Metaphor: ReFantazio Combat Guide: Combat System – Real Time vs Squad Combat

In Metaphor: ReFantazio, the combat system is a fascinating hybrid of real-time action and classic turn-based strategy. Players are thrust into a world where they must switch between quick decision-making and tactical planning to overcome enemies. Understanding how to effectively use both combat systems can greatly enhance your gameplay experience and give you the upper hand in even the most challenging battles.

Whether you’re new to the game or looking to improve your skills, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to dominate the battlefield. We’ll cover real-time combat strategies, the intricacies of Squad Combat, and how to maximize your damage output by utilizing your Archetypes’ strengths. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Real Time Combat – Fast-Paced Action for Quick Kills

In Metaphor: ReFantazio, real-time combat takes place in the overworld, where you can interact with enemies on the map. This system offers players the opportunity to gain an advantage in battle by eliminating weaker foes before entering full combat or stunning stronger ones to gain an early edge.

Key Features of Real-Time Combat:

• Instant Kills for Weak Enemies: If an enemy appears blue in your Fae Sight, they are at least three levels lower than your protagonist. These enemies can be dispatched instantly, allowing you to bypass the need for a full-scale battle. This feature is crucial for conserving your party’s resources, especially in long dungeon crawls.
• Stunning Stronger Enemies: For enemies who are closer to your level but not overwhelming (yellow enemies), you won’t be able to kill them outright. However, real-time combat allows you to stun them, granting you a free turn once Squad Combat begins. This early advantage can make all the difference in a difficult fight.
• Environmental Strategy: Physical-focused Archetypes such as the Warrior tend to deal more damage in the overworld, which makes them particularly useful for quickly dispatching enemies in real-time. Magic-focused Archetypes, though not as powerful in this context, can still wipe out weaker foes with one or two attacks.

Squad Combat – Strategic Turn-Based Battles

While real-time combat is fast and reactive, Metaphor: ReFantazio’s true depth lies in its turn-based Squad Combat. This system lets players carefully plan their moves, making it essential to understand how to optimize your squad’s performance.

Key Features of Squad Combat:

• Focus on Synergy: Squad Combat emphasizes teamwork and strategy. You’ll need to think carefully about how your party’s Archetypes interact with one another, as certain combinations can either amplify your damage output or leave you vulnerable.
• Exploit Enemy Weaknesses: Some enemies have specific weaknesses that can be exploited in both real-time and turn-based combat. For instance, enemies weak to physical damage will take increased damage from certain Archetypes. Learning these nuances will give you an edge.
• Level Differences Matter: Enemies are color-coded based on their level relative to yours. This system provides a visual cue of the difficulty you’re facing. For instance:
  • Blue enemies are 3+ levels below you and are easily dispatched in real-time combat.
  • Yellow enemies are near your level and offer more of a challenge but can still be stunned in real-time.
  • Red enemies are 3+ levels above you and should be approached cautiously in turn-based combat. Engaging them without proper preparation could spell disaster.

Maximizing Damage with Archetypes

Your protagonist’s Archetype plays a huge role in determining how much damage you deal in both combat systems. The game’s Archetypes range from physical-based warriors to magic-focused casters, each with their strengths and weaknesses. Here’s how to maximize your damage output depending on the Archetype you choose.

Physical Archetypes:

Physical-based Archetypes, such as the Warrior or Brawler, excel in real-time combat. These classes are capable of delivering high-damage attacks quickly, allowing you to wipe out enemies before they even realize what hit them. Physical Archetypes can also target enemies’ weaknesses, dealing even more damage.

• Warrior: Strong melee attacks make the Warrior one of the most potent physical damage dealers. When equipped with high-damage weapons, the Warrior Archetype can decimate even yellow enemies in real-time combat with ease.
• Brawler: Fast and agile, Brawlers excel in landing multiple quick hits, making them a great choice for overwhelming enemies before they can retaliate.

Magic Archetypes:

While magic Archetypes like the Mage may not shine in real-time combat, they are incredibly powerful in turn-based Squad Combat. Mages can deal devastating area-of-effect (AOE) damage, making them invaluable when facing groups of enemies. However, they are more vulnerable in real-time combat and may require protection from stronger physical Archetypes.

• Mage: Specializes in long-range magical attacks that can wipe out groups of enemies in a single turn. Mages also provide buffs and debuffs, offering both offensive and defensive utility to your party.
• Healer: Though not a damage dealer, the Healer Archetype is crucial for keeping your party alive during prolonged battles. Healers are especially valuable when facing red-level enemies, as their ability to restore HP can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Understanding Enemy Colours and Level Gaps

The level system in Metaphor: ReFantazio is integral to your success. As mentioned earlier, enemies are color-coded based on their level relative to yours. Understanding these colour cues will help you decide whether to engage in real-time combat or switch to Squad Combat.

• Blue Enemies: These are 3 or more levels below your protagonist. They are easily killed in real-time combat, saving you the hassle of a full battle.
• Yellow Enemies: These are 1 or 2 levels higher or lower than you. They pose a moderate threat and can only be stunned in real-time combat.
• Red Enemies: These enemies are 3 or more levels above your protagonist and represent a serious challenge. They should be handled with care in Squad Combat, as even a single mistake could be fatal.

Grinding and Level Progression Tips

Levelling up in Metaphor: ReFantazio can sometimes feel like a grind, but there are ways to streamline the process and make it more efficient.

Efficient Levelling:

• Focus on Blue Enemies: Clearing out blue enemies in real-time combat is a quick way to gain experience without wasting resources. These enemies are easily killed, and by chaining together multiple real-time kills, you can rack up XP fast.
• Dungeon Runs: As you progress through dungeons, enemies will start appearing as yellow. When these enemies eventually turn blue, it’s a clear sign you’re ready for the dungeon boss. Use this indicator to gauge when you’re properly levelled for more significant challenges.

Popularity and Ranking:

Popularity plays a key role in Metaphor: ReFantazio’s story progression, particularly in the Tournament for the Throne. Increasing your popularity rank can unlock new quests, allies, and perks that will help you in both combat and world exploration.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get the most out of real-time combat in Metaphor: ReFantazio?
A: To maximize your real-time combat efficiency, focus on targeting blue enemies for quick kills. Use your physical Archetypes, which deal more damage in real-time combat, and ensure your protagonist is well-equipped to take down enemies before engaging in full Squad Combat.

Q: What’s the best way to level up fast in Metaphor: ReFantazio?
A: The quickest way to level up is by targeting blue enemies in the overworld, as they can be instantly killed in real-time combat. Dungeon runs are also effective, as enemies will eventually turn blue, indicating you’re ready for the boss.

Q: What are Archetypes, and how do they affect combat?
A: Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio determine your character’s abilities and combat style. Physical-based Archetypes like the Warrior excel in real-time combat, while magic-focused Archetypes like the Mage dominate in Squad Combat. Choosing the right Archetype for the right situation is key to success.

Q: How do enemy levels work in Metaphor: ReFantazio?
A: Enemies are color-coded based on their level relative to yours. Blue enemies are 3+ levels lower, yellow enemies are close to your level, and red enemies are 3+ levels higher. Understanding these level differences helps you decide when to engage in real-time combat and when to switch to Squad Combat.

Q: What role does Popularity play in the game?
A: Popularity is essential in the Tournament for the Throne. As you increase your popularity rank, you unlock new quests and perks that can aid in both combat and exploration. Managing your popularity is a key aspect of progressing in the game’s story.

By mastering the intricacies of both real-time and Squad Combat, optimizing your Archetypes, and strategically leveling up, you’ll be well on your way to conquering the world of Metaphor: ReFantazio.