Difficulty Differences and Settings in Metaphor: ReFantazio – A Guide for All Players

If you’ve ever played an Atlus RPG, you already know what you’re getting into brutally challenging battles, deep mechanics, and unforgiving difficulty spikes. But if you’re new to the game or just looking for a smoother experience, Metaphor: ReFantazio offers a refreshing range of difficulty options to cater to all players. Whether you find Persona too easy or Shin Megami Tensei too punishing, this new RPG is designed to offer something for everyone.

Why Atlus Games Have a Reputation for Tough Difficulty

Atlus games have always been known for their intense difficulty. If you’re familiar with the Shin Megami Tensei series, you’ve probably encountered infamous bosses like the Matador in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne or the Minotaur in Shin Megami Tensei IV. These early-game bosses were notorious for crushing players, forcing many to rethink their strategies, reload their save files, and even question their RPG choices.

But these games don’t ease up. From start to finish, both the MegaTen and Persona series are packed with punishing battles that can overwhelm even seasoned RPG players. Miss a key mechanic or overlook an enemy’s weakness? You’re toast.

While these challenging battles offer a unique sense of satisfaction, they can be overwhelming, especially for newer players. Thankfully, things have shifted with more recent titles like Shin Megami Tensei V, which introduced a “Safety Difficulty” mode for those who want to experience the story without the frustration.

Enter Metaphor: ReFantazio – A New Experience with Familiar Mechanics

Now, with Metaphor: ReFantazio, Atlus is shaking things up again. This game, while still grounded in the classic mechanics fans love, introduces a range of difficulty settings designed to cater to both RPG veterans and newcomers alike. Whether you want a casual experience or the kind of soul-crushing challenge Atlus is famous for, there’s a mode for you.

Let’s break down the difficulty levels and what each one offers.

1. Storyteller Mode – Focus on the Narrative

If you’re the kind of player who’s here for the story rather than the challenge, Storyteller Mode is your go-to option. In this mode, the game significantly reduces the difficulty of battles, allowing you to enjoy the rich narrative without worrying about tough enemies.

Imagine it like being the hero in a blockbuster movie you’re virtually unstoppable, and the combat becomes a breeze. Enemies deal minimal damage, and your characters can crush even the most fearsome foes with ease. This is perfect for players who want to soak in the lore, explore the world, and focus on the character development without getting bogged down by mechanics.

It’s important to note that once you select Storyteller Mode, you cannot change it later. This ensures a smooth, consistent experience throughout the game.

2. Easy Mode – A Balanced Experience with Minimal Frustration

If you’re new to Atlus RPGs but still want a bit of a challenge, Easy Mode offers a great middle ground. It’s less punishing than the standard difficulty, making it an ideal choice for casual players or those unfamiliar with the intricate mechanics of the MegaTen and Persona series.

In Easy Mode, enemies are more forgiving. They take less time to defeat, deal less damage, and you can progress without feeling constantly overwhelmed. However, this mode still provides a taste of Atlus’ signature challenge, so you’ll need to pay attention to strategy and tactics just not to the same intense degree.

And, unlike Storyteller Mode, you can switch between Easy and Normal or Hard at any point in the game, giving you flexibility if you feel like ramping up or toning down the difficulty.

3. Normal Mode – The Standard Challenge

Normal Mode is exactly what you’d expect it’s the standard experience, balancing difficulty and strategy. This is the default setting for players who want to enjoy the game as it was designed, with enough challenge to make victories feel rewarding but without the teeth-gritting frustration of harder modes.

In Normal Mode, enemies have standard defenses and attack power, and you’ll need to make good use of the game’s Press Turn System to succeed in battles. This system rewards smart play exploiting enemy weaknesses or landing critical hits gives your party extra turns. Fail to do this, and you’ll find yourself on the back foot quickly.

For most players, Normal Mode will offer a solid challenge without being unfair, and you can switch to Easy if things get too tough.

4. Hard Mode – For the Masochists

If you’re the type of player who craves a challenge, Hard Mode is for you. Battles in this mode are intense and unforgiving. Enemies deal more damage, take less from you, and will actively exploit your weaknesses. In fact, they gain an extra turn for every mistake you make, making battles feel like a high-stakes game of chess.

This mode is not for the faint-hearted. You’ll need to master the game’s mechanics, plan your party carefully, and be ready to adapt on the fly. Hard Mode is perfect for those who want to test their skills and feel a genuine sense of accomplishment when they defeat a boss or clear a dungeon.

Again, this mode can be switched to Normal or Easy if it proves too much, offering a way out if the challenge becomes overwhelming.

5. Regicide Mode – The Ultimate Challenge

Finally, there’s Regicide Mode a mode designed for only the most battle-hardened players. If the word “regicide” (the act of killing a king) doesn’t already give you chills, the gameplay surely will. Enemies in this mode are devastating, and the margin for error is slim to none.

Regicide Mode is locked at the beginning of the game. You’ll only unlock it after beating the game once and getting the true ending. Once unlocked, Regicide Mode cannot be turned off, and the difficulty cannot be reduced. Every encounter becomes a battle for survival, with enemies capable of wiping out your party in a few turns.

This mode is for those who want the purest, hardest Atlus RPG experience. If you’re a fan of games like Dark Souls or Nioh, where every decision counts, this will be right up your alley. Regicide Mode transforms the game into a brutal gauntlet that will test even the most skilled players.

How Difficulty Levels Affect Gameplay

So, what exactly changes when you switch between difficulty levels in Metaphor: ReFantazio? Here’s a breakdown:

• Storyteller Mode: Enemies are incredibly weak, and you deal massive damage. You’re essentially invincible, allowing you to focus on the narrative.
• Easy Mode: Enemies have reduced stats, making them easier to defeat without sacrificing too much of the challenge.
• Normal Mode: Balanced gameplay where enemies hit hard, but fair, allowing you to enjoy the full experience of the game.
• Hard Mode: Enemies have increased defenses and damage. You’ll need to strategize and exploit enemy weaknesses to win.
• Regicide Mode: Enemies are at their strongest, and mistakes are severely punished. Perfect for players seeking the ultimate test of skill.

How to Change Difficulty During the Game

For players looking to adjust their difficulty mid-game, Metaphor: ReFantazio offers the flexibility to do so. You can switch between Easy, Normal, and Hard at any time, even in the middle of a dungeon.

Here’s how to change your difficulty settings:

1. Open the pause menu.
2. Select Settings.
3. Choose System Settings.
4. Scroll down to Select Difficulty and choose your preferred setting.

It’s important to note that once you select Storyteller Mode or Regicide Mode, you cannot change it later. These settings are locked for the entire playthrough, so choose wisely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I change difficulty mid-game?
A: Yes, you can change between Easy, Normal, and Hard at any time during the game. However, if you select Storyteller Mode or Regicide Mode, you cannot change it later.

Q: What is Regicide Mode?
A: Regicide Mode is the hardest difficulty setting in Metaphor: ReFantazio. It’s unlocked after beating the game with the true ending and offers a brutally challenging experience where enemies are at their strongest.

Q: Is Storyteller Mode too easy?
A: Storyteller Mode is designed for players who want to focus purely on the story. If you enjoy challenging combat, this mode might be too easy for you, as battles are simplified significantly.

Q: Can I switch to Regicide Mode after starting the game?
A: No, Regicide Mode can only be selected after beating the game and cannot be changed once you start a playthrough with it.

Q: Does changing difficulty affect the story?
A: No, changing difficulty only affects combat mechanics. The story remains the same regardless of which difficulty you choose.

Q: Can I unlock Regicide Mode without beating the game?
A: No