Choosing the right Archetype for each character in Metaphor: ReFantasy can make or break your strategy in battle. Each character excels in different areas, and equipping them with the optimal Archetype allows you to utilize their full potential. Whether you prefer magical strategies or tanky defenders, this guide will help you decide which Archetype is best suited for each playable character.
In Metaphor: ReFantasy, each character connects with different lineages that unlock powerful Archetypes. These Archetypes determine your character’s fighting style, focusing on different attributes such as magic, physical attacks or defensive abilities. You can unlock upgrades for the Archetypes or change a character’s Archetype by visiting More in Academic.
Let’s take a look at the best Archetypes for all the characters that can join you in battle, starting with the Protagonist.
The Protagonist – Mage
The Mage Archetype is ideal for the Protagonist due to its ability to exploit elemental weaknesses. With fire, ice, and electric magic in your arsenal, you’ll find yourself able to deal with a wide variety of enemies, especially since many enemies in Metaphor: ReFantasia have elemental weaknesses. The Mage Lineage’s focus on magical damage, reinforced by the Protagonist’s natural affinity with Gallica, makes him an early power that you can use in the game.
As you progress, upgrading the Mage to more advanced forms such as the Elemental Master allows you to deal major elemental damage benefiting from MP cost reductions and attack boosts. Those advanced Archetypes, such as the Sorcerer and Sorcerer, even give MP recoveryletting the Protagonist evolve into a force of nature against even the toughest enemies.
Alternatively, I also enjoyed playing the Protagonist as the Healer. You will need at least one party member who can heal, so keep that in mind. Especially since the other healer I chose is Strohl as a Brawler, and Brawler isn’t unlocked until later in the game. In that situation, have the Protagonist as a Healer and Strohl as a Warrior until you have the rest of your party unlocked.
Strohl – Fighter
The Brawler Archetype is a great choice for Strohl if you’re looking to take advantage of his high stamina and damage. Strohl has a natural ability to take hits and keep fighting, and the Brawler clan takes advantage of this by rewarding players for balancing HP while delivering devastating strikes. The Brawler Archetype, although high risk, has the potential for high reward if played strategically.
While Strohl might seem better suited for a Warrior role, his potential as a Brawler should not be overlooked. The Brawler Archetype focuses on managing HP to tackle heavy physical damage offering some survival tactics, such as boosting your attack and defense. Since Strohl doesn’t use much MP in this role, you can heal his HP on turns when he’s not attacking, making him a durable fighter. He can also contribute to group heals when needed.
Hulkenberg – Commander
The Commander Archetype is a natural fit for Hulkenberg, enhancing her ability to support allies while dealing with enemies. Commanders bring a variety of perks and demerits that fit perfectly with Hulkenberg’s role on the battlefield.
The commander lineage gives Hulkenberg powerful buffs like increased defense and attack for her party, along with the ability to harm enemies. Her abilities are versatile, making her valuable in a variety of combat situations. Skills like Marakukaja (defense boost for all allies) and Matarukaja (attack boost for all allies) provide a strong foundation for your team, while other skills like Fiery Strike and Vigor Formation allow Hulkenberg to deal damage and reposition her party effectively.
Heismay – knight
The Knight Archetype is a natural fit for Heismay, especially due to its focus on defensive skills and its ability to control enemy aggression. Heismay can draw enemy attacks to himself, tank damage, and even dodge or block critical hits, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
Heismay excels in defensive roles, and the knight lineage enhances his ability to protect allies by canceling incoming damage. From attracting the attention of an enemyHeismay ensures that his allies remain undamaged while she mitigates or avoids damage. Abilities like Knight’s Proclamation allow him to guard his team, while Tetrakarn provides a barrier that repels physical attacks. His potential to dodge attacks and restore HP makes him a durable, reliable fighter.
Junah – Gunner
Junah as a gunner is both practical and strategic, giving her the edge in battle despite her unassuming appearance. As a Gunner, she excels at dealing physical damage from the back row, keeping herself safe while deftly disabling enemies with status effects such as Sleep and Poison. Her usefulness in combat comes from her ability to get those conditions, making her invaluable for controlling the field in dungeons where tactics matter. With abilities like Sukukaja boosting Hit/Evasion and the passive Aim Support increasing her accuracy, Junah’s marksman allows her to keep the team safe while weakening enemies with precision.
As she progresses into the Sniper and Dragoon roles, Junah’s damage potential explodes. The Myriad Shots and Wild Salvo attacks let her deal piercing damage across multiple enemies, making her a deadly force in wave encounters. Her Dragon abilities give her access to damage based on magicadding versatility to her kit letting her adapt to enemy resistances. Junah can be hidden in the back row, but she becomes an indispensable asset for taking out waves of enemies without ever needing to get too close.
Eupha – Summoner
Eupha is the only character I kept as their original Archetype. As a Summoner, she brings a completely unique flavor to the battlefield, focusing on crafting powerful Akademia summons. Unlike other lineages that rely on traditional magic or physical attacks, her archetype revolves around summoning mythical creatures that packs devastating magical damage or unleashes powerful beneficial effects. Early abilities like Summon Eagle Lion and Summon Noctiluca allow her to weaken enemy attack power and heal allies, making her a strong support presence. Her summons hit hard, with abilities like Summon Gargoyle dealing heavy fire damage or Summon Duskbone Knight slicing through enemies with physical power.
As Eupha progresses into the roles of Devil Summoner and Royal Summoner, her summoning abilities reach amazing levels. The Royal Summoner unlocks ultimate spells like Summon Dragon God, which delivers severe fire damage and removes enemy buffs. Her powerful AoE abilities make Eupha the best at taking out enemies and supporting the team at the same time.
Basil – Warrior
Basilio fits naturally into the Warrior archetype, with his massive Strength stat making him a heavy hitter who can hit enemies with pure Slash damage. Early on, abilities like Diagonal Slash and Slicer let him deal consistent damage to single enemies, but as he grows into the Swordmaster and Samurai ranks, his abilities become much more formidable. With Critical Strike offering the option to ruin critical hits and Slash Boost passively increasing his damage, Basilio becomes a master on the frontlines.
Later abilities like Rising Slash and Thunder Blade ensure that Basilio isn’t just a one-trick pony. He can deal medium to heavy damage to entire groups of enemiesand his passive abilities like Martial Lore and Regenerate 3 give him incredible staying power. The more enemies he hits, the more more HP he recoverskeeping him in the fight longer.
Want to read more about Metaphor: ReFantasy at Pro Game Guides? Check out our Metaphor ReFantasia Review: Will you stand up for what’s right? and All Archetypes and updates in Metaphor: ReFantasy.
