Metaphor: ReFantazio – Guide to Crafting Masks and Mastering the Masked Dancer Archetype

Key Takeaways:

1. Crafting Masks in Metaphor: ReFantazio unlocks powerful abilities for the Masked Dancer Archetype, allowing players to harness elemental affinities and skills from other Archetypes.
2. Masks play a crucial role in shaping your character’s combat style, and knowing how to craft and equip them is key to mastering different roles in the game.
3. Accessing and maximizing the potential of Masks requires strategic use of Arcana Mask pieces, progression in the story, and understanding the Affinity changes tied to each Mask.

In the magical world of Metaphor: ReFantazio, every decision shapes the gameplay experience from selecting Archetypes to crafting powerful items. Among these, one of the most unique and customizable elements is the Masked Dancer Archetype. Unlike traditional Archetypes, the Masked Dancer can switch roles and affinities by equipping different Masks. Crafting and equipping Masks allows players to tap into elemental powers, transforming their approach to battle.

But how do you get these Masks? What do they do, and why should you care? In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the mechanics of crafting Masks in Metaphor: ReFantazio and show you how to use them to gain the upper hand in the game.

What Are Masks in Metaphor: ReFantazio?

Masks are special accessories tied to the Masked Dancer Archetype, which you unlock later in the game. They allow players to change elemental affinities, absorb the skills of other Archetypes, and customize their character’s combat style. Think of them as a tool that lets you shift roles on the fly, giving you an edge in battles by adapting to different enemies and scenarios.

Each Mask has its own elemental affinity, strengths, and weaknesses. For example, equipping a Mask tied to a Fire-based Archetype will make you strong against Ice but weak against Water. The key is to equip the right Mask based on the combat situation and your party’s needs.

Unlocking the Masked Dancer Archetype

The journey to crafting and using Masks begins with unlocking the Masked Dancer Archetype. This Archetype becomes available after your fifth party member joins the team, and the story progresses to a point where you can access Akademia, the game’s central hub for crafting and experimentation.

Once unlocked, you’ll meet a character named More, who will guide you through the process of crafting Masks using Arcana Mask pieces items that you collect from battles and dungeons.

Crafting Masks in Akademia

To craft Masks, you’ll need to visit the Special Experiments section in Akademia. Here, you’ll find a list of available Masks based on the Archetypes you’ve unlocked. Each Mask requires multiple Arcana Mask pieces, which are obtained through combat, dungeon exploration, or from select in-game shops.

How to Craft Masks:

1. Collect Arcana Mask Pieces: These are crafting materials dropped by enemies or found in treasure chests during dungeon exploration. Each piece has an Arcana designation (e.g., Fool Arcana, Magician Arcana), which corresponds to specific Masks.
2. Access Special Experiments: Once you’ve collected enough pieces, visit Akademia and select the Special Experiments option. Here, you’ll see a list of Masks available for crafting.
3. Choose a Mask: Masks can only be crafted for Archetypes you’ve unlocked, so focus on collecting Arcana pieces that match the Archetypes you’ve ranked up.
4. Complete the Crafting: Once crafted, the process is final. The Mask is now available for equipping on your Masked Dancer, allowing you to inherit the skills and affinities of the associated Archetype.

How to Use Masks in Battle

Now that you’ve crafted your Masks, it’s time to put them to use in combat. Masks are equipped in the accessory slot, meaning they replace any other accessory the character may have been using. Once equipped, the Mask grants the character the elemental affinity and abilities of the corresponding Archetype.

For example, equipping a Warrior Lineage Mask will give you access to powerful Slash-based skills, while a Healer Lineage Mask will grant you restorative abilities like healing spells. The beauty of the Masked Dancer is the ability to swap roles quickly, making it a versatile addition to your party.

Mask Affinities and Weaknesses

Each Mask comes with a set of affinities that can change your character’s elemental strengths and weaknesses. Let’s say you equip a Magic Seeker Mask, which gives you a Fire affinity. You’ll become strong against Ice-based attacks but weak to Water-based ones. Understanding these affinities is crucial to optimizing your Masked Dancer in various battles.

Players can equip multiple Masks throughout the game, allowing for maximum flexibility. As you progress, you’ll collect more Arcana Mask pieces, enabling you to craft a wider variety of Masks and expand your strategic options.

