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How do you unlock the Metaphor ReFantazio followers? The social sim aspect present in some of Atlus’ biggest games can be a real headache even for seasoned veterans, as you have to carefully plan your days to max out as many social links with your confidants as possible. Though Metaphor ReFantazio’s Bonds system is familiar in many regards, it’s so much more forgiving.
In Metaphor ReFantazio, there literally isn’t a wrong answer when it comes to chatting with your followers. No matter which dialog option you choose, you are guaranteed to progress to the new Bond rank with them. The only thing these options dictate is how much MAG you get from the conversation, which is negligible – our Metaphor ReFantazio farming guide will sort you out if you need more resources. As such, instead of overloading you with mostly inconsequential dialog choices, this Metaphor ReFantazio Bonds guide lists all the followers you can meet in the RPG, how to unlock them, and all of the abilities that can be unlocked by ranking them up.
Here are the 14 Metaphor ReFantazio followers and how to unlock them:
| Follower | How to unlock |
| Gallica | Progress the story on 6/6. |
| Strohl | Progress the story on 6/6. |
| Hulkenberg | Progress the story on 6/10. |
| Heismay | Progress the story on 7/4. |
| Junah | Complete the ‘Save the Mourning Snakes’ quest given by Junah on Virga Island after clearing the Dragon Temple main story dungeon on 8/20 or later. |
| Eupha | Complete the ‘The Trial of Malnova’ quest given by Eupha on Virga Island after clearing the Dragon Temple main story dungeon on 8/20 or later. |
| Basilio | Speak to Basilio in the gauntlet runner’s Engine Room Corridor after he joins the party (only available while the gauntlet runner is traveling) on 9/14 or later. |
| Neuras | Speak to Neuras on 6/29 or later, and complete the ‘Providing a Spark’ quest he gives. |
| Maria | Progress the story on 6/10. |
| Catherina | Complete the ‘A Friend in Need’ quest while working through the Regalith Grand Cathedral main story dungeon on 6/12 or later. |
| Alonzo | Complete the ‘A Dagger, a Ring, and a Rank’ quest given by Alonzo in Martira (requires Rank 2 Imagination to start) on 6/29 or later. |
| Bardon | Speak to Bardon in Thoroughfare Square, Martira, after completing the ‘The Old Castle Town Kidnapper’ main story quest on 7/6 or later. |
| Brigitta | Complete the ‘A Bullish Embargo’ quest given by Brigitta in Grand Trad (requires Rank 2 Wisdom to start) on 6/12 or later. |
| More | Progress the story on 6/5. |
Metaphor ReFantazio Bond ability list
Here are the Bond abilities for each Metaphor ReFantazio follower:
Gallica
Your day-one companion extraordinaire, progressing with Gallica is tied exclusively to story beats, making the wait for some of her best abilities a bit of a pain. However, when you do max her out in the late game you’ll gain access to Victory Foresight – a must-have ability that can save you in clutch moments.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | The party can now study the Mage. |
| 2 | Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Mage Lineage. |
| 3 | Mage Archetype: Adept – The party can now study the Wizard. |
| 3 | Monsterology Scholar – Enemy analysis in Squad Battle is now more detailed. |
| 4 | Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Mage Lineage to two. |
| 4 | Fae Sight Acuity – Fae Sight now yields more detail while inside a dungeon. |
| 5 | Mage Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Mage Lineage. |
| 6 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots fot the Mage Lineage to three. |
| 7 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Mage Lineage to four. |
| 8 | Mage Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Elemental Master and Warlock. |
| 8 | Victory Foresight – During Squad Battles, you may gain extra Turn Icons. |
Strohl
The son of a fallen noble household, Strohl serves as the group tactician. With the heart of a warrior (literally), Strohl’s resolve is stronger than his mighty physical attacks, which themselves are bolstered by his Bond abilities. Most notably, at Rank 8, Strohl gains Slayer of Humans, which helps him make quick work of humans.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Warrior Archetype – The party can now study the Warrior. |
| 2 | Warrior Enlightenment: Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Warrior Lineage. |
| 2 | Undaunted Spirit – Critical rate increases when Strohl attacks a human-type monster. |
| 3 | Warrior Archetype: Adept – The party can now study the Swordmaster. |
| 4 | Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Warrior Lineage to two. |
| 5 | Warrior Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Warrior Lineage. |
| 5 | Battle Aura – While in reserve, the amount of experience Strohl gains increases. |
| 6 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Warrior Lineage to three. |
| 6 | Battle Hypnosis – While in reserve, Strohl will gain experience at the normal rate. |
