Selecting the appropriate Archetype for each character in Metaphor: ReFantazio can significantly influence your combat strategy. Every character specializes in unique aspects, and pairing them with the most suitable Archetype empowers you to maximize their capabilities. Whether your approach leans towards magic-oriented tactics or sturdy defenders, this guide will assist you in determining the ideal Archetype for every playable character.
Optimal Archetypes for Each Character in Metaphor: ReFantazio
In Metaphor: ReFantazio, each character is associated with different lineages that unlock robust Archetypes. These Archetypes not only dictate your character’s fighting style but also emphasize various attributes such as magical prowess, physical attacks, or defensive skills. By visiting the More section in Akademia, you can unlock upgrades for these Archetypes or change a character’s Archetype entirely.
Let’s explore the most effective Archetypes for all combat-ready characters, starting with the Protagonist.
The Protagonist – Mage
The Mage Archetype suits the Protagonist perfectly as it exploits elemental vulnerabilities. With a repertoire that includes fire, ice, and lightning magic, you can effectively confront diverse foes, particularly since many adversaries within Metaphor: ReFantazio are weak against these elements. The Mage Lineage emphasizes magical output, and combined with the Protagonist’s innate connection to Gallica, he emerges as a formidable early-game contender.
As you advance, enhancing the Mage into higher tiers like the Elemental Master allows you to inflict significant elemental damage while enjoying reductions in MP costs and attack enhancements. Higher-level Archetypes, such as the Wizard and Warlock, not only grant MP recovery but also transform the Protagonist into an overwhelming force capable of dismantling even the strongest foes.
Conversely, I’ve found success playing the Protagonist as a Healer. It’s crucial to have at least one ally capable of healing; especially since I paired him with Strohl, who takes on the Brawler role that unlocks later in the game. In such cases, it’s beneficial to have the Protagonist fulfill the Healer role while Strohl acts as a Warrior until more of your team becomes available.
Strohl – Brawler
The Brawler Archetype is a fantastic pick for Strohl, especially if you want to capitalize on his resilience and offensive capabilities. Strohl naturally withstands damage, and the Brawler lineage rewards players for effectively managing HP while delivering powerful blows. Although the Brawler role carries risks, the potential rewards can be substantial when played wisely.
While Strohl may initially appear better suited for the Warrior role, his effectiveness as a Brawler is notable. This Archetype revolves around managing HP to unleash high physical damage while providing survival tactics, such as improved attack and defense. Since his MP requirements are low in this role, you can focus on healing his HP during turns when he’s not attacking, ensuring that he remains in the fray. Additionally, he can execute group heals as necessary.
Hulkenberg – Commander
Selecting the Commander Archetype is a natural choice for Hulkenberg, enhancing her ability to assist teammates while managing opponents. Commanders offer a range of buffs and debuffs, aligning perfectly with Hulkenberg’s combat role.
The Commander lineage grants Hulkenberg powerful enhancements, including increased party defense and attack, along with the capability to debuff foes. Her versatile skills make her invaluable in multiple combat scenarios. Techniques like Marakukaja, which boosts defense for all allies, and Matarukaja, which heightens attack for the team, lay a solid foundation. Skills such as Fiery Strike and Formation of Vigor enable Hulkenberg to inflict damage and strategically reposition her allies.
Heismay – Knight
The Knight Archetype aligns perfectly with Heismay, focusing on defensive strength and the ability to channel enemy attacks. Heismay can attract enemy assaults, absorb damage, and even evade or block critical hits, positioning him as a vital team member.
By absorbing enemy fire, Heismay allows his allies to remain out of harm’s way while significantly reducing or avoiding incoming damage. Skills like Knight’s Proclamation enable him to protect his team effectively, while Tetrakarn creates a shield that rebounds physical attacks. His capabilities to dodge strikes and recover HP enhance his durability, making him a reliable fighter.
Junah – Gunner
Junah as a Gunner is both wise and tactical, providing her with an advantage despite her modest appearance. As a Gunner, she specializes in delivering physical damage from the rear guard, maintaining safety while effectively disabling adversaries using status effects like Sleep and Poison. Her capability to impose these conditions makes her essential for controlling combat scenarios, particularly in tactical dungeon encounters. Skills such as Sukukaja, which boosts Hit/Evasion, combined with the passive Aim Support that enhances her accuracy, ensure Junah’s contributions to the team’s safety while weakening opponents with pinpoint accuracy.
As she evolves into the Sniper and Dragoon roles, Junah’s ability to inflict damage escalates significantly. The Myriad Shots and Wild Salvo techniques permit her to deliver damage across multiple enemies, establishing her as a lethal player in wave situations. Her Dragoon skills, introducing magic-based damage, enhance her versatility, allowing her to adjust to enemy resistances. While she may lurk in the back row, Junah ultimately becomes a pivotal player in eliminating waves of foes while maintaining a safe distance.
Eupha – Summoner
Eupha is the sole character I’ve retained in her original Archetype, as a Summoner. This role brings a uniquely powerful dynamic to the battlefield, focusing on creating formidable summons from Akademia. Unlike other Lineages centered on conventional magic or physical attacks, her Archetype emphasizes summoning mythical entities that deliver impactful magical damage or significant utility effects. Early abilities like Summon Eagle Lion and Summon Noctiluca allow her to weaken foes’ attack capabilities and provide healing support to allies, establishing her as a robust support figure. Her summons deliver powerful damage, with skills like Summon Gargoyle dealing potent fire attacks and Summon Duskbone Knight striking fiercely against enemies.
As Eupha progresses into higher tiers such as the Devil Summoner and Royal Summoner roles, her summoning prowess reaches incredible heights. The Royal Summoner brings ultimate spells like Summon Dragon God, inflicting massive fire damage while stripping enemies of their buffs. Her formidable Area of Effect (AoE) abilities position Eupha as the premier character for clearing out foes and simultaneously aiding her teammates.
Basil – Warrior
Basilio is a perfect match for the Warrior Archetype, as his impressive Strength stat allows him to deliver brutal hits, cleaving through enemies using pure Slash damage. Initially, skills like Diagonal Slash and Slicer afford him consistent harm against single targets, but as he advances into Swordmaster and Samurai levels, his abilities become significantly more potent. With Critical Strike offering chances for devastating hits and Slash Boost providing passive damage enhancements, Basilio stands as a dominant force on the front lines.
Further skills like Rising Slash and Thunder Blade ensure Basilio remains versatile rather than predictable. He can inflict moderate to severe damage across multiple enemies, while passive abilities like Martial Lore and Regenerate 3 grant him incredible sustainability. Every enemy he defeats contributes to restoring his HP, keeping him engaged in the battle longer.
and all Archetypes and upgrades in Metaphor: ReFantazio.
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