How to Beat Alpha Rockworm Valmo Metaphor: ReFantazio – The Man-Eater in the Mine Bounty

Bounties are an excellent way for players to earn large sums of Reeve while facing off against unique and challenging bosses in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Although these bounties are optional, they offer a great opportunity to level up, explore new dungeons, and face some of the toughest enemies in the game. One of the more complicated bounties players will encounter is The Man-Eater in the Mine, a side quest that pits you against the formidable Alpha Rockworm Valmo. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to complete this bounty, defeat the Alpha Rockworm Valmo, and maximize your rewards.

What Are Bounties in Metaphor: ReFantazio?

Before diving into the details of this specific bounty, it’s helpful to understand the role bounties play in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Bounties give players the chance to earn Reeve, gain experience points, and collect rare loot by hunting down and defeating specific monsters or bosses. Each bounty comes with its own set of challenges, rewards, and recommended levels.

While bounties are not mandatory for completing the main storyline, they offer a variety of benefits. Bounties often take players to new locations and dungeons, adding an extra layer of depth to the game. Moreover, bounties provide valuable experience, making them ideal for levelling up in your spare time between main quests.

How to Start The Man-Eater in the Mine Bounty

To begin The Man-Eater in the Mine bounty, you’ll need to visit one of the game’s many Recruitment Centers after 07/05. At the Recruitment Center, accept the bounty for the Alpha Rockworm Valmo, also known as the Monstrous Maneater. This bounty can be picked up at any of the Recruitment Centers scattered throughout the world of Metaphor: ReFantazio, but the one in Martira may be the most convenient, depending on where you are in the story.

Once you accept the bounty, a new location, Man-Eater’s Grotto, will appear on your world map. This is where your battle against the Alpha Rockworm Valmo will take place. You can access this location via the Gauntlet Runner, which will take you southeast of Martira.

Preparing for Battle: Items and Archetypes

Before heading to Man-Eater’s Grotto, it’s crucial to properly prepare for the upcoming fight. The enemies you’ll encounter in this area, including the Alpha Rockworm Valmo, frequently use paralysis-inducing attacks, so you’ll want to stock up on items and gear that can mitigate or prevent this status effect.

Here are some recommendations for your preparation:

• Vitamin Relaxants: These items cure paralysis, which is essential since paralysis can severely limit your party’s ability to attack.
• Polarity Magnet: You can purchase this accessory from the village of Komero on your way to Man-Eater’s Grotto. When equipped, it prevents paralysis entirely.
• Archetypes: The Alpha Rockworm Valmo is weak to Ice, so it’s important to have a party member equipped with an Archetype that has access to Ice-based attacks. The Mage Archetype is a great choice for this battle, as it allows you to cast powerful Ice spells. Avoid using Fire-based attacks, as the Alpha Rockworm Valmo is resistant to them.

Exploring Man-Eater’s Grotto

Upon entering Man-Eater’s Grotto, you’ll find yourself in a maze-like dungeon filled with enemies and treasure. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the area:

1. First Pit: After entering the grotto, jump down into the first pit. Defeat the enemies there and take the left path, which will lead you to a Worldly Adventurer NPC. Speak to him if you wish.
2. Fork in the Road: Continue north to reach a fork in the road. Take the north path, which leads down a set of stairs. Jump down into another pit and move south and west to find a crystal. Destroy the crystal and defeat any enemies in your way.
3. Slope: You’ll come across a slope that leads upwards. Go up the slope to find a Plaintive Soldier NPC. Afterward, continue north and take the first left to reach the door that leads to the Alpha Rockworm Valmo’s lair. Before entering, be sure to save your progress or visit Akademeia using the Plateau Mirage.

