When people say “Fire Emblem,” what comes to mind is typically a dynamic RPG, single-player experience. This is why it came as a pretty hefty surprise when Japanese players found an online mode in Fire Emblem Fates (released today in Japan as Fire Emblem If).

The online mode utilizes a 5-on-5 deathmatch battle, with either local friends with the game or random or friend-based online play. The 5 characters chosen are all chosen from units in one of your save files. Random battles can be played with standard rules or with item limitations. Additionally, the fog of war effect is disabled during the battles.

Fire Emblem Fates is an upcoming Nintendo 3DS exclusive, releasing in North America and Europe in 2016.