Metaphor: ReFantazio - Ranking Every Royal Archetype

In Metaphor: ReFantazio, as you progress through the game, new Archetypes become available, ranging from basic types to more advanced ones. Just when you think you've unlocked the ultimate Archetypes with the Elite versions, the game introduces Royal Archetypes – the most powerful iterations of each character’s core Archetype. Some of these are worth the effort, while others may not deliver as much value for the grind involved.

Note: This guide contains story spoilers related to Royal Archetypes.

7. Royal Thief

Requirements

- Ninja Rank 20  

- Dragoon Rank 15  

- Maximum Bond with Heismay  

The Royal Thief, Heismay’s ultimate Archetype, allows access to powerful dark-damage abilities, the ability to steal from enemies, and even a chance for instant takedowns. However, unlocking it requires considerable grinding. Reaching Ninja rank 20 is straightforward as it's Heismay’s primary Archetype, but leveling Dragoon to rank 15 is more challenging since it also requires Sniper and Magic Knight ranks. Only dedicated fans of the Thief Archetype should pursue this one, as the investment may not be worth it for everyone.

6. Royal Berserker

Requirements  

- Destroyer Rank 20  

- Martial Artist Rank 20  

- Maximum Bond with Basilio  

The Royal Berserker, unlocked by maxing out Basilio’s bond, amplifies the power of his Berserker lineage. Although it's a fun Archetype with impressive abilities, it becomes available so late in the game that it’s hard to justify the grind. Basilio joins the party last, so players have limited time to increase his bond and advance him through two demanding Archetypes. Nevertheless, for those who manage to unlock it, the Royal Berserker is a solid and exciting choice.

5. Royal Knight

Requirements  

- Paladin Rank 20  

- Dark Knight Rank 20  

- Maximum Bond with Hulkenberg  

The Royal Knight, Hulkenberg’s top-tier Archetype, transforms her into a defensive powerhouse, continuing the Lady Knight lineage. While it offers strong tanking capabilities, the grind required may not be worth it. The Paladin Archetype already provides excellent defense, so maxing both Paladin and Dark Knight just to unlock the Royal Knight may feel excessive. However, players who choose this path will gain a nearly impenetrable tank, ideal for late-game encounters.

4. Royal Warrior

Requirements  

- Samurai Rank 20  

- Warlord Rank 20  

- Maximum Bond with Strohl  

Strohl’s Royal Warrior Archetype allows for impressive multi-target attacks, with additional passive boosts and self-enhancing spells. Having Strohl as a party member for much of the game makes this Archetype easier to obtain than others, as players will have had ample time to strengthen his bond and level up. The Royal Warrior is an excellent melee choice, offering versatility and increased effectiveness in physical combat.

3. Royal Masked Dancer

Requirements  

- Persona Master Rank 20  

- Trickster Rank 20  

- Maximum Bond with Junah  

Junah’s Royal Archetype, the Masked Dancer, allows her to equip various masks that change her stats and abilities, making her adaptable to many different situations. To unlock it, players need to master the Masked Dancer and Trickster lineages. The Trickster is a strong Archetype for leveling in dungeons, so working toward the Royal Masked Dancer offers rewards along the way. This Archetype’s flexibility and the added advantage of being well-suited for dungeons make it a worthwhile investment.

2. Royal Summoner

Requirements  

- Devil Summoner Rank 20  

- Soul Hacker Rank 20  

- Maximum Bond with Eupha  

Eupha’s Royal Archetype, the Royal Summoner, builds on the powerful Summoner lineage known for its high elemental damage potential. With this Archetype, players can summon deities without relying on synthesis skills, offering unmatched elemental attacks. Summoning powerful deities and mythical creatures adds both a practical and epic feel to the game’s later stages, making Royal Summoner one of the best Archetypes for those looking to dominate with elemental power.

1. Prince

Requirements  

- None; unlocked at a certain point in the main story.  

The first Royal Archetype players gain access to is the Prince, which becomes available once the story reveals key elements about Will and the Prince. This Archetype provides strong synthesis abilities, support skills for allies, powerful single-target attacks, and light magic that deals extra damage to human enemies. The Prince’s abilities are highly useful in late-game battles, and the Archetype’s significance in the plot makes it a rewarding choice for players preparing for the game’s climax. Its powerful support and synthesis capabilities make it the most valuable Royal Archetype.