prevent it. Dealing no damage also prevents Breaking even if they meet all other conditions. Engage attacks can break if applicable.

There are also select cases in which case a unit is immune to Break. This includes all Armored Units, as well as any unit positioned on a Fort. The enemy boss-exclusive skill Unbreakable also grants this same immunity.