Yato

Yato (夜刀神 Yato-no-kami, lit. Night Sword God) is a Katana that is exclusive to Fire Emblem Fates. Exclusively wielded by the Avatar, Yato is known to assume multiple forms depending on the route selected by the player.

Profile
Yato appears at the end of Chapter 5 after the Hooded Man wielding Ganglari has been defeated and the Avatar has been calmed down by Azura. Revealed after the explosion incited by Ganglari destroys the torso of a statue, Yato then levitates towards the Avatar, appearing as if it is choosing them to wield it.

The Omega form of the Yato is the Fire Emblem of Fates.

Birthright
At the end of Chapter 19, the Avatar meets with the Rainbow Sage. During this meeting, the Yato reacts with Takumi's Fujin Yumi, transforming into its Noble version.

During the confrontation with Garon in Chapter 27, the Yato again reacts, this time with Ryoma's Raijinto, transforming into the Blazing version.

Conquest
At the end of Chapter 14, while speaking with Leo, the Yato reacts with Leo's Brynhildr, transforming into its Grim Version.

After Garon's identity has been exposed in Chapter 27, the Yato reacts with Xander's Siegfried, transforming into the Shadow version.

Revelation
At the end of Chapter 15, the Avatar meets with the Rainbow Sage. The Rainbow Sage uses the last of his powers to transform Yato into its Alpha version.

After Anankos reveals himself in Chapter 27, the Yato reacts with all four weapons, transforming into its Omega version, the Fire Emblem.

Heirs of Fate
In an alternate future where the parents of the Fates children go missing when protecting them, both genders of Kana are bequeathed Yato by the Avatar to protect them.

In Heirs of Fate 1: In Endless Dreams, the female Kana's Yato reacts to Kiragi's Fujin Yumi, transforming Yato into the Noble Yato.

In Heirs of Fate 2: Realms Collide, the male Kana's Yato reacts to Forrest's Brynhildr, transforming Yato into the Grim Yato.

In Heirs of Fate 3: The Changing Tide, the female Kana's Noble Yato reacts to Shiro's Raijinto, transforming Yato into the Blazing Yato.

In Heirs of Fate 4: Light's Sacrifice, the male Kana's Grim Yato reacts to Siegbert's Siegfried, transforming Yato into the Shadow Yato.

Weapon Stats
Being a Katana, while equipped, Yato always reduces its wielder's Defense and Resistance by 1, while increasing their Speed by 1.

The Noble, Blazing, Grim, Shadow, Alpha and Omega versions of the weapon grant their Strength, Speed, Defense, and Resistance bonuses while they are in their owner's inventory, even if they are not, or cannot be, equipped.

Normal Version

 * Event
 * Chapter 5 - End of chapter.
 * }

Noble Version

 * Event
 * Birthright Chapter 19 - End of chapter.
 * }

Blazing Version

 * Event
 * Birthright Chapter 27 - Start of chapter.
 * }

Grim Version

 * Event
 * Conquest Chapter 14 - End of chapter.
 * }

Shadow Version

 * Event
 * Conquest Chapter 27 - Start of chapter.
 * }

Alpha Version

 * Event
 * Revelation Chapter 15 - End of Chapter.
 * }

Omega Version

 * Event
 * Revelation Chapter 27 - Start of Chapter.
 * }

Non-Canon Appearances
The Omega form of Yato is wielded by Corrin in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.

Etymology
Yato is simply a shortened version of its Japanese name, Yato-no-kami.

Trivia

 * Yato's hilt is modeled after a vajra (meaning both thunderbolt and diamond), a ritualistic implement in Buddhist and Hindu beliefs meant to symbolize firmness of spirit and spiritual power.
 * Yato has the most variations out of any weapon in the Fire Emblem franchise with 7 different forms.