Metaphor ReFantazio Archetypes Guide: The 5 Best Early Game Archetypes and How to Unlock

Metaphor ReFantazio, the latest offering from Atlus, brings the beloved mechanics of the Persona series into a medieval fantasy setting. Central to the game’s combat system is the Archetype system, which serves as class designations for characters. For context, Metaphor ReFantazio Archetypes provide new abilities and versatility in combat, making them crucial for early game success as players face increasingly difficult enemies.

Atlus confirmed Metaphor: ReFantazio has over 40 jobs (Archetypes in this game).

There are 14 basic Archetypes like Knight, Healer, Mage, Thief, Magician and Monk. Other jobs are unlocked as you play.

I liked it when Xenoblade Chronicles 3 had it and I like it here! pic.twitter.com/Blxcx8sZgA

— Stealth (@Stealth40k) June 8, 2024

With 47 different Metaphor ReFantazio Archetypes spread across 14 lineages, Metaphor ReFantazio offers countless customisation possibilities. This flexibility allows players to adapt characters to specific needs, creating diverse party compositions. However, choosing the best Metaphor ReFantazio Archetypes for early-game can set the tone for a smoother experience. Here are the five best Metaphor ReFantazio Archetypes for early-game success:

The 5 Best Early Game Metaphor ReFantazio Archetypes

1) Merchant

While paying money to attack may seem unappealing initially, the Merchant Archetype proves to be a powerhouse. MP is a limiting factor in long dungeons. Fortunately, this Metaphor ReFantazio Archetype can bypass this constraint by using the currency for powerful attacks with high critical hit rates and Almighty damage, which is unblockable and unresistible.

Their passive abilities double the effectiveness of items and increase rare item drop rates, making them invaluable for grinding.

• Recommended for: The Protagonist, as the Merchant Archetype, grants them the ability to earn money for each enemy stunned or defeated through field actions.
• How to Unlock: Reach Bond Rank 1 with Brigitta and study the Archetype at the cost of 2500 MAG.

2) Healer

In any RPG, a Healer is essential, but in Metaphor, this Metaphor ReFantazio Archetype is far more than a typical support role. The Healer can restore HP to the entire party, cure status ailments, and even revive fallen allies, making them indispensable.

Moreover, they wield Light magic, a significant advantage in the early game as many dungeon enemies are weak against it. For example, the Healer shines in the Grand Cathedral (the first massive dungeon) due to its enemies’ vulnerability to Light attacks.

• Recommended for: The Protagonist or Hulkenberg. Equipping the Healer to one of these characters can significantly reduce item usage for healing and buffs.
• How to Unlock: Reach Bond Rank 1 with Maria and study the Archetype at the cost of 1000 MAG.

3) Warrior

The Warrior is the party’s physical damage dealer, excelling when paired with buff-supporting Archetypes. While its MP-heavy abilities may seem costly, its multi-hit and area attacks make it invaluable for dealing with large groups of enemies.

As the game progresses, levelling up the Warrior leads to the powerful Swordmaster Archetype, one of the best Metaphor ReFantazio Archetypes at enhancing your party’s offensive capability.

• Recommended for: Strohl, as his initial Archetype is already geared towards physical combat, and evolving Warrior leads to devastating physical attacks.
• How to Unlock: Reach Bond Rank 1 with Strohl and study the Archetype at the cost of 500 MAG.

4) Mage

A must-have in the early stages, the Mage Archetype provides access to Fire, Ice, and Electric magic, allowing players to exploit enemy weaknesses effectively. The Mage also has useful passives like increased MP and magic attack power.

While it becomes less vital later in the game when more specialised elemental Metaphor ReFantazio Archetypes become available, it’s a perfect choice for early-game elemental mastery.

• Recommended for: The Protagonist, due to their role in initiating elemental attacks and maximising resource management.
• How to Unlock: Reach Bond Rank 1 with Gallica and study the Archetype at the cost of 500 MAG.

5) Knight

The Knight Archetype excels in defence, shielding party members from damage with abilities like Knight’s Proclamation, which forces enemies to target the Knight as the rest of the party remains unharmed.

Although the Knight’s utility diminishes in the late game due to bosses using party-wide attacks, it is essential for surviving early-game encounters, especially on higher difficulties.

• Recommended for: Hulkenberg, as his high endurance and ability to tank hits make him perfect for this role. It’s effective in the early hours when party protection is crucial.
• How to Unlock: Reach Bond Rank 1 with Hulkenberg and study the Archetype at the cost of 1000 MAG.

Closing Notes

With everything considered, Metaphor ReFantazio Archetypes offers variety, but focusing on these five in the early game will provide you with a solid foundation for offence and defence. The Merchant, Healer, Warrior, Mage, and Knight offer an excellent balance of offence, defence, and support.

By strategically equipping these Metaphor ReFantazio Archetypes, players can customise their party to handle the game’s early trials effectively, setting the stage for success in this captivating fantasy world.

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