Unlocking the Secrets of Metaphor: ReFantazio's Follower Bonds

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a captivating RPG that offers players a unique and immersive experience. One of the game's standout features is the intricate system of follower bonds, which allows players to forge deep connections with their party members. However, navigating these bonds can be a complex and challenging task. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the nuances of progressing each follower's bond, uncovering the hidden rewards and unlocking the game's most powerful archetypes.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Metaphor: ReFantazio's Follower Bonds

Gallica: The Mage's Ascent

Gallica's bond is a unique one, as it progresses automatically through the main storyline. While this may seem convenient, it can also be frustrating, as the only way to unlock the coveted Mage archetypes is through her follower bonds. Players must be patient and wait for Gallica's affection to grow, as several archetype trees, including the Knight's, are dependent on the Mage tree's progression. However, the reward for perseverance is the unlocking of Victory Foresight, a powerful ability that can turn the tide of battle by increasing the number of available turn icons.

More: The Seeker's Ascension

Unlike other followers, More's bond progression is entirely task-based, requiring players to complete specific archetype upgrades. The catch is that several of these archetypes can only be unlocked by progressing the bonds of other followers, such as Maria, Brigitta, Neuras, and Bardon. This creates a delicate balance, as players must carefully manage their time and resources to ensure they can meet More's demands. The payoff, however, is the unlocking of the protagonist's Seeker archetypes, as well as the powerful Archetype Evangelist, which provides a significant boost to all of the player's archetypes.

Strohl: The Warrior's Path

Strohl's follower bond is one of the easiest to progress in the game, making him an excellent choice for players looking to quickly unlock the Warrior archetypes. All that's required is to reach a Imagination level of 3, which triggers the quest "A Noble's Legacy." This simplicity allows players to focus on other, more complex follower bonds, while still ensuring they have a capable warrior in their party. Additionally, Strohl's Battle Aura unlock ensures that he continues to gain experience even when not in the active party, making him a valuable asset throughout the game.

Maria: The Healer's Ascendance

Maria is widely regarded as one of the most useful followers in Metaphor: ReFantazio, but her bond progression is no easy feat. To unlock her higher ranks, players must not only increase their Tolerance level, but also find and deliver special drawings to her at the Honeybee Inn. The rewards, however, are well worth the effort. Maria's bonds unlock the Healer archetypes, as well as the invaluable Purpose and Speed Cooking abilities, which provide a significant boost to experience gain and cooking efficiency, respectively.

Hulkenberg: The Knight's Crusade

Hulkenberg's follower bond progression is a bit more straightforward than some of the others, with the main hurdle being the requirement of a Wisdom level of 4 to unlock her rank 7 bond. Once this is achieved, players will be able to unlock the Knight archetypes, as well as the useful Guard Duty ability, which can protect the protagonist from devastating attacks.

Brigitta: The Merchant's Mastery

Brigitta's follower bonds come with a few additional requirements, such as the need for a Wisdom level of 2 to unlock her initial quest, and a Courage level of 3 to progress her fifth rank. Additionally, her final rank is tied to a significant story event, which players will need to experience before they can fully unlock her potential. The rewards, however, are well worth the effort, as Brigitta's bonds unlock the Merchant archetypes, as well as the Guild Discount and Supply Crate abilities, which provide valuable discounts and resource drops, respectively.

Catherina: The Brawler's Bravado

Catherina's follower bond progression is largely tied to the main story, with her ranks automatically increasing as the player progresses through the narrative. The only requirement is a Tolerance level of 5 to unlock her final bonds. The payoff, however, is the unlocking of the Brawler archetypes, as well as the hilarious Comrades in Battle ability, which has Catherina randomly appearing to punch the player's enemies in the face.

Neuras: The Gunner's Arsenal

Neuras' follower bonds are tied to a specific quest called "Providing a Spark," which triggers a series of other quests as the player progresses through the story. This means that players will need to be mindful of their overall progression, as certain locations and events must be reached before they can fully unlock Neuras' potential. The rewards, however, are the Gunner archetypes, which can provide a valuable ranged option for the player's party.

Heismay: The Thief's Subtlety

Heismay's follower bonds can only be unlocked after the player has made significant progress in the main story, with the initial requirement being the completion of the "Apprehend the Kidnapper" quest in Martira. From there, players will need to wait until July 4th to properly begin progressing his bonds, and they'll also need to meet certain Royal Virtue requirements, such as an Eloquence level of 2 and an Imagination level of 4. The rewards, however, are the Thief archetypes, as well as the useful Battle Aura and Grand Fantasy abilities.

Alonzo: The Faker's Deception

Alonzo, known initially as the "Pompous Man," presents a significant challenge for players looking to progress his follower bonds. With requirements such as an Imagination level of 2 just to start his initial quest, and a Wisdom level of 3, a Tolerance level of 3, and a Courage level of 5 to unlock his higher ranks, players will need to be diligent in their Royal Virtue development. The payoff, however, is the unlocking of the Faker archetypes, which can be crucial for completing some of the game's later end-game content. Additionally, Alonzo's Grifter's Eye ability, which allows players to analyze enemy weaknesses before combat, is an invaluable tool.

Bardon: The Commander's Ascent

Bardon's follower bonds can only be progressed after the player has completed the "Apprehend the Kidnapper" main story quest, and they'll also need an Eloquence level of 3 to unlock his fifth bond. Once these hurdles are cleared, however, players will be able to unlock the powerful Commander archetypes, as well as the Rapid Swapper and Escape Master abilities, which can greatly enhance the player's tactical options in combat.

Junah: The Masked Dancer's Elegance

Junah's follower bonds are tied to several key story events, including the completion of the "Infiltrate the Charadrius" and "Obtain Drakodios" main quests. Additionally, players will need an Imagination level of 4 to progress her fifth bond. The rewards, however, are well worth the effort, as Junah unlocks the Masked Dancer archetypes, as well as the invaluable Heroes' Hymn ability, which allows the player's party to regenerate MP at the end of each battle.

Eupha: The Summoner's Mastery

Eupha's follower bonds can only be unlocked after the player has completed the "Obtain Drakodios" main quest on Virga Island. From there, players will need to meet specific Royal Virtue requirements, such as an Eloquence level of 4 and a Wisdom level of 7, to progress her bonds. The rewards, however, are the Summoner archetypes, as well as the Pagan Teachings and Pagan Secrets abilities, which can help mitigate the effects of enemy attacks.

Basilio: The Berserker's Fury

Basilio, the final follower in the game, can only be unlocked after the player has defeated Louis at the Opera House in Altabury Heights. From there, players will need to travel with Basilio on the Gauntlet Runner and meet Imagination and Eloquence level requirements to fully unlock his bonds. While Basilio's bonds don't unlock any unique passive abilities, they do grant access to the powerful Berserker archetypes, as well as the Beast-Scent Adept and Beast's Insight abilities, which can provide a significant advantage against certain enemy types.