How to Defeat the Alpha Rockworm Valmo

The Alpha Rockworm Valmo is a particularly tricky boss due to its ability to respawn if you don’t defeat both of its heads simultaneously. Here’s a detailed strategy for taking it down:

Alpha Rockworm Valmo Battle Strategy

• Level and Weakness: The Alpha Rockworm Valmo is at level 29 and has a significant weakness to Ice attacks. Make sure to bring a Mage Archetype or items that inflict Ice damage. As mentioned earlier, avoid using Fire attacks, as the boss is highly resistant to them.
• Two Heads, One Kill: The Alpha Rockworm Valmo has two heads, and both need to be killed in the same turn. If you fail to do so, the head that you’ve defeated will respawn with full health, making the fight drag on indefinitely. To prevent this, alternate your attacks between the two heads, ensuring that their health bars remain close to the same level throughout the battle. This will make it easier to take both heads out simultaneously.
• Paralysis and Debuffs: The Alpha Rockworm Valmo uses several nasty attacks, including Sandstorm (which lowers your party’s Hit Rate and Evasion) and Paralysis Fang (which targets a single character with a chance of paralysis). Having items like Vitamin Relaxants and gear like the Polarity Magnet is essential for staying ahead in this battle.
• Press Turn Mechanics: Like other boss battles in Metaphor: ReFantazio, Press Turn icons are critical. Prioritize using Ice attacks to gain extra Press Turns, allowing you to deal even more damage. However, make sure you don’t accidentally finish off one of the heads too early. Keep them both alive until you’re ready to finish the fight in a single, decisive turn.
• Synthesis Attack – Gablizz: If you have access to the Synthesis attack, Gablizz, it can be a game-changer. This attack hits both heads at once, making it easier to whittle them down evenly. Buffing your Mage’s damage output before the final turn can also help ensure you deal enough damage to finish off both heads in one go.

What Are the Rewards for Defeating the Alpha Rockworm Valmo?

Upon defeating the Alpha Rockworm Valmo, you’ll earn the following rewards:

• 1,150 EXP
• 431 A-EXP
• 960 MAG
• 540 Reeve
• 2x Giant Worm Meat
• Alpha Rockworm Eye

The Alpha Rockworm Eye is a key item required to complete The Man-Eater in the Mine bounty. Once you’ve obtained this item, return to any Recruitment Center to turn it in and complete the quest. As a reward, you’ll receive Courage Royal Virtue points and 20,000 Reeve.

Exploring Man-Eater’s Grotto for Treasure

Before leaving Man-Eater’s Grotto, it’s worth taking the time to explore the area further. There are hidden treasures scattered throughout the dungeon, including a Relic for Neuras and a rare Gold Beetle. These items can be sold or used for crafting later in the game, so it’s definitely worth hunting them down before heading back to Martira.

Final Thoughts on The Man-Eater in the Mine Bounty

The Alpha Rockworm Valmo may be a tough opponent, but with the right preparation and strategy, you can take it down and claim your reward. Remember to stock up on paralysis cures, bring a Mage Archetype for Ice damage, and keep both heads’ health bars close together to ensure a smooth and successful fight. With these tips, you’ll be able to conquer The Man-Eater in the Mine and move on to even bigger challenges in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

FAQs

Q: How do I start The Man-Eater in the Mine bounty?
A: You can start the bounty by visiting any Recruitment Center after 07/05 and accepting the bounty for the Alpha Rockworm Valmo. The location will then be added to your world map.

Q: What is the Alpha Rockworm Valmo’s weakness?
A: The Alpha Rockworm Valmo is weak to Ice, making Ice-based attacks crucial for defeating it.

Q: How do I prevent the Alpha Rockworm Valmo from respawning?
A: You need to defeat both heads of the Alpha Rockworm Valmo in the same turn. If you only defeat one, it will respawn with full health.

Q: What items should I bring to the fight?
A: Bring plenty of Vitamin Relaxants to cure paralysis and consider equipping the Polarity Magnet accessory to prevent paralysis altogether.

Q: What are the rewards for completing The Man-Eater in the Mine bounty?
A: You will earn 1,150 EXP, 431 A-EXP, 960 MAG, 540 Reeve, two Giant Worm Meats, and the Alpha Rockworm Eye, along with 20,000 Reeve upon completing the bounty.