Where to Find Arcana Mask Pieces

Arcana Mask pieces are the backbone of Mask crafting, and you’ll find them scattered across the game in multiple locations. Most commonly, they are dropped by enemies in dungeons or found inside treasure chests. Some masks can also be purchased at select stores, but you’ll need to unlock these through specific events in the game.

Enemy Drops and Exploration

Many enemies encountered in dungeons will drop Arcana Mask pieces, though the specific pieces dropped depend on the area you’re exploring. Dungeon floors, especially in later stages like those found after Brilehaven, are prime spots for collecting masks. Boss battles and treasure hunts in these dungeons will yield rarer Arcana pieces that are essential for crafting the more advanced Masks.

Purchasing Masks

In addition to drops, there are two key merchants in the game where you can purchase Arcana Masks:

1. Virga Island Shop: After the Dragon Temple events, head to Virga Island, where you’ll find a rotating stock of Arcana Masks. Check back frequently as the stock changes based on the in-game day.
2. Brilehaven Wary Shopkeep: This merchant can be found on Seabreeze Street in Brilehaven, but you’ll need to unlock access to their mask inventory first by purchasing “Secret of the Eugief’s Stall” from the Virga Island informant.

Best Masks to Craft First

When deciding which Masks to craft first, it’s essential to consider your team composition and the challenges ahead. Some Masks are more useful early in the game, while others shine in specific battles. Below are some recommendations for Masks to prioritize:

1. Seeker Mask

• Affinity: Fire
• Recommended For: Players focusing on offensive magic and area-of-effect (AoE) damage.

2. Warrior Lineage Mask

• Affinity: Slash
• Recommended For: Physical combat specialists, offering high damage output and durability.

3. Healer Lineage Mask

• Affinity: Healing
• Recommended For: Keeping your party healthy during extended fights or boss battles. Essential for challenging dungeons.

As you progress, don’t forget that you can switch between Masks depending on the battle requirements. This adaptability makes the Masked Dancer one of the most versatile Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Maximizing Masked Dancer’s Potential

To get the most out of your Masked Dancer, you’ll need to experiment with different Mask combinations. Depending on the enemies you’re facing, swapping Masks to change your affinities can turn the tide of battle. The Masked Dancer is especially useful in tough fights, where specific elemental resistances can save your team from overwhelming attacks.

Tips for Maximizing Mask Potential:

• Focus on Affinity Matching: Study the weaknesses of your enemies before equipping a Mask. If you’re about to face Ice-based enemies, equipping a Fire-affinity Mask can give you the upper hand.
• Experiment with Roles: Don’t be afraid to switch from an offensive Mask to a healing one mid-dungeon. The Masked Dancer’s flexibility is its strength, so take full advantage of it.
• Unlock Advanced Masks: As you progress, aim to unlock Masks tied to higher-level Archetypes. These Masks offer more powerful skills and affinities, making them essential for late-game battles.

FAQ Section

What are Arcana Mask pieces, and how do I get them?
Arcana Mask pieces are crafting materials dropped by enemies or found in dungeons. They are essential for crafting Masks and can also be purchased at select merchants after specific events are triggered.

Can I switch Masks during combat?
No, Masks must be equipped before entering combat. However, you can switch them between battles, allowing you to adjust your strategy for different challenges.

Are Masks tied to specific characters?
No, any character using the Masked Dancer Archetype can equip any Mask. This allows for maximum customization and role-swapping within your party.

Do Masks affect synthesis skills?
No, Masks only affect base skills and affinities. Synthesis skills are independent and tied to the character’s original Archetype.

What is the best Mask to craft early in the game?
The Seeker Mask is a great early-game Mask for its offensive capabilities, while the Healer Lineage Mask is crucial for sustaining your team during tough battles.

Crafting Masks in Metaphor: ReFantazio adds a unique layer of strategy to the game, allowing players to customize their characters in ways other Archetypes can’t match. The Masked Dancer Archetype offers unmatched flexibility, enabling you to change roles and elemental affinities on the fly. By collecting Arcana Mask pieces, unlocking the Masked Dancer Archetype, and strategically equipping Masks, you’ll be prepared for anything the game throws your way.