Recruitment in Three Houses is slightly different compared to other games in the series. During Chapter 1 (4th month), you will choose one of the eponymous Three Houses to lead. After choosing a house, you will automatically recruit all 8 characters from that house.

From Chapter 2 (5th month), while exploring the monastery, there will be an option to “Recruit” characters from other houses (and some faculty members) when you speak to them. The character will only join you if one of the protagonist’s stats and skill levels (just Level for faculty members) both meet their expectations. (Additional notes)

If you fail to meet the requirements, the option to Recruit will become unavailable for the current weekend. The same thing will also occur if you meet the requirements but decline the character’s offer to join you. Should either of these occur, don’t worry, as the option will become available again the following weekend. Characters from other houses (not faculty members) can also temporarily join you for the duration of the current month if you choose the “Mission Assistance” option. In this state, you can use them during battles only and they will not gain experience points, but will gain support points instead. Only one character can be “borrowed” per month.

Lowering the Requirements

The recruitment conditions are lowered according to the protagonist’s support level with the character. With an A support (available via New Game+), the conditions will be lowered to nothing.

Note: C+ and B+ support levels can be viewed via the “Share a Meal” or “Choir Practice” menu (by pressing the X button). Support Level Skill Level required None D C B B+ C D C C+ B C+ D D+ C C+ B E+ D D+ D+ B+ E+ E+ D D+ A Any Any Any Any Support Level Level or Stat value required None 10 15 20 25 30 C 8 12 16 20 24 C+ 6 9 12 15 18 B 4 6 8 10 12 B+ 2 3 4 5 6 A Any Any Any Any Any : C+ and B+ support levels can be viewed via the “Share a Meal” or “Choir Practice” menu (by pressing the X button).

Automatically recruiting with B supports

Furthermore, if you achieve a B or higher support level with a character from another house (not faculty members), during any free weekday (Monday through Saturday), there is a low chance that the character will offer to join your house.

This method completely ignores the normal requirements for recruiting a character. However, it can be inconsistent–you may get no requests, one or even multiple in the same week. (Additional notes)

This method also does not work for Caspar or Ferdinand, as you can only reach B support with them during Part 2 (unless you unlock an existing B support via New Game+).

Notes:

Stat boosts from being in a particular class do not count towards the requirements (if in doubt, reclass to Commoner). Nor do abilities that boost stats.

Black Eagles

All of the characters here will automatically join you if you choose to lead the Black Eagles. Otherwise, refer to their recruitment conditions.

Name Class From Chapter Recruitment (Notes) Edelgard Noble – Cannot be recruited

(Leaves your party if you choose to [spoiler] ally with the church during Chapter 11) Hubert Noble – Cannot be recruited

(Leaves your party if you choose to [spoiler] ally with the church during Chapter 11) Ferdinand Noble 2 Need 10 Dexterity and C in Heavy Armour Linhardt Noble 2 Need 10 Magic and C in Reason Caspar Noble 2 Need 10 Strength and C in Brawling Bernadetta Noble 2 Need 20 Strength and C in Bow Dorothea Commoner 2 Need 25 Charm and B in Authority Petra Commoner 2 Need 10 Dexterity and C in Riding

Blue Lions

All of the characters here will automatically join you if you choose to lead the Blue Lions. Otherwise, refer to their recruitment conditions.

Name Class From Chapter Recruitment (Notes) Dimitri Noble – Cannot be recruited Dedue Commoner – Cannot be recruited Felix Noble 2 Need 15 Speed and B+ in Sword Ashe Commoner 2 Need 15 Charm and C in Lance

(Unless Edelgard or Dimitri are present, leaves your party once Part 2 begins. Can be recruited again by defeating him in Chapter 15.) Sylvain Noble 2 Need 25 Charm and C in Reason

(If protagonist is female, automatically joins) Mercedes Commoner 2 Need 15 Magic and C in Bow Annette Noble 2 Need 10 Magic and B in Faith Ingrid Noble 2 Need 15 Dexterity and D in Flying

Golden Deer

All of the characters here will automatically join you if you choose to lead the Golden Deer. Otherwise, refer to their recruitment conditions.

Name Class From Chapter Recruitment (Notes) Claude Noble – Cannot be recruited Lorenz Noble 2 Need 20 Charm and C in Reason

(Unless Edelgard or Claude are present, leaves your party once Part 2 begins. Can be recruited again by defeating him in Chapter 16.) Raphael Commoner 2 Need 20 Strength and C in Heavy Armour Ignatz Commoner 2 Need 10 Dexterity and B in Authority Lysithea Noble 2 Need 15 Magic and B in Faith

(If Edelgard is present, can also be recruited by defeating her in Chapter 14.) Marianne Noble 2 Need 10 Magic and C in Riding Hilda Noble 2 Need 30 Charm and C in Axe

(If leading the Black Eagles, cannot be recruited until Chapter 12, after [spoiler] allying with the church ) Leonie Commoner 2 Need 15 Strength and C in Lance

Church of Seiros