How to Unlock the Gunner in Metaphor: ReFantazio – Complete Guide to Boosting Your Combat Abilities

The Gunner class in Metaphor: ReFantazio is a powerful Archetype that enhances your combat abilities by allowing you to strike enemies from a distance and inflict debilitating status effects. If you’re looking to dominate Martira’s dungeons and make your journey through the game smoother, unlocking the Gunner early on is a smart move. In this guide, we’ll explain the steps you need to follow to unlock the Gunner and provide some useful tips to make the most of this Archetype.

Why You Should Unlock the Gunner ASAP

Unlocking the Gunner is crucial for a few reasons. First off, the Gunner’s crossbow abilities make it easier to tackle enemies in Martira’s dungeons. The Gunner specializes in status ailments like poison and sleep, which can turn the tide of battle by immobilizing enemies or gradually weakening them. Whether you’re up against bosses or regular foes, the Gunner’s unique skills will give you an edge in combat. Additionally, completing the Gunner’s unlock quest also helps you advance in More’s Follower quests and push forward in Metaphor: ReFantazio’s storyline.

How to Unlock the Gunner in Metaphor: ReFantazio

To unlock the Gunner, you’ll need to complete a side quest for Neuras, the archetype’s guardian. Here’s a step by step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Initiate the Quest “Providing a Spark”

Neuras, the driver of your Gauntlet Runner, holds the key to unlocking the Gunner Archetype. However, you won’t be able to pursue this side quest until later in the game, specifically on June 29th in the in-game calendar. Once this date arrives, Neuras will mention the quest Providing a Spark. You’ll need to speak with Neuras to officially kick off the mission.

Step 2: Visit the Village of Komero

Once the quest begins, your next step is to travel to the village of Komero. Head to the Gauntlet Runner and choose Komero as your destination. It’s important to note that traveling to and from Komero will take an entire in-game day, so plan accordingly before you set out.

Step 3: Retrieve Neuras’ Items

In Komero, you’ll need to track down two specific items Neuras’ Glass Ornament and the Inventor’s Journal. Speak with the merchant in Komero, and they’ll provide you with these essential relics. With the items in hand, return to the Gauntlet Runner and make your way back to Neuras.

Step 4: Complete the Quest

Once you hand over the Glass Ornament and Inventor’s Journal to Neuras, a cutscene will trigger. This scene marks the official start of Neuras’ Follower relationship with the protagonist, and the Gunner Archetype will become available for use. Completing this task also advances More’s storyline, unlocking his Rank 2 event and allowing you to continue progressing through the game.

Mastering the Gunner Archetype: A Guide to Using it Effectively

Now that you’ve unlocked the Gunner, it’s time to learn how to use this Archetype to its full potential. The Gunner excels in dealing pierce damage and is particularly effective against certain enemies and bosses. Let’s dive into the Gunner’s unique abilities and strategies to make the most of this class.

Combat Style: Mastering the Crossbow

The Gunner’s weapon of choice is the crossbow, a versatile tool that allows for long-range attacks. The crossbow deals pierce damage, which is effective against a variety of enemy types. When you’re battling in the overworld, your attacks vary based on proximity. If you’re close to an enemy, your character will use the crossbow as a melee weapon, clubbing the enemy. If you’re at a distance, you’ll fire a bolt, and you can quickly follow up with another shot. This flexibility makes the Gunner valuable for adapting to different combat situations.

Key Skills: Sleep Shot and Poison Shot

The two main skills you’ll rely on early in your Gunner journey are Sleep Shot and Poison Shot. These abilities not only deal damage but also inflict powerful status ailments that can help you manage tougher battles.

• Sleep Shot: This skill puts most enemies to sleep for up to two turns, giving you the opportunity to focus on other threats or simply avoid overwhelming situations. Keep in mind that while enemies are asleep, they regain a small amount of HP and MP each turn. Despite this, Sleep Shot is an excellent crowd-control tool, especially when you’re facing multiple enemies at once.
• Poison Shot: Poison Shot is even more devastating than Sleep Shot. It deals light pierce damage, but the real benefit comes from the poison effect. Enemies that are poisoned take additional damage over time, which can be incredibly useful for whittling down the health of tanky opponents or bosses. Some bosses are even vulnerable to poison, making this skill a key part of your strategy in tougher fights.

Staying in the Back Row

In battle, Gunners are most effective when positioned in the back row. This setup allows them to use their crossbow attacks without taking unnecessary damage from melee-focused enemies. Most of the Gunner’s abilities, including Sleep Shot and Poison Shot, are designed for long-range attacks, making the back row the ideal place to station them during fights.

Why the Gunner is Essential for Progressing in Martira’s Dungeons

Martira’s dungeons are no joke. You’ll face a range of enemies, some of whom are particularly vulnerable to pierce damage. The Gunner’s abilities shine in these situations, especially when you’re up against enemies that require precise, ranged attacks to defeat.

The Human Boss Fight

One key encounter where the Gunner’s skills are indispensable is the Human Boss at the end of Martira’s dungeon. This boss has a unique gimmick you need to use pierce attacks on two of its parts to avoid taking massive damage from its special moves. While Knights also have pierce-aligned attacks, their attacks don’t hit as hard as the Gunner’s Poison Shot, making the Gunner a superior choice for this battle.

Enhancing the Gunner with Hero’s Incense

As a bonus for completing More’s Rank 2 quest and unlocking the Gunner, you’ll receive eight Hero’s Incense. These items are incredibly valuable for giving your Gunner a quick boost in power, making it easier to level up and take on tougher enemies right out of the gate. Make sure to use them wisely to strengthen your Gunner and improve your party’s overall combat capabilities.

Unlocking More Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio

The Gunner is just one of 47 Archetypes available for players to unlock and master in Metaphor: ReFantazio. As you progress through More’s quests, you’ll have the opportunity to unlock more Archetypes, each with their own unique abilities and strategies. More plays a key role in helping the protagonist learn about these powers and grow stronger throughout the game.

The first Archetype you unlock through More’s quests is the Healer, which is essential for keeping your party alive in difficult battles. However, this Archetype is part of the main story and can’t be missed. After the Healer, More’s second major quest, “More’s Task Chapter Two: Solitude”, focuses on the Gunner, which is missable if you’re not paying attention.

FAQs

Q: When can I unlock the Gunner in Metaphor: ReFantazio?
A: You can unlock the Gunner after June 29th in the game, by completing Neuras’ quest “Providing a Spark”. Make sure to plan accordingly as traveling to Komero will take up a full in-game day.

Q: What abilities does the Gunner have?
A: The Gunner specializes in long-range pierce damage and status ailments. Early on, you’ll gain access to Sleep Shot and Poison Shot, which can help control crowds and whittle down stronger enemies.

Q: Can the Gunner be used in the front row?
A: While the Gunner can attack from the front row, it’s much more effective to position them in the back row, where they can safely fire crossbow bolts and use their abilities.

Q: How do I strengthen the Gunner?
A: After unlocking the Gunner, you’ll receive eight Hero’s Incense, which can be used to quickly level up the Gunner and improve their stats.

Q: Are there other Archetypes to unlock in Metaphor: ReFantazio?
A: Yes, there are a total of 47 Archetypes to unlock, each with unique abilities and strengths. More’s quests will help you unlock these Archetypes as you progress through the game.

Unlocking the Gunner is just one of many exciting steps in Metaphor: ReFantazio’s deep and immersive gameplay. With its unique abilities and strategic advantages, the Gunner Archetype will be a key asset as you tackle the game’s many challenges.