Tag: PC Games

While journeying through Metaphor: ReFantazio, you might have come across a peculiar book titled The Book of Apocalypse in Akademia. What you may not have realized is that this book holds a hidden boss encounter. To gain access to this book and challenge the boss, you’ll first need to finish the game itself.

During your initial playthrough of Metaphor: ReFantazio, trying to engage with the Book of Apocalypse tucked away in the back of Akademia will only yield frustration, as it remains locked. Regardless of how many times you attempt to interact with it, it won’t budge, and all you’ll receive is a warning to steer clear of its dangers.

How To Unlock The Book Of Apocalypse

Complete the Campaign of Metaphor: ReFantazio

Since the book is secured throughout your first journey, you will have to wait until you finish Metaphor: ReFantazio and dive into New Game+ (NG+).

Once you progress far enough in NG+ to return to Akademia, you’ll notice that the Book of Apocalypse is now positioned to the left of More’s desk, and it is no longer locked away.

At this stage, simply interacting with the book will trigger a boss fight against the formidable Redscale Apocalypse Dragon. However, be aware that in NG+, your character levels will reset, leaving you somewhat unprepared for this notably challenging foe. It’s advisable to hold off on confronting the dragon until you’ve made significant progress closer to the end of your NG+ journey.

While being in a NG+ file is one prerequisite for battling this boss, there’s another important condition: regardless of the difficulty level you played in your first run, you cannot set the game to Storyteller difficulty. To take on the Redscale Apocalypse Dragon, you must play on at least Easy difficulty or higher. This fight is intended to be tough, and playing on the Storyteller mode would undermine that challenge.

Strategies to Defeat the Redscale Apocalypse Dragon

Prepare Adequately with Equipment and Items

First and foremost, to make this battle manageable, it’s crucial to reach at least level 70. While it may take extra effort, entering the fight under-leveled can lead to an unnecessarily frustrating experience. The higher your level, the smoother this encounter will be. Regardless of whether you hit the suggested minimum, you’ll still need to strategize effectively to emerge victorious against the Redscale Apocalypse Dragon, as highlighted in various Trophy Guides on YouTube.

Regarding gear and items, prioritizing the best you can access is essential. Pay particular attention to equipment that offers fire and slash resistance, as well as items that enhance your attack power. While specific gear will vary based on what you possess and who it’s for, consider equipping the Reverent Crown and Knight’s Last Stand if possible.

Knight’s Last Stand is a pair of boots that lets you survive a hit that would normally be fatal, allowing you to stay alive with just 1 HP. It’s compatible with any Archetype and boasts a defense rating of 165. The Reverent Crown is unique to the protagonist, granting an extra turn icon at the beginning of your turn, which becomes crucial as you need every advantage you can muster. Additionally, bring along as many Sublime Spoonfuls as you can for extra support during the fight.

For your Archetypes, you have some room to play based on how you want to utilize skills, assuming you have previously unlocked all Archetypes when approaching this clash. Focus on enabling passive buffs for your team and attacking moves that can weaken the enemy or provide healing. At least one party member should concentrate on supporting your group.

As you prepare, avoid bringing items that drain or repel attacks unless you’re ready to face the consequences. During the actual battle, make it a priority to buff your party and debuff the Redscale Apocalypse Dragon first. After setting yourself up with these advantages, unleash your attacks while those buffs are active.

If you’re after the achievement or just want to complete the task without focusing on the actual battle, you can make things easier: grind for a surplus of Sublime Spoonfuls. This way, you can potentially negate any chance the Dragon has to retaliate.

Once your buffs wear off, promptly reapply them. Keep an eye on your health, especially mid-battle, as you might find the fight escalates once you start taking damage. When your party is on the brink of defeat, begin using your Sublime Spoonfuls to maximize your turns and finally overcome the Apocalyptic Dragon. After achieving victory, you’ll earn the Closing The Book achievement and acquire the Gaius Regalia.

The Gaius Regalia is an invaluable item that fully restores both HP and MP after each battle. This item can be equipped with any Archetype, making it one of the most beneficial items for the remaining challenges in your New Game+ playthrough of Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Source: YouTube/Trophy Guides

Courage is one of the five Royal Virtues featured in Metaphor: ReFantazio, serving as a gauge of the protagonist’s bravery and readiness to confront peril. Increasing your Courage enhances dialogue options, strengthens bonds with companions, and even opens doors to exclusive quests and experiences. By prioritizing Courage, players can express thoughts and feelings that the main character might otherwise shy away from, creating a sense of true heroism in challenging moments.

