In Metaphor: ReFantazio, Archetypes define the class of each party member. You can switch Archetypes freely, but acquiring new base-level Archetypes and their advanced versions may occasionally demand that you level up other Archetypes. This could involve progressing within the same tree or reaching levels in entirely different trees. To assist your strategic planning, we've compiled a list of every Archetype along with their prerequisites, enabling you to concentrate on unlocking these advanced forms.
Mastering multiple Archetypes for each party member is crucial for combat strategy, as you can equip up to four abilities from other Archetypes, contingent on your Follower rank advancement with the respective character. The initial Archetype in each tree is unlocked upon reaching the first rank of the corresponding Follower and has no prerequisites, with three exceptions noted.
If an Archetype necessitates another Archetype at a specific level, this requirement must be fulfilled by the party member who wishes to learn it. Unlocking an Advanced Archetype for one party member does not grant access to it for others. New Archetypes are unlocked using MAG, which is earned by defeating enemies and making the right choices during Follower interactions. The MAG costs are not detailed below as they vary depending on the Follower's bond level, but you will likely accumulate sufficient MAG by the time you can study an advanced Archetype.
The Seeker Archetype is your starting class in Metaphor: ReFantazio and is linked to More's Follower status. The Seeker uses a sword and primarily learns Wind abilities, with some healing and buffs included. To access the advanced Archetypes in the Seeker tree, you must enhance your relationship with More and reach the maximum level of the preceding Archetype.
The Mage Archetype specializes in elemental damage to exploit enemy weaknesses. The primary elements are fire, ice, and electric, with one Advanced Archetype also learning dark abilities. This tree is versatile but tied to Gallica's Follower level, which advances through story events only. There are three advanced Archetypes in the Mage tree.
The Warrior class, tied to Strohl's Follower rank, excels in physical Slash attacks aimed at high damage to a single enemy. The advanced Archetypes in this tree continue to focus on Slash attacks but introduce multi-target abilities and attack buffs. The final Archetype, Samurai, also gains an electric attack, useful for targeting enemy weaknesses.
The Knight tree is centered on defense, acting as a tank for your party. Initial skills boost health or draw enemy attacks. Advanced Archetypes offer more defense buffs and the ability to reflect physical or magical attacks, depending on whether you choose the Paladin or Dark Knight.
The Healer tree excels in healing and light elemental attacks. While other trees offer some healing abilities, the Healer tree provides the most potent versions, including resurrection. The Healer tree is unlocked from Maria, requiring a full bond to access the most advanced Archetype.
The Brawler tree uses HP instead of MP for devastating physical attacks. As you progress, Brawler Archetypes increase critical hit chances, strike damage, and resist enemy critical hits. This tree is from Catherina, requiring a full bond for the most advanced version.
The Merchant class, from Brigitta, uses Almighty attacks that can't be resisted or blocked by enemies but at the cost of money. It offers abilities that boost item drops and a chance to gain money from enemy defeats or stuns. Using the advanced version requires a full bond with Brigitta and leveling an Archetype from another tree.
The Gunner Archetype tree, from Neuras, is a physical ranged class dealing piercing damage. Both the default and advanced versions learn attacks that inflict status effects or deal elemental damage. A full bond with Neuras, achieved through artifact hunting, is needed for the elite Gunner.
The Thief tree, unlocked via Heismay, focuses on Dark magic damage and status effects. It gains abilities to steal MP and rare items. Advanced versions offer one-hit kills and evade attacks, causing enemies to lose turns.
The Faker tree, from Alonzo, is centered on buffs and debuffs. The Faker uses powerful throwing knives but is designed as a support class. A full bond with Alonzo is required for the advanced version.
The Commander tree, from Bardon, uses elemental attacks and team buffs. Each tier offers different elemental attacks, with the real power in moving teammates and applying powerful buffs. A full bond with Bardon is needed for the most powerful version.
The Masked Dancer, from Junah, uses fire attacks and MP restoration. Its power comes from special accessories called Masks, altering weaknesses and resistances. The advanced version gives enemies weaknesses, useful against tough enemies.
The Summoner tree, from Eupha, uses Vessels to summon monsters for special attacks. Unlike Masks, Vessels don't need to be equipped, allowing access to all crafted Vessels. The advanced version uses advanced Vessels for more powerful summons.
The Berserker tree, from Basilio, focuses on increasing attack power and powerful Strike attacks. While simpler, the Berserker deals significant damage, and the advanced version inflicts a Strike weakness, enhancing its attacks.