| 7 | Warrior Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Samurai. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Warrior Lineage to four. |
| 8 | Slayer of Humans – When Strohl attacks a human-type monster, critical rate greatly increases. |
| 8 | Grand Fantasy – Strohl is ready to acquire a new Heroic Embodiment. |
Hulkenberg
The gourmand guardian, Hulkenberg is another estranged noble following her own path – in this case to find the prince. A true knight, Hulkenberg learns Bond abilities that enable her to better protect the protagonist, including Guard Duty and Special Guard Duty.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Knight Archetype – The party can now study the Knight. |
| 2 | Knight Enlightenment: Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Knight Lineage |
| 2 | Guard Duty – Hulkenberg may defend the protagonist from an attack on his weakness. |
| 3 | Knight Archetype: Adept – The party can now study the Magic Knight. |
| 4 | Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Knight Lineage to two. |
| 5 | Knight Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Knight Lineage. |
| 5 | Battle Aura – While in reserve, the amount of experience Hulkenberg gains increases. |
| 6 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Knight Lineage to three. |
| 6 | Battle Hypnosis – While in reserve, Hulkenberg will gain experience at the normal rate. |
| 7 | Knight Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Paladin and Dark Knight. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Knight Lineage to four. |
| 8 | Special Guard Duty – High probability for Hulkenberg to defend the protagonist from an attack on his weakness. |
| 8 | Grand Fantasy – Hulkenberg is ready to acquire a new Heroic Embodiment. |
Heismay
Team dad and former Shadowguard knight, Heismay is quite possibly the best-written character in the game. He’s also a value-generating machine thanks to the Thief’s ability to, well, thieve. Arguably Heismay’s most useful ability in Preternatural Hearing is unlocked early on, helping you better scout the threats ahead while crawling dungeons.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Thief Archetype – The party can now study the Thief. |
| 2 | Thief Enlightenment – Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Thief Lineage. |
| 2 | Preternatural Hearing – Displays the location of strong enemies on dungeon maps. |
| 3 | Thief Archetype: Adept – The party can now study the Assassin. |
| 4 | Scion’s Skil – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Thief Lineage to two. |
| 5 | Thief Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Thief Lineage. |
| 5 | Battle Aura – While in reserve, the amount of experience Heismay gains increases. |
| 6 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Thief Lineage to three. |
| 6 | Battle Hypnosis – While in reserve, Heismay will gain experience at the normal rate. |
| 7 | Thief Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Ninja. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Thief Lineage to four. |
| 8 | Assassinate – Greatly increase Heismay’s ambush damage against stunned enemies. |
| 8 | Grand Fantasy – Heismay is ready to acquire a new Heroic Embodiment. |
Junah
Lady Junah is a real jack-of-all-trades thanks to Masked Dancer’s ability to assimilate skills from whichever class mask it’s donning. Junah’s Triumphant Hymn and Heroes’ Hymn are also ridiculously handy thanks to the post-battle MP restoration they provide. The further you get into the Archetype tree, the more MP your abilities cost. Junah helps alleviate that.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Masked Dancer Archetype – The party can now study the Masked Dancer. |
| 2 | Masked Dancer Enlightenment – Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Masked Dancer Lineage. |
| 2 | Triumphant Hymn – After battle, all party members recover a little MP. |
| 3 | Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Masked Dancer Lineage to two. |
| 3 | Battle Aura – While in reserve, the amount of experience Junah gains increases. |
| 4 | Masked Dancer Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Masked Dancer Lineage. |
| 5 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill ineritance slots for the Masked Dancer Lineage to three. |
| 6 | Masked Dancer Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Persona Master. |
| 7 | Battle Hypnosis – While in reserve, Junah will gain experience at the normal rate. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Masked Dancer Lineage to four. |
| 8 | Heroes’ Hymn – Increases the MP recovery of Triumphant Hymn. |
| 8 | Grand Fantasy – Junah is ready to acquire a new Heroic Embodiment. |
Eupha
The pagan priestess with the power to summon all sorts of Atlus staple beasties, Eupha is a calming presence within the party. This is exemplified by her Pagan Teachings and Pagan Secrets skills which make it less likely for your team to be afflicted with Anxiety – one of the more annoying status effects in the game.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Summoner Archetype – The party can now study the Summoner. |