Compared to other titles developed by Atlus, Metaphor: ReFantazio provides more varied opportunities to boost your Courage. Gone are the days of relying on the occasional random act like consuming a specific food item on a designated day to gain points. Unlike Persona 5, this game offers more straightforward ways to elevate your Courage without scouring unpredictable locations. However, while it’s more direct, you’ll still need to invest time to see significant improvements.

How to Boost Your Courage

The Best Methods for Increasing Courage

Similar to how you boost Wisdom, the easiest way to enhance your Courage in Metaphor: ReFantazio is to engage in various quests, partake in specific activities, and complete bounties. These can include taking on challenges, competing in the Coliseum, and spending quality time with Strohl. If you’ve already accomplished most activities, check out the Recruitment Centre for a range of quests and bounties. They can consistently offer opportunities to grow your courage and earn rewards if quick alternatives are running low.

Related

Metaphor: ReFantazio – How to Increase Wisdom

Enhancing your Wisdom in Metaphor: ReFantazio aids in unlocking unique dialogue choices and resolving challenges within the game.

Another option for boosting your Courage is the book titled “Top Secret Poetry! Do Not Read!.” This book can be found in the Gauntlet Runner area and is a simple way to rack up Courage points with each read. Regularly sharing time with Strohl while on the Gauntlet Runner is also highly beneficial. For those seeking a more dynamic approach to increasing Courage, visiting the Coliseum is a fantastic idea.

Five Unique Ranks of Courage

In Metaphor: ReFantazio, players can track their Courage progression through a series of levels that reflect their bravery. The journey begins at the Craven rank, with opportunities to gain Courage through various activities. Over time, players can climb the ranks to achieve Spirited, Fearless, Dauntless, and Heroic statuses, as demonstrated in a video by Legendary#7 on YouTube.

Leveling up can be challenging, particularly when attempting to improve a single skill, which may take longer than expected. Trying to enhance multiple skills at once may hinder overall progress. Thus, it’s wise to concentrate on the skills that matter most to you. Higher Courage levels unlock special missions and tougher adversaries, making it a favored attribute among players of Atlus titles. Therefore, its presence in Metaphor: ReFantazio isn’t surprising.

Source: Legendary#7/YouTube

As you explore the Regalith Grand Cathedral dungeon in Metaphor: ReFantazio, you’ll find a locked chest situated at the top of a small staircase in the Servants’ Chambers. While previous chests haven’t posed much of a challenge, this one will require you to track down two keys hidden within the church. The search begins by following the soldiers who hastily retreat as soon as you enter the area.

Inside the Cathedral, you’ll encounter several enemies, particularly the wandering Morneto variants. They’re not too difficult to defeat, but make sure to heal and address any status issues, as you’ll soon face a more formidable Homo Oppo enemy. Taking them down will grant you access to the keys needed to advance.

How to Obtain the Guest Room Key

Speak with the Dying Monk

Your first objective for unlocking the mysterious chest is to retrieve the Guest Room Key. This task is relatively close to where you discovered the chest; head east along the corridor. You’ll notice an entrance obstructed by rubble further down the hallway, with a Homo Oppo enemy lurking nearby. Use Hulkenberg’s Perfect Punch and powerful Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio to eliminate this threat.

In a room on the right side of the hallway, you’ll find a severely injured monk propped against the wall. Speak with the Dying Monk, who will disclose that a soldier responsible for his injuries has died close by. To locate the soldier, break the barrels positioned between the two bookshelves to uncover a crawlspace, then proceed to the next room.

Tip: Before you leave, grab the Ailment Absolution found in the first room’s doorway. This item is useful for curing any status ailments outside of battle.

Upon entering the next room, you’ll see the soldier lying on the floor ahead. Gallica will inform you that he has a key attached to his waist when you interact with him. This is the Guest Room Key you require. Hulkenberg will suggest it be used to access a small room, leading you to your next task.

How to Obtain the Treasure Chest Key

Listen to the Pale Monk

Next, make your way to the Guest Room. This requires returning through the previous room and heading south. At a fork in the path, take the staircase downward. This area is swarming with weak Hundo enemies, so be prepared to engage them as you make your way forward.

You’ll soon encounter a room filled with smoke pouring from beneath the door. Approach and unlock it using the Guest Room Key. Be ready, as a group of Morneto enemies awaits inside. It’s wise to heal up before rushing in; you can dispatch them quickly with an area attack.

