Metaphor: ReFantaziomay be a game under the ATLUS umbrella, but this new fantasy JRPG is more like a traditional JRPG outing than you might think.
The biggest indicator of this is found within the combat system, as players will be able to use various Archetypes to fight their way to the throne.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Review
It’s more than just fantasy Persona, it’s a JRPG triumph in its own right.
These Archetypes are less like the monsters you can tame inPersonaand more like traditional JRPG classes like Mages, Knights, Brawlers, and the like, allowing players to specialize in whatever fighting style they like and mix and match these compositions on the fly.
It’s a wonderful system, but it makes you wonder, which of these Archetypes are the best of the bunch? Well, we intend to give you some insight into that, allowing you to spend your MAG wisely.
Just for clarity, we intend to do a follow-up list of the best Elite Archetypes, so this list will be purely comprised of each Archetype tree’s initial Archetype.
Primary Damage Type
Associated Character
How To Unlock
Complete Catherina’s Request inThe Grand Regalith Cathedral Dungeon
Our wooden spoon entry goes toCatherina’ssignature Archetype, theBrawler. On paper, the Brawler seems like a helpful addition to the line-up.
An archetype that canland strong strike-type moves, and an Archetype that uses a resource other than MP, allowing you to force your way to the end of dungeons when resources are depleted.
However, in reality, it’s just a class that sees you sacrifice too much with not enough potential reward. Due to this archetype using HP to attack,you’ll find that this glass cannon approach will kill you more times than you would like.
Plus, on higher difficulties, you won’t have HP items to throw around with careless abandon, either.If combined with a Healer, this one can be somewhat useful, but overall, the juice really isn’t worth the squeeze.
Via story progression
Seeing as the Seeker is the first Archetype we gain access to in the game, it’s hardly a surprise that this one finds itself so far down the pecking order.
The Seeker has its positives,such as good evasive qualities, and the ability to use strong Wind Magic moves.
But overall, this one is pretty one-note, and unless you are relying on Set Skills to keep this one as a viable option in the mid-to-late game, this initial Archetype will soon fall out of your rotation.
It’s another example of an early-game Archetype failing to stay viable as the game progresses. Initially,Strohl’s signature Warrior Archetypeis your best betwhen it comes to dealing physical damage.
However, this soon gets eclipsed by the Knight Archetype, and aside from slash damage, there soon becomes little reason to run this Archetype at all.
It does become much more useful in its Adept and Elite forms, Swordmaster and Samurai, but as a Warrior alone, this Archetype fails to offer a genuine reason not to replace it with a more versatile elemental or buff-providing Archetype within the roster.
11Merchant
Complete’A Bullish Embargo'
You would think that the Merchant Archetype would be a contender for the worst Archetype on the roster, considering it’s a class thatasks the player to spend their hard-earned cashjust to cast spells, but in truth, it’s a much better version of the Brawler Archetype, that’s more viable across the game’s run.
The game gives the player plenty of ways to grind for sellable junk and cash in dungeons, meaning that spending money to perform attacks isn’t much of a burden.
Which, in turn, means thatthis is the best way to conserve MP in dungeons without sacrificing too much in another department. At least until you unlock the Thief Archetype.
Plus, the attacks are all listed asAlmighty, meaning that they always hit regardless of any resistance or effect.
The downside is that this archetype doesn’t allow you to exploit weaknesses, and extended use may leave you a little short on funds. But all in all, it’s a pretty good backup option in a pinch.
Complete’Providing A Spark'
If you’re someone playing Metaphor on the harder difficulties, you’ll know how important it is to organize your party members and make the most of your formation tactics to take less damage and stay alive.
However, the trade-off is that, in most cases, your Archetypes will be much less powerful when working from the back line.
The Gunner is the exception to the rule,providing a series of powerful long-range attacks that can only be used from the back-line. Meaning they can stay out of the line of fire and deliver powerful, piercing blows to enemies from afar.
However, the reason why this one flatters to deceive slightly is that inMetaphor,status effects don’t trigger very often, meaning the high MP costs of these attacks usually aren’t worthwhile, as the potential effect isn’t dependable.
Almighty (Mainly focuses on party buffs)
Complete ‘A Dagger, A Ring, And A Rake’ Request
We all love a wildcard, and the Faker Archetype is exactly that, offering a signature skill that can either lead to imminent death, or make a fight a cakewalk.
The Faker has a variety of skills and abilities tocreate resistances that repel attacks among others, but the standout effect this Archetype offersis ‘Faker’s Roguery’.
Metaphor: ReFantazio: How To Unlock The Faker Archetype
Fake it till you make it, or simply eliminate the competition.
A move that eitheradds or strips you of your turn notchespurely based on whether your luck is in or not.
It’s an amazing Archetype to have in your corner when taking on theVaneramo Colusieumor theCharadrius Skyrunnerdungeon,as these areas require the player to complete fights in a finite amount of turns.
However, outside of these match-ups, your mileage may vary, as one unsuccessful roll of the dice could spell the end of your fantasy.
Hulkenberg
Despite being an early-game Archetype, the Knight remains one of the best options for your line-up well into the mid-to-late game, and this is simply because the Knight iseffectively the Tank class option withinMetaphor.
The Knight has access to somepowerful pierce attacks and synthesis options. But the real reason you want them in your corner is because they can take a beating, and they can draw the attention of enemies.
With the use of theKnight’s Proclamationskill,you can ensure enemies only attack this party member, meaning they can soak up all the damage, allowing you to remain aggressive with your other more vulnerable Archetypes.
This class eventually needs an upgrade to something with a little more attacking versatility that set skills alone cannot provide, but all things considered, this is a brilliant option.
Fire/Ice/Electric
Grius/Gallica
It’s a JRPG staple class for a reason, and it’s hardly surprising that this early-game Archetype remains consistently useful throughout your run.
The Mage Archetype does what it says on the tin, allowing the player to channel various forms of magic to get the better of their foe.
This meansyou can use Fire, Ice, and Electric attacksright from the word go, meaning that in a lot of cases, this classwill be able to exploit weaknesses of multiple enemy variants in one dungeon.
The downside to this one is thatif the enemy has a magical barrier up, this one is as good as useless, but for the sheer versatility that this Archetype provides alone, it’s one that you should invest in early, as it will continue to be an asset well into the game.
6Commander
Fire (Mainly focuses on party buffs)
Complete Bardon’s First Bond Rank (Must finish Kriegante Castle)
Much like withinPersona, attacks are only as good as the characters casting them, and more often than not, a good buff can turn the tide in any battle, which is why the Commander Archetype is such a valuable asset.
This Archetype allows the player to effectively bark orders at fellow party membersand cast group buffs rather than relying on individual buffs,meaning you can set up your team tosweep enemies much faster.
The downside is that this Archetype isn’t all that good in a fight, with only some meager fire attacks to call upon when needed.
So they are best used along the back lines, out of the firing line. But despite the hands-off approach, it’s an Archetype you’ll want in your corner during long boss fights.
As every gamer knows, a team is only as good as their healer, and without one, you’re setting yourself up for failure. But the good news is that you gain this Archetype very early in the game, so you won’t need to go without one for long.
This Archetypeprimarily uses light magic attacks, making it an unbelievable option when taking on undead enemies such as those in the Grand Regalith Cathedral.
However, the real reason why this one ranks so high on this list is because of its ability to heal the entire party and alleviate any status effects with ease.
No one wants to be the Healer, as it’s a pretty thankless job, but believe me when I say, in Metaphor, it’s an Archetype you’ll want to nurture.