| 2 | Summoner Enlightenment – Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Summoner Lineage. |
| 2 | Pagan Teachings – Reduces the chance of the party being afflicted with Anxiety. |
| 3 | Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inhheritance slots for the Summoner Lineage to two. |
| 3 | Battle Aura – While in reserve, the amount of experience Eurpa gains increases. |
| 4 | Summoner Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Summoner Lineage. |
| 5 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Summoner Lineage to three. |
| 6 | Summoner Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Devil Summoner. |
| 7 | Battle Hypnosis – While in reserve, Eupha will gain experience at the normal rate. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Summoner Lineage to four. |
| 8 | Pagan Secrets – Further reduces the chance of the party being afflicted with Anxiety. |
| 8 | Grand Fantasy – Eupha is ready to acquire a new Heroic Embodiment. |
Basilio
It’s no wonder we made liberal use of Basilio during our playthroughs considering how ridiculously strong the Paripus powerhouse is. Similarly to Strohl, Basilio’s Bond abilities give him a helping hand against humans, though he’s also a proficient pick when fighting beasts.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Berserker Archetype – The party can now study the Berserker. |
| 2 | Berserker Enlightenment – Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Berserker Lineage. |
| 2 | Beast-Scent Adept – increases evasion when Basilio is attacked by a beast or human monster. |
| 3 | Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Berserker Lineage to two. |
| 3 | Battle Aura – While in reserve, the amount of experience Basilio gains increases. |
| 4 | Berserker Veneration – Significantly reduce the MAG cost of studying the Berserker Lineage. |
| 5 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Berserker Lineage to three. |
| 6 | Berserker Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Destroyer. |
| 7 | Battle Hypnosis – While in reserve, Basilio will gain experience at the normal rate. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Berserker Lineage to four. |
| 8 | Beast’s Insight – Significantly increases evasion when Basilio is attacked by a beast or human monster. |
| 8 | Grand Fantasy – Basilio is ready to acquire a new Heroic Embodiment. |
Neuras
The gauntlet runner-mad engineer, Neuras spends most of his time tinkering with his baby. It’s unsurprising, then, that the Ishkian’s abilities give you even more firepower when fighting enemies on the runner and increase your farming prowess.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Gunner Archetype – The party can now study the Gunner. |
| 2 | Gunner Enlightenment – Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Gunner Lineage. |
| 2 | Bombardier: At the start of battle on the gauntlet runner deck, enemies take damage. |
| 3 | Gunner Archetype: Adept – The party can now study the Sniper. |
| 4 | Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Gunner Lineage to two. |
| 5 | Bombastic Bombardier – At the start of battle on the gauntlet runner deck, enemies take even more damage. |
| 5 | Gunner Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Gunner Lineage. |
| 6 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Gunner Lineage to three. |
| 7 | Seedling Synergy – Increases the number of plants that can be harvested in the Plant Culture Chamber by 1. |
| 8 | Gunner Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Dragoon. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Gunner Lineage to four. |
Maria
Part Rhoag, part Ishkia, entirely adorable, Maria is a tiny beacon of joy who warms the soul every time you interact with her. She is also one of the must-level social link havers, as both Purpose and Burning Purpose increase your EXP yields. What’s more, she removes the time penalty for cooking on the gauntlet runner, and later lets you double your dish yield from a session. Food is quite literally life in Metaphor, so get over to the Hushed Honeybee Inn in Grand Trad when you get the chance.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Healer Archetype – The party can now study the Healer. |
| 2 | Healer Enlightenment: Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Healer Lineage |
| 3 | Healer Archetype: Adept – The party can now study the Cleric |
| 3 | Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Healer Lineage to two. |
| 4 | Purpose – Increases post-battle EXP. |
| 4 | Speed Cooking – Can now cook in the Gauntlet Runner without passing time. |
| 5 | Healer Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Healer Lineage. |
| 6 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Healer Lineage to three. |
| 7 | Burning Purpose – Significantly increases post-battle EXP. |