Tip: Most Morneto enemies are vulnerable to Fire and/or Light attacks, so use these for an easier victory.

After defeating the enemies, speak with the Pale Monk directly in front of you. In his final moments, he’ll mention the locked chest near the dungeon’s entrance and urge you to claim its contents before they fall into the wrong hands. Strohl will notice that the monk is holding something, leading you to acquire the Treasure Chest Key. Now, you’re ready to claim your treasure.

All Treasure Chest Rewards

Behold a New Key Item

Return to the locked chest at the entrance of the Grand Cathedral and use the Treasure Chest Key to open it. Inside, you’ll discover the Sanctified Amulet, which is a new key item essential for opening another chest deeper within the Cathedral later. Although you won’t receive immediate rewards, rest assured that you’ll eventually obtain a new piece of armor as you progress in the captivating story of Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Source: Adam Beck/HackerGamer

Exploring the Dragon Temple in Metaphor: ReFantazio

The Dragon Temple is a formidable dungeon that your party must conquer during an essential operation in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Among all the dungeons featured in the main storyline, this one stands out as one of the most challenging due to the diverse range of enemies you will encounter. It’s nearly impossible to form an ideal team to face the various foes and bosses within unless you’re well-prepared for the battle ahead.

Just like any other dungeon, time is the enemy in the Dragon Temple. One of the biggest challenges is completing it within a limited number of days. Success hinges on your knowledge of enemy weaknesses, the status effects to beware of, and a slew of other survival tactics.

Preparing for the Dragon Temple Dungeon

Strengthen Your Party

Given the wide array of enemies in the Dragon Temple, there’s no one-size-fits-all party configuration. The key to conquering this dungeon is to frequently adapt and modify your team, especially as you ascend to new floors with unfamiliar adversaries. While flexibility will be a significant part of your strategy, consider these easy preparation tips:

• Tackle Available Side Quests: Completing these will help level up your party members and yield valuable loot that can be helpful within the dungeon.
• Hone Your Skills Against Basic Enemies: Level up through combat with simpler foes to gain experience.
• Gather Gold Beetles: These collectibles lead to acquiring the important Venomward Charm, which protects you from various physical ailments.
• Enhance Follower Bonds: This will unlock new items for purchase that can bolster your party’s capabilities.

The Dragon Temple is situated in the Virga Islands, which are rife with side quests to explore. Engaging in these will allow your party to strengthen while also rewarding you with crucial items for your journey. Notably, you can unlock a quest called “The Guiding Gift” that can be pursued within the Dragon Temple for extra rewards.

Another effective preparation method is to grind against low-level enemies to elevate your Commander level. Achieving the "General" Archetype will provide you with enhanced abilities as you face the enemies in the Dragon Temple.

Entering the Dragon Temple Dungeon

Overcoming the Obstructive Tree

If you arrive at the Dragon Temple ahead of the main storyline, you’ll find that you won’t be able to enter until you overcome a massive tree at the entrance. To get past this obstacle, you’ll need to craft a Potion of Blight. Start by visiting the Comfort Concoctions shop in Grand Trad to purchase a necessary ingredient for this potion.

After gathering the required Parchwater for 500 Reeve, return it to the NPC Edeni on the Virga Islands. They will aid you in creating the Potion of Blight, which will then allow you to accept the Dragon Temple operation quest. Once accepted, you can venture into the Temple and confront an enemy known as Treebeast Alento.

Treebeast Alentos are prevalent within the Dragon Temple, and knowing how to defeat them swiftly is vital. They have a notable weakness to Fire, which suggests optimal Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio for dealing with them. Assemble the right party members to make quick work of this fight and progress to the dungeon’s first area, The Corridor.

Navigating the Dragon Temple Dungeon

Finding Your Path and Avoiding Enemies

The Dragon Temple is structured with six main floors aside from the entrance and the Corridor. Each level presents unique challenges and puzzles, alongside treasures to discover. While it’s beneficial to explore thoroughly, remember that more time spent leads to more encounters with enemies, which can drain your resources.

Floor 2 – The Labyrinthine Path is particularly intricate. You’ll encounter a series of paths that can lead to dead ends or even send you back to the start. Although some paths lead to valuable loot, navigation can easily become confusing.

Focus on using Archetypes with Fire and Wind abilities to take down Treebeast Alento and Gold Elementa foes.

To discern false paths, keep an eye out for any fog on the screen or a gold thread on the ceiling to navigate more effectively.

