With shift combat, social choices, event calendar and multiple simultaneous systems, Metaphor: Refantazio delivers a dense, challenging and engaging experience. Created by the same developers of the Persona , the game brings a fantasy universe that takes place in the midst of a real dispute through the throne of a cursed kingdom. In control of an anonymous protagonist, the player needs to win allies, strengthen skills and make decisions that influence the course of the story.
But make no mistake: the game does not make it easier. There are so many overlapping elements that it is natural to feel lost at the beginning. Therefore, we have gathered in this guide the best tips for Metaphor beginners: Refantazio , focusing on the essential mechanics and the most strategic systems of the game. Understanding what to prioritize from the beginning makes all the difference to evolve well and enjoy everything RPG has to offer, whether on PS4, PS5, PC or Xbox Series x | s.
Understand the importance of cities and make the most of each visit
The cities of Euchronia , the kingdom where the history of Metaphor takes place : Refantazio , are more than simple points of passage. They act as strategic hubs for NPC interaction, item purchase and character evolution. Even with the quick travel feature available, it is worth walking manually in alleys and alleys, as there are hidden objects and useful characters that only appear in specific places. Stay especially attentive to the golden beetles spread throughout the scenario, as they will be needed in key moments of the campaign.
Taverns are valuable places for information. Buy all the notes sold by informants: Many contain data on enemy weaknesses and release new interactions with establishments, including exclusive stores. In the game's calendar, the day called “Leiso” is when all stores offer discounts. Plan your purchases for these days and save resources. Another valuable tip is to visit the statue of candidates daily, as this ensures Mag, the resource that manages archetypes - classes that define characters' skills and strategies. If you need money, take the opportunity to exchange Mag with the Chamber, especially on rainy days, when the conversion rate is more advantageous.
Virtues, bonds and social choices shape their destiny
One of the pillars of the Metaphor Progression System : Refantazio is the development of virtues and the strengthening of ties with allies. Virtues represent traces of personality of the protagonist, such as tolerance, eloquence and courage. These characteristics are necessary to unlock interactions and events, which makes their evolution as important as the increase in combat attributes. The ideal is to reach at least level two in all virtues early on, prioritizing eloquence and tolerance, which are less favored by main missions.
In the case of bonds, the most strategic at first is to strengthen the relationship with More, the writer of Akadem. By deepening this bond, the player unlocks two valuable features: the exchange of archetypes directly through the menu and access to the full list of skills learned by each character. In social events, the answers the player gives directly affect the results, offering more virtue or MAG points. A good practice is to save the game before interacting with allies and repeat the scene, if necessary, until you choose the best option.
Troters of the Lourwheel requires planning and climate attention
During the campaign, the group runs long distances with the aid of a vehicle called the Lourish Trotador. These trips last days on the game calendar and are opportunities to evolve virtues, manage resources and participate in parallel events. Before leaving, see the seer to find out the weather forecast. Sand and rain storms strengthen enemies, making battles difficult and making expeditions risky. If possible, guard explorations under adverse conditions.
Throughout the trip, the protagonist can perform various activities, such as reading books, cooking, washing or bathing with aromatic salts. Each of these actions impacts attributes or grants rewards, such as items and money. Reading books, for example, increases virtues and offers bonus experience by completing reading. Also visit the villages along the way: many sell unique items that do not appear in the main cities. Finally, explore dungeon with extra attention, as tunnels hidden behind broken objects often lead to valuable treasures.
Master the fights per shift and enjoy the advanced mechanics
The metaphor combat system : Refantazio may seem traditional at first glance, with shift battles and a focus on skills, but quickly reveals a strategic complexity that requires attention. The main concept is the use of enemy weaknesses to gain additional shift markers. Still, it is not always worth exploring a weakness if a more powerful ability can end the combat more efficiently. It all depends on the composition of the group and the situation.
Beware of resistant enemies: If the attack is absorbed, annulled or reflected, you lose valuable shift markers. To deal with more robust opponents, bet on status effects such as sleep, poison or paralysis, especially against enemies that do not have elementary weaknesses. Use the synthesis techniques often, which require combination between archetypes and consume two markers. Despite the extra preparation, the damage caused compensates for the effort. Another useful feature is the possibility of restarting any battle by squeezing the left analog - a differential to test new approaches without penalties.
Archetypes define their tactics, but experimenting is fundamental
metaphor class system is represented by archetypes, which offer unique skills and determine the role of each character in combat. Although any member of the group can use any archetype, it is worth focusing on functions compatible with their natural attributes. A warrior with high physical strength, for example, tends to benefit more from offensive classes. On the other hand, investing in opposite archetypes, such as training a tank with elemental spells, may surprise in specific battles.
Changing class often is essential, because certain enemies or dungeons require specific strategies. When choosing a configuration, pay attention to the activation conditions of synthesis techniques. Having access to this type of attack is often more efficient than betting on common skills. Also maintain a good variety of equipment in the inventory, as changing archetype changes the weapon used and often the distance and type of attack. To accelerate the process of evolution of newly designed classes, use items such as seeds or hero leaves, which instantly increase the selected archetype level.
Master Metaphor: Refantazio requires strategic vision, patience and adaptation
With so many interconnected systems, Metaphor: Refantazio goes far beyond a traditional RPG by shifts. It is an experience built with planning layers, social choices, time management and complex battles. To stand out in the crown dispute, the player needs to understand the importance of virtues, manage archetypes wisely and enjoy every minute of the calendar with actions that actually add. The strategy is not only in combat, but in every decision made outside of it. By following these beginners tips and adapting the style of play to the challenges that come up, you will be prepared to conquer not only battles but the very destination of an entire kingdom.