| 7 | Chef’s Chops – When cooking in the gauntlet runner’s kitchen, an additional dish will be made. |
| 8 | Healer Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Saviour. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Healer Lineage to four. |
Catherina
A proper Robin Hood type who’s in the running for the crown to improve the conditions for Paripus everywhere, Catherina is a bounty hunter who lets her fists do the talking. Fortunately for us, said fists have a lot to say on the battlefield, as Comrades in Battle turns her into a nuke in certain dungeons. Bounty Bonus and Streetwise Negotiator also massively improve your cash economy as you earn more and spend less – dreams.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Brawler Archetype – The party can now study the Brawler. |
| 2 | Brawler Enlightenment – Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Brawler Lineage. |
| 3 | Brawler Archetype: Adept – The party can now study the Pugilist. |
| 3 | Bounty Bonus: Increases Recruitment Centre bounty rewards. |
| 4 | Scion’s Skill: Increases skill inheritance slots for the Brawler Lineage to two. |
| 5 | Item Tracking – Displays the location of items in unexplored areas of a dungeon. |
| 5 | Brawler Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Brawler Lineage. |
| 6 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Brawler Lineage to three. |
| 6 | Streetwise Negotiator – Reduces prices at each city’s general store. |
| 7 | Treasure Hunting – Displays the location of treasure chests in unexplored areas. |
| 7 | Comrades in Battle – Catherina will support the party in certain dungeons. She is a force to be reckoned with. |
| 8 | Brawler Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Martial Artist. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence: Increases skill inheritance slots for the Brawler Lineage to four. |
Alonzo
The suave Nidia with more than a few tricks up his sleeve, Alonzo’s Grifter’s Eye ability is categorically one of the best in the game. While it won’t reveal analysis data of bosses, it will at least make cleaving through normal monsters a more forgiving task.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Faker Archetype – The party can now study the Faker. |
| 2 | Faker Enlightenment: Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Faker Lineage. |
| 3 | Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Faker Lineage to two. |
| 4 | Magic Shop Negotiator – Discounts the prices at Magic Shops in all cities. |
| 4 | Knave’s Loyalty – Increases the monetary reward for completing requests. |
| 5 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Faker Lineage to three. |
| 6 | Faker Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Faker Lineage. |
| 7 | Magic Shop Dealmaker – Allows purchase of rare items at Magic Shops in all cities. |
| 7 | Grifter’s Eye – Unlocks Analyze data for all enemies with certain exceptions. |
| 8 | Faker Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Trickster. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Faker Lineage to four. |
Bardon
Bardon may have a stern disposition, but he’s a sweetie at heart. Martira’s defender, Bardon’s care for the people is unparalleled. Speaking of care, Bardon’s Care Package ability will sometimes give you a valuable consumable when a day ends. The real boon here, though, is Rapid Swapper – a must-have ability that halves the Turn Icon cost of switching out party members mid-battle. Turn Icon economy is paramount to your success in Metaphor, so push for Bardon Rank 6 as soon as you can.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Commander Archetype – The party can now study the Commander. |
| 2 | Commander Enlightenment – Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Commander Lineage. |
| 3 | Commander Archetype: Adept – The party can now study the General. |
| 3 | Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Commander Lineage to two. |
| 4 | Protective Formation – Improves defense when the whole party is in the back row. |
| 4 | Care Package – Occasionally, as one day ends and another begins, Bardon will send a parcel. |
| 5 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Commander Lineage to three. |
| 5 | Escape Artist – Improves the chances of escaping from Squad Battle. |
| 6 | Commander Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Commander Lineage. |
| 6 | Rapid Swapper – Halves the Turn Icon cost of switching with a reserve member during Squad Battle. |
| 7 | Escape Master – With certain exceptions, escape will always succeed during Squad Battle. |
| 8 | Commander Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Warlord. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Commander Lineage to four. |
Brigitta
An igniter dealer with a closed-off heart, Brigitta is a tough nut to crack. However, when you do get into her good books, Brigitta improves your rates at the MAG Exchanges, offers a discount across most stores, and occasionally even sends you monetary packages (15,000 Reeve each time from our experience).
