The Fire Emblem series uses a turn-based strategy system for its gameplay, arming the player with a dozen or so characters (each with their own strengths and abilities) to fight an opposing army in a chess-like arena. The latest game in the franchise, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, lives up to its predecessors with its exciting battle maps that pit your characters against nigh-impossible odds and require careful planning to master. Let’s check out some of our favorites!

The Fire Emblem series is no stranger to branched storytelling—Shadows of Valentia featured two interlocking tales and Fates forced you to choose between two opposing armies (with a secret third option available afterward), but Three Houses tops them all with four separate story campaigns. Whether you choose to lead the Black Eagles (which has two paths), the Blue Lions, or the Golden Deer, you’ll find a 40+ hour route ahead of you with different twists and turns.

So then, what’s the best way to play Fire Emblem: Three Houses? If you’re only going to go down one route, which one should it be? And which full order offers the best story experience? Here’s what we prefer!