Metaphor: ReFantazio – How to Beat Homo Pento (Boss Guide)

Key Takeaways:

1. Fire Magic is Key: Homo Pento’s main weakness lies in Fire-based attacks, so focusing on a fire-centric party setup is crucial.
2. Skeleton Summon Strategy: Homo Pento will summon a Knight Skeleton, vulnerable to Light-based magic, so prepare for multi-enemy tactics.
3. Debuffs and Avoidances: Don’t use Wind-based skills, as they will be reflected. Also, be ready to remove buffs and status effects during the fight.

The world of Metaphor: ReFantazio is teeming with challenges, and none are as peculiar or formidable as the boss Homo Pento. Found in the Trials of Malnova quest, located in the Land of Ceremony, this boss is a faceless entity with a terrifying mix of a head on two legs, a sword for a nose, and enough power to wreak havoc on an unprepared team. If you’re looking to progress through the game without getting stuck in an endless cycle of retries, you’ll need a sound strategy to take down Homo Pento.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know from levelling up your party, selecting the right Archetypes, to combat strategies that exploit Homo Pento’s weaknesses. Let’s dive into how to conquer this fiendish foe and move on with your epic journey in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

How to Prepare for the Homo Pento Fight

Ensure Your Party is at the Right Level

The Homo Pento boss encounter in Metaphor: ReFantazio comes with a recommended minimum level of 42 for each party member, but aiming for at least level 45 will give you a much stronger chance of success. A higher level ensures you can both dish out and survive more damage, which is essential, given the unpredictable nature of this boss’s abilities.

If your team feels under-leveled, take the time to grind for EXP and boost their stats. Farming EXP and MAG efficiently will also allow you to unlock better skills in your Archetypes, which will play a pivotal role in the fight.

Stock Up on the Best Armor and Healing Items

Before engaging Homo Pento, it’s critical to upgrade your equipment. Focus on armor with high defensive and evasion stats, as Homo Pento is not only strong but fast, summoning a Summon Knight Skeleton that can also hit hard. Up-to-date gear will give your party the resilience to endure these punishing attacks. In addition, make sure one of your characters is capable of healing preferably with group healing skills like Medica so you can recover from damage without losing momentum.

Best Party Setup for Defeating Homo Pento

To defeat Homo Pento efficiently, your party must be built around its biggest weakness: Fire magic. Here’s the optimal combination of Archetypes to maximize damage while keeping your team well-balanced for survival.

Party Archetype Setup:

1. Protagonist as a Wizard: The Wizard Archetype is your go-to for fire-based damage. The skill Botra will allow you to unleash powerful Fire attacks, directly exploiting Homo Pento’s main weakness.
2. Hulkenberg as a Wizard: Having a second character in the Wizard Archetype gives you the ability to double up on Fire magic. Hulkenberg’s contribution, especially with Botra, will let you maintain a steady stream of damage.
3. Junah as a Masked Dancer: Junah’s Masked Dancer role adds another fire skill to the mix. With access to Infernal Vortex and eventually Crimson Flame, Junah can deal significant fire damage and support the Wizards with additional offensive pressure.
4. Eupha as a Summoner: As a default member, Eupha’s Summoner Archetype is invaluable for support. Her skill Summon Noctiluca can heal status ailments and recover HP, while Summon Dragon God, a Fire-based synthesis skill, is your ace-in-the-hole, dealing massive Fire damage to all enemies and removing buffs.

Why Fire?

Homo Pento’s vulnerability to Fire-type magic makes this setup perfect for delivering consistent damage each turn. Your Wizards and Masked Dancer can hit hard with their skills, while the Summoner’s Summon Dragon God is your trump card for dealing massive damage and nullifying any buffs Homo Pento tries to apply.

How to Defeat Homo Pento

Step 1: Light Them Up with Fire Attacks

As mentioned, Fire is Homo Pento’s biggest weakness, so your strategy should revolve around consistently spamming Fire-based magic. Your Wizards should cast Botra every turn to pile on damage, while Junah can alternate between Infernal Vortex and Crimson Flame. This combination will allow you to continually chip away at Homo Pento’s health bar.

Step 2: Manage the Summon Knight Skeleton

Around the midpoint of the fight, Homo Pento will summon a Knight Skeleton with the Soul Cry ability, granting itself two extra turns and buffs. This Skeleton can significantly boost Homo Pento’s attack and defense, making the battle even more dangerous if left unchecked.

The Summon Knight Skeleton is weak to Light attacks. Equip one of your Wizards or the Masked Dancer with a Light-based skill using the Inheritance system. By exploiting this secondary weakness, you can quickly dispatch the Skeleton before it can wreak too much havoc.

Step 3: Debuff Homo Pento and Avoid Wind Attacks

As Homo Pento gains buffs from the Skeleton or its own abilities, you’ll need to consistently debuff it. The Masked Dancer can equip Dekaja via the Faker’s Mask, which will remove any attack or defense boosts from Homo Pento, preventing it from overwhelming your party.

One important detail to remember: avoid Wind-based skills at all costs. Homo Pento can reflect Wind attacks back at your party, causing severe self-inflicted damage. Ensure that your Summoner does not use Summon Eagle Lion, as it falls under Wind magic and could backfire disastrously.

Step 4: Heal and Remove Hex Status Effects

Homo Pento’s Curse Chant can inflict Hex, a status ailment that debilitates your characters, making them highly vulnerable. To counter this, use Eupha’s Summon Noctiluca, which can heal status effects like Hex and provide a minor HP recovery. Keeping your party free of Hex is vital for staying in control of the fight.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Use Synthesis Skills Smartly: The Boatona Synthesis skill, which inflicts heavy Fire damage, is one of your most potent moves. Both Wizards should prioritize using this whenever possible. The Summoner’s Summon Dragon God is equally valuable for dealing fire damage to all enemies.
• Know When to Defend: Homo Pento’s stronger attacks can be devastating. Don’t be afraid to spend a turn defending with your party members if your healing abilities are on cooldown or unavailable. Sometimes, survival is just as important as damage output.
• Time Your Debuffs: As Homo Pento’s attacks ramp up, debuffs will play a crucial role in survival. Make sure you have Dekaja ready when you see the Skeleton summon occur, as it’s your best tool for removing harmful buffs.

FAQ

Q: What level should I be to fight Homo Pento?
A: You should be at least level 42, though level 45 or higher is recommended for a more reliable victory.

Q: What is Homo Pento’s biggest weakness?
A: Homo Pento is most vulnerable to Fire-based magic. Focus your attacks around Fire to maximize damage.

Q: How do I deal with the Summon Knight Skeleton?
A: The Skeleton is weak to Light attacks. Equip Light-based skills through the Inheritance system and dispatch it quickly before it can buff Homo Pento.

Q: What status ailments should I be concerned about?
A: Homo Pento can inflict Hex with its Curse Chant ability. Use Eupha’s Summon Noctiluca to remove Hex and keep your team fighting strong.

Q: Why shouldn’t I use Wind skills in this fight?
A: Homo Pento reflects Wind-based skills, causing significant damage to your own party. Stick to Fire and Light for safe and effective damage.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to take down Homo Pento and continue your journey through the richly layered world of Metaphor: ReFantazio. Keep your wits about you, prepare thoroughly, and victory will be yours.