Summary
InMetaphor: ReFantazio, characters gain access to various Archetypes, classes that confer abilities and other combat advantages.There are 14 lineages,each offering unique options that unlock as new characters join the team and the narrative progresses, allowing for plenty of variety among characters.
Although each character has varied customization options, and all classes are powerful in their own way, some Archetypes stand out, forming thebest battle compositions. These Archetypes optimize the group’s power in squad battles and make boss fights easier, effectively exploiting enemies' weaknesses and ensuring safer and more efficient strategies to win.
Mage
Back
The first main dungeon ofMetaphor: ReFantaziois the Grand Cathedral, which requires players to explore a completely destroyed location filled with undead and other challenges along the way. Fortunately, most enemies here have clear weaknesses to Light magic and Strike damage,making Healer and Brawler excellent options.
Using Hulkenberg as a Mage is also a good way to exploit elemental weaknesses of other foes that may appear, and it’s a class she needs to train to reach more powerful versions of the Knight, her main Archetype. However, in some battles, players can switch her class to assume more defensive positions in combat.
Knight
Front
Although the Mage has access to various powerful elemental spells, it can only target one enemy at a time alone. However, when combined with Healer, Magic Seeker, or even another Mage, it can usesynthesis skills that hit all adversariesin the fight with reduced MP cost.
Additionally, the fourth slot in the composition can be flexible, as players have many interesting options to complement the party and can adapt to the dungeon’s requirements. In case of doubt, Knight can be used here; being an excellent tank, it can easily offer protection to the group.
Merchant
MAG is an extremely necessary resource in the late game ofMetaphor: ReFantazio, serving as the currency players use to acquire new Archetypes or even inherit their abilities in another class. While MAG can be obtained after battles or through other interactions, it’s also possible to farm it.
To do this, players will need four characters equipped with the Merchant Archetype at rank 20, granting access to the Debt Collection skill, which allows MAG to be stolen from enemies during combat. Despite the high MP cost to perform this skill, it can be an extremely useful way to farm this currency throughout the game.
This method can quickly drain the characters' MP, so players may equip the protagonist with Mage for more sustain.
Knight isone of the best Archetypes inMetaphor: ReFantazio, providing incredible abilities to protect the group and easily fitting into different game compositions. A good option is to combine it with back-row damage dealers to maximize the allies' potential.
While the Knight uses abilities to keep allies protected and draw attention to itself, other characters can have Archetypes that work better when positioned behind, dealing damage and receiving fewer attacks. This combination is excellent when players aim to finish combat quickly.
Commander
Although many enemies are weak to elemental magic, some challenges must be solved through physical attacks, and this is when this composition shines. The Commander, for example, isan Archetype inMetaphor: ReFantaziocapable of buffing allies' attacks, while the other three deal massive damage.
If players feel this composition is too offensively focused, adjustments can be made by replacing the Destroyer, Pugilist, or Swordmaster with a Paladin, an excellent tank Archetype in the late game. This change can balance the party better, even if the damage potential is slightly reduced.
Flex
Varies
Synthesis Skills are abilities that combine two or more characters for a special and powerful attack, offering various combinations. One such skill is unlocked with the Trickster Archetype, the Miracle Cirque, which causes extreme Almighty damage to all enemies without consuming MP.
Almighty damage is excellent against enemies with many elemental resistances, as it has no advantages or weaknesses. Furthermore, not consuming MP makes it one of the best abilities inMetaphor: ReFantazio. Knight and Thief are required Archetypes to use this synthesis skill, leaving the fourth slot open for flexibility.
Two Archetypes unlocked in the late game ofMetaphor: ReFantazioare the Masked Dancerand the Summoner. Although they take time to appear, they provide one of the best class combinations in the game. For players who want to finish battles quickly, this is the ideal choice.
The Masked Dancer specializes in creating elemental weaknesses in adversaries through its abilities, while the Summoner exploits this by conjuring summons that cause significant damage. Players can enhance the composition by adding other defensive Archetypes, such as the Knight or the Healer for support.
Royal Archetype
After certain story events inMetaphor: ReFantazio, playersgain access to the Royal Archetypes, class options exclusive to each character requiring specific conditions like Bond level 8 and certain studied Archetypes. Despite the effort needed, they enable the best compositions in the game.
Thanks to the overpowering nature of each Royal Archetype, players have considerable freedom to choose their favorite characters, as all function well. Additionally, with four classes of this category in battle, it’s possible to access Armageddon’s Final Sire, a synthesis skill that deals 9,999 damage to all enemies.
