Metaphor: ReFantazio

Lore & Background

Metaphor: ReFantazio is set in the United Kingdom of Euchronia, a medieval fantasy realm that mirrors the contemporary real world. The story begins after the assassination of the former King, Hythlodaeus V, who possessed exclusive access to Royal Magic. Years earlier, an assassination attempt on the Prince resulted in him being cursed and falling into a long slumber. The protagonist, an orphaned boy of the magic-wielding Elda tribe and the Prince's childhood friend, participates in the Royal Tournament held to decide the throne's successor, journeying across Euchronia to rally support from its people while searching for a way to lift the curse.

The game features a day-night cycle and weather system that dictate specific in-game behavior, with time-sensitive activities structured after a day-to-day calendar. The calendar and weather systems originated from the Persona series, as does the 'Travellers' Voice' asynchronous multiplayer element. The 'Follower' system builds on the Social Links and Confidants from previous Persona titles, allowing the player to forge bonds with locals to increase public favor ahead of the election. Traveling between locations uses up time, during which the player can improve their five 'Royal Virtues': Courage, Wisdom, Tolerance, Eloquence, and Imagination.

Reader's Guide

Metaphor: ReFantazio incorporates multiple systems previously used in other Atlus titles, including dungeon crawling and social simulation. The player controls a male protagonist, named by the player, accompanied by his fairy guide, as he uncovers the secrets behind the previous king's assassination. Players choose how to spend each day, including exploration, spending time with allies, fulfilling requests, and bettering skills, while being wary of time restrictions. Not completing a major story event before a deadline results in a game over, forcing the player to return to a previous save.

The game's Archetype system acts as a job system, with each Archetype being a physical manifestation brought about by one's own insecurities. Unlike Personas, which are restricted to one per party member, party members can wield more than one Archetype. When a party member possesses two or more different Archetypes, they can inherit skills from others and perform synthesis skills, which consume more turn icons. MAG, the currency used to purchase and modify Archetypes in Akademeia, can be exchanged for Reeve, the game's currency, with the exchange rate dictated by the current weather.

Combat features both real-time action and traditional turn-based mechanics. The 'Press Turn' system rewards extra turns for hitting enemy weaknesses but can lose turns if an attack misses. Unlike previous Atlus titles, the protagonist being knocked out in turn-based combat does not end the battle. Dungeons are story-specific and populated by enemies including 'humans', the strongest type, which may also appear in boss fights. Some dungeons are affected by weather, with worse weather strengthening enemies, and feature platforming and stealth introduced in Persona 5.

Did You Know?

• The game was first announced under the working title Project Re:Fantasy in December 2016, with no further information revealed until 2023.
• The United Kingdom of Euchronia is inhabited by nine tribes: clemar, roussainte, rhoag, ishkia, nidia, paripus, eugief, mustari, and elda.
• The protagonist's fairy guide accompanies him throughout the game.
• A Nintendo Switch 2 version will be released on November 12, 2026.