Fire Emblem Three Houses new classes Trickster, War Monk / Cleric, Dark Flier, Valkyrie explained, and how to get an Abyssian Exam Pass

The new Fire Emblem: Three Houses classes is another reason to give the game another 80 hours of your time.

Introduced as part of the Cindered Shadows DLC, Trickster, War Monk / Cleric, Dark Flier and Valkyrie are initially classes for the four Ashen Wolves - but can be used on other characters in the main game.

This page explains how to get an Abyssian Exam Pass to use each new class, and what the four new classes are best used for.

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If you're looking for assistance elsewhere in the game, our Three Houses Romance options, Three Houses characters list and House choice explainers can help.

How do you unlock the Fire Emblem Three Houses classes Trickster, War Monk / Cleric, Dark Flier and Valkyrie?

First, you need to start the Cindered Shadows DLC. This side story features the Ashen Wolves, and at first, these are the only ones that are able to use these new classes.

However, to access these new DLC classes for yourself in the original game, you must completed Chapter 1 in Cindered Shadows.

Though they are now available, you still to unlock them for your chosen character - which requires them to be level 20, and the use of a new item - the Abyssian Exam Pass.

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How to get an Abyssian Exam Pass in Fire Emblem: Three Houses

One of the easiest ways to get the Abyssian Exam Pass is to recruit all four Ashen Wolves. For each one you recruit, they are carrying an Abyssian Exam Pass on their person which you can use in your certification exams to make your students - or yourself - one of the new classes.

These Abyssian Exam Passes are also available for purchase in Abyss during the main game. The first thing you need to do is head on over to the pagan altar. This can be found marked on your map of Abyss. It's to the left in a single, box room.

Once inside you'll be able to offer items or renown. Choose renown.

Once chosen, you'll be given a menu of characters. Just choose convoy for now as it's always easier to keep things in there.

After that you'll see a list of items, including beginner, advanced, master and, lo and behold, the Abyssian Exam Pass. These cost 750 renown points, so they're pretty pricey!

Now we know how to unlock each new class, here's what they are capable of in closer detail...

Trickster class best uses and base stats in Fire Emblem: Three Houses explained

This class is for a sword user who can use some magic. The Trickster toys with their foes by employing quick movement.

It also requires a Thief certification, meaning that a character must have completed and succeeded the Thief exam, as well as own an Abyssinian Exam pass, before being able to become a Trickster.

Tricksters are incredibly fast, and partnered with their high luck, their chance of getting a critical hit is higher than most classes. Still, they aren't a tank and shouldn't be sent off completely by themselves.

However, with their decent health and speed, they are able to swap places with an ally who finds themselves in a disadvantageous position. This can be particularly useful if you want to save a unit that is particularly powerful from certain death.

It may mean sacrificing the Trickster unit, but hey, Lysithea is the most powerful magic-user in the game. Sacrifices have got to be made!

Trickster base stats:

War Monk / Cleric class best uses and base stats in Fire Emblem: Three Houses explained

The War Monk (male) or War Claric (female) likes to get dirty, either through the use of axes or fists. Either way, someone's about to get hurt.

What sets this class apart from other classes is that this one upholds a devout faith, meaning that they can use some magic.

War Monk / Cleric base stats:

Dark Flier class best uses and base stats in Fire Emblem: Three Houses explained

This class is for female-units only. The Dark Flier rides on a pegasus, the only difference being that the colour is ebony instead of white. Dark Fliers can move again after attacking.

This class is for those who want to wield powerful magic, but get in and out of the battlefield with ease. They still don't do well against bows, but their speed and movement more than makes up for that weakness.

The Dark Flier works particularly well against heavy-armoured units, as they are able to sweep in, demolish those units and then fly away to give backup to other units nearby.

Dark Flier base stats:

Valkyrie class best uses and base stats in Fire Emblem: Three Houses explained

This class is also for female-units only. It has less moment than the Dark Flier, but those taking the Valkyrie class can move again after attacking, as well.

It's very similar to the Dark Flier class, but has less movement and higher reason.

The defence of this class is incredibly low, however, so while you'll have the power to put enemy units down, you should really have backup to get the most out of this class.

Valkyrie base stats:

If you're looking for assistance elsewhere in the game, our Three Houses Romance options, Three Houses characters list and House choice explainers can help.