Prepare for an epic adventure in Metaphor: ReFantazio, a game with some pretty unique mechanics that borrow and build from previous games in the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series. Get ready for some unique gameplay twists that might even leave you surprised!
Archetypes Explained
One of the coolest features in Metaphor: ReFantazio is the Archetypes system. It's similar to Personas but has key differences. These Archetypes are powerful entities your characters can transform into to boost their battle prowess. Each Archetype specializes in different attack types or buffs; your main character starts with Seeker, specializing in Wind attacks and healing.
Unlocking Archetypes
Unlike Persona games where you fuse Personas, in Metaphor: ReFantazio, you unlock Archetypes via character bonding called "Followers." There are 14 base Archetypes to unlock, and each evolves into two stronger forms: Adept and Elite. For example, Gunner evolves to Sniper, then Dragoon. Any party member can use any unlocked Archetype, but switching uses MAG (magic points). It’s best to stick with an Archetype for a while to unlock its full potential. A character called More in Akademeia acts like Igor from Persona games, helping you manage your Archetypes.
Archetype Story
Here's where Archetypes stand apart. They're the spirits of past heroes and kings, giving your characters strength through their essence. In Persona, Personas are tied to the user's subconscious or creatures they absorb. Metaphor: ReFantazio's Archetypes feel much more narratively significant, adding layers to your experience and improving the quality!
All the Archetypes
There are 14 Archetype lineages in the game with a total of 44 different Archetypes in total. They're all unlocked by reaching Bond level 1 with different characters, both through natural story progression and through your efforts. Every Archetype has a speciality, and their advanced forms unlock powerful new skills such as new attacks, buffs, debuffs and special passive abilities.
- Seeker (Wind & Healing): Bond level 1 with More
- Mage (Fire, Ice, Electric): Bond level 1 with Gallica
- Warrior (Slash attacks): Bond level 1 with Strohl
- Knight (Aggro): Bond level 1 with Hulkenberg
- Thief (Dark attacks & Stealing): Bond level 1 with Heismay
- Masked Dancer (Mask-based skill changes): Bond level 1 with Junah
- Summoner (Summoning): Bond level 1 with Eupha
- Berserker (Attack buffs): Bond level 1 with Basilio
- Healer (Healing & Light attacks): Bond level 1 with Maria
- Gunner (Long-range attacks): Bond level 1 with Neuras
- Brawler (Attack Buffs): Bond level 1 with Catherina
- Faker (Debuffs): Bond level 1 with Alonzo
- Merchant (Drop rate & Buffs): Bond level 1 with Brigitta
- Commander (Formation skills): Bond level 1 with Bardon
Character Archetype Combinations
All main party members in Metaphor: ReFantazio can use any unlocked Archetype, but experimentation is key to finding the best combinations. Some characters naturally fit certain Archetypes better, creating awesome synergies to defeat enemies and conquer tough bosses. Mastering this allows for amazing gameplay. Even if you choose one type for a while! Once a party member is fully levelled, they will unlock more potential, which helps make this really engaging and awesome!
- Protagonist: Seeker
- Gallica: Mage
- Strohl: Warrior
- Hulkenberg: Knight
- Heismay: Thief
- Junah: Masked Dancer
- Eupha: Summoner
Remember Grius is playable but temporary, so not on this list. Explore different combos to conquer Metaphor: ReFantazio's world!