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Merchant Archetype – The party can now study the Merchant. |
| 1 | Proof of Membership – Can now visit the Lycaon Magic Association. |
| 2 | Merchant Enlightenment – Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Merchant Lineage. |
| 3 | Scion’s Skill: Increases skill inheritance slots for the Merchant Lineage to two. |
| 3 | Merchant’s rate – Improves the exchange rate at the MAG Exchange. |
| 4 | Scion’s Merit – Increases skill Inheritance slots for the Merchant Lineage to three. |
| 4 | Merchant’s Finest: Widens the variety of items sold at the Lycaon Magic Association. |
| 5 | Guild Discount – Receive a discount at weapon, armor, and igniter shops. |
| 6 | Merchant Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Merchant Lineage. |
| 6 | Merchant’s Markdown – Significantly improves the exchange rate at the MAG Exchange. |
| 7 | Igniter Connoisseur – Further widens the variety of items sold at the Lycaon Magic Association by adding rare items. |
| 7 | Supply Crate – Occasionally, as one day ends and another begins, Brigitta will send a crate with funds. |
| 8 | Merchant Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Tycoon. |
| 8 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Merchant Lineage to four. |
More
Locked away in Akademeia, More is an amnesiac who is furiously trying to regain his lost memories. As you help More, the scholar returns the favor in kind by offering quality-of-life upgrades to Archetype menuing, as well as the ability to preview all follower abilities thanks to Ability Forecast. While it’s not quite as convenient as this guide, it’s a big help. More’s showstopper is Archetype Evangelist, which grants +3 to all of an Archetype’s stats while it’s active.
| Rank | Ability |
| 1 | Seeker Archetype – The party can now study the Seeker once unlocked in Akademeia. |
| 1 | Bright-Eyed Student – Allows the party to change between Archetypes once unlocked in Akademeia. |
| 2 | Seeker Enlightenment – Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Seeker Lineage. |
| 2 | Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Seeker Lineage to two. |
| 2 | More’s Magic Igniter – The Archetype Tree becomes accessible from the Main Menu. |
| 3 | Seeker Archetype: Adept – The party can now study the Magic Seeker. |
| 4 | Ability Forecast – Allows you to preview all abilities for followers from the main menu. |
| 5 | Scion’s Merit: Increases skill inheritance slots for the Seeker Lineage to three. |
| 6 | Seeker Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Seeker Lineage. |
| 7 | Seeker Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Soul Hacker. |
| 7 | Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Seeker Lineage to four. |
| 8 | Archetype Evangelist – Increase an Archetype’s status bonuses by +3 while channeling it. |
And that’s all you need to know about Bonds in Metaphor ReFantazio. As you unlock followers, you’ll find yourself able to access more of the Metaphor ReFantazio Archetypes. You should also double-check how much of your Archetype progress carries over into Metaphor ReFantazio’s new game plus – provided it does at all, of course.
