Magic and Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio: Guide to Igniters and Archetypes

Key Takeaways

1. Igniters are essential magic tools that open new strategic avenues for any party, allowing players to access spells beyond their Archetype abilities.
2. The Seraphic Igniter, though costly, can grant access to Mage Omniscience a powerful yet high-cost skill, useful under certain battle conditions.
3. Understanding Archetypes, from Mage to Warlock, allows players to harness elemental powers and select optimal roles for team synergy.

In the enchanting world of Metaphor: ReFantazio, players encounter a vast array of magic and archetypes, each with unique spells and skills that define battle roles and strategies. Two major elements drive magical power: Archetypes, which define character skill trees, and Igniters, magical accessories that unlock new spells for any equipped character. This guide will explore these magical elements in detail, showing how players can build the most potent combinations of Archetypes and Igniters for supreme control over any encounter.

What Are Igniters, and Why Are They Important?

In Metaphor: ReFantazio, Igniters are magical tools used throughout the world of Euchronia. Though each party member’s Archetype may provide them with a variety of spells, Igniters offer flexibility by adding even more spell options. Equipping an Igniter on a character gives them access to additional spells, which can be a game-changer in combat, allowing for a blend of supportive and offensive moves.

The Seraphic Igniter, considered the strongest Igniter in the game, stands out. This Igniter grants access to the Mage Omniscience skill, known for dealing heavy Almighty damage to all enemies. This is not a typical spell, as Almighty damage bypasses enemy resistances, making it a powerful but costly option in terms of MP.

How to Acquire the Seraphic Igniter

To obtain the Seraphic Igniter, players must first unlock Brigitta as a follower in Grand Trad. By levelling up Brigitta’s bond to rank 7, players earn the Igniter Connoisseur perk, unlocking access to rare Igniters in her magic shop. The Seraphic Igniter is then available for purchase at a substantial cost of 792,000 Reeve. Though expensive, this Igniter can be an incredible asset, especially for parties lacking in heavy, resistance-piercing damage options.

Is the Seraphic Igniter Worth It?

Mage Omniscience, granted by the Seraphic Igniter, deals high Almighty damage but consumes a hefty 60 MP per use. While powerful, it mirrors the effects of the Megidola spell, accessible through the Warlord Archetype, which costs only 20 MP. Players seeking the most efficient use of their MP may find that other Archetype-based skills, like Megidola, offer a more sustainable damage option.

Archetype Mastery: Exploring Mage, Wizard, Elemental Master, and Warlock Paths

Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio act as a class system that defines each character’s abilities, from spellcasting to physical combat. One key Archetype is the Mage, which introduces players to elemental magic and evolves into three more specialized roles: Wizard, Elemental Master, and Warlock.

Unlocking the Mage Archetype

The Mage Archetype is unlocked automatically on June 6 in the storyline through a bond with Gallica after defeating the Nord Mines boss. Mages are proficient in Fire, Ice, and Electric elemental spells, making them ideal for players focused on offensive magic. However, Mages have a low defense and a specific weakness to Pierce attacks, which can make them vulnerable in certain encounters.

Advancing to Wizard

Upon reaching rank 3 in Gallica’s bond and reaching Mage rank 20, players can unlock the Wizard Archetype. Wizards possess stronger versions of Mage spells and gain an additional resistance to Wind while still retaining their weakness to Pierce attacks. With the Wizard Archetype, players can wield improved Synthesis skills combinations of spells that can create more powerful magical effects.

Becoming an Elemental Master

The Elemental Master Archetype, unlocked through Gallica’s bond at rank 8 and with a high MAG requirement, specializes in devastating all-enemy elemental attacks across Fire, Ice, and Electric spells. This Archetype also comes with significant passive abilities, such as halving Synthesis skill costs, which makes elemental attacks far more sustainable. Elemental Masters gain multiple resistances, including Fire, Ice, Electric, and Wind, though they remain vulnerable to Pierce attacks.

Embracing the Dark Arts with the Warlock

The Warlock Archetype is a unique branch unlocked with both Gallica and Assassin ranks at level 10. Unlike the previous Archetypes, the Warlock specializes in Dark magic, adding a twist to the elemental lineup. It also offers MP recovery upon enemy defeat, which can be invaluable for longer encounters or those requiring sustained magical output. Warlocks resist both Light and Dark attacks, though they, too, have a Pierce vulnerability.

Alternative Sources of Almighty Damage

If the high MP cost of the Seraphic Igniter’s Mage Omniscience isn’t appealing, players have other options for dealing Almighty damage. Various Archetypes provide alternative skills that inflict Almighty damage, which ignore resistances while costing less MP:

• Merchant Archetype – Gold Attack: A skill that combines a lucrative reward with reliable damage.
• Tycoon Archetype – Gold Rush: Builds on the Merchant’s Gold Attack, offering a more powerful version of this Almighty skill.
• Warlord Archetype – Megidola: Available to players who progress in the Commander lineage, Megidola delivers Almighty damage for just 20 MP.
• Prince Archetype – Royal Slash: An ability that allows players to inflict Almighty damage while also taking advantage of the Prince’s unique resistances.

Each of these alternatives can be tailored to specific Archetype combinations, providing versatility for players who want to optimize MP usage and tailor party abilities to exploit enemy weaknesses.

Optimizing Archetype Combinations for Success

Mastering Metaphor: ReFantazio requires strategic selection of Archetypes based on party synergy and enemy encounters. By combining offensive Archetypes like Mage or Warlord with supportive roles or using Igniters for added spell variety, players can create a balanced and potent team composition. Testing various combinations, such as blending the Elemental Master’s resistance diversity with a strong defensive Archetype, can yield powerful results, especially in challenging encounters or bounty hunts.

FAQ

What are Igniters in Metaphor: ReFantazio?

Igniters are accessories that grant characters access to additional spells or abilities, enhancing their battle capabilities. By equipping an Igniter, a character can gain supportive or offensive spells, making Igniters invaluable for party versatility.

How do I obtain the Seraphic Igniter?

The Seraphic Igniter can be purchased from Brigitta’s magic shop after reaching rank 7 in her bond level. This powerful Igniter costs 792,000 Reeve and unlocks the Mage Omniscience skill, a potent Almighty spell.

Is Mage Omniscience worth the cost?

Mage Omniscience is strong but requires 60 MP, which may be too high for some parties. The Warlord Archetype’s Megidola spell offers similar Almighty damage for only 20 MP, making it a more efficient option for many players.

What is the best Archetype for elemental damage?

The Elemental Master Archetype is the best for high elemental damage, covering Fire, Ice, and Electric spells. This Archetype also reduces Synthesis skill costs and offers multiple resistances.

How can I deal Almighty damage without the Seraphic Igniter?

Several Archetypes, such as Warlord, Prince, and Tycoon, provide Almighty damage skills without needing the Seraphic Igniter. These skills often have lower MP costs and can fit various party compositions effectively.

By combining the right Archetypes and utilizing Igniters, players can create dynamic and highly adaptable strategies in Metaphor: ReFantazio, paving the way for success in every encounter.