Floor 3 – Canopy Chamber is straightforward and introduces two new enemies, Spektos of Lament and Spellwrought Gargostas, each with weaknesses that vary from earlier foes. Prepare your party according to these changes.

As you climb to Floor 4 – Drakongrace Shinjuku, be mindful of your resources. The floor is extensive, featuring many new foes that can quickly deplete your supplies. Save points are available, so consider using them to take breaks, even if it means more time passing.

Defeating the Dungeon’s Bosses

When you finally reach The Altar of the Twelve, expect a fierce battle against Malvirta Drako Eht and Homo Margo. The strategy here is to focus on Homo Margo first, managing debuffs and buffs throughout the battle to strengthen your party’s chances. Utilize your team composition to create a balanced approach with offensive and healing skills.

All set to tackle Homo Margo? Watch out for elemental shifts that can complicate your strategy. Utilizing items and maintaining awareness of your foes’ elemental resistances will guide you through these fights.

After taking down the bosses, your journey through the Dragon Temple will conclude, letting you advance the overarching narrative in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Keep your strategy dynamic, and pay attention to enemy strengths and weaknesses to emerge victorious.

Metaphor: ReFantazio presents players with four unique endings that capture the protagonist’s journey in different ways. Among these, three endings are categorized as “bad” outcomes, as they can only be accessed by making choices that stray from the game’s intended path, often leading to unsettling conclusions. These negative endings feature themes of doubt and acceptance of alternate realities, ultimately truncating the narrative and leaving the essence of the world shrouded in mystery. Fortunately, players can avoid or intentionally pursue these undesirable outcomes by making informed choices.

The fourth ending, often referred to as the "true" ending, can be attained by adhering to the narrative structure and aligning choices with the protagonist’s aims. Many players find the positive resolutions in Metaphor: ReFantazio to be more fulfilling than those in Persona 5, with the true ending typically offering a more uplifting conclusion. However, the specifics of this ending can shift depending on the depth of the player’s relationships with their companions, maintaining a consistent overarching theme. While the negative endings lack gameplay rewards, they offer intriguing insights and experiences that can be explored while progressing toward the true conclusion.

Can You Experience Every Ending?

You can unlock all four endings of Metaphor: ReFantazio in a single playthrough by cleverly utilizing the save system. Although the game incorporates branching paths, players have the opportunity to witness all possible outcomes. To achieve this, one must follow certain dialogue choices to navigate toward different conclusions that ultimately lead to obtaining the various endings. The initial three endings, often labeled as "bad endings," are brief and heavily dialogue-focused but can still be uncovered by choosing paths leading to them.

These choices are marked within the game, usually occurring after an autosave checkpoint. Thus, players can easily return to a previous save and opt for alternate decisions after experiencing the endings. In essence, players only need to select the "bad" choice during key moments and then reload their game to proceed with the main story. The true ending culminates in a confrontation with the final boss, Louis, meaning there is no risk of missing out on the ultimate conclusions.

Ways to Achieve the Bad Ending

Metaphor: ReFantazio offers three different bad endings, each branching from critical decision points in the storyline. These conclusions reveal various alternate paths in which the protagonist gives in to despair, accepts a distorted reality, or ultimately forsakes their quest for a constructed existence. Unlocking these endings involves making specific choices that run contrary to the game’s core narrative. Their expected paths make them relatively easy to identify, allowing players to either avoid or embrace them based on their decisions.

To secure the bad endings, players must reject their true identity and heritage, fall for Louis’s manipulative rhetoric, and embrace a false narrative. Any choices reflecting these themes will lead to one of the bad endings. The directions they take are evident, so players should prepare themselves to navigate accordingly. Detailed explanations of each ending and the necessary actions to obtain them are available, but saving progress before critical decisions is advisable to ensure access to all potential outcomes.

Bad Ending: Prince

The first bad ending players may encounter in Metaphor: ReFantazio revolves around the Prince. This outcome occurs when players reach a pivotal point in the story and discover the lifeless body of the Prince in the Ancient Eldan Sanctum. Here, a mysterious voice reveals the protagonist’s identity as an idealized form of the Prince, created from magma. Players then have the choice to reject this revelation. Despite the dismay expressed by the companions, choosing this option leads to a sudden termination of the journey, marking a denial of one’s true self and an end to the adventure.

Bad Ending: Louis

The Louis bad ending transpires during the late stages of Metaphor: ReFantazio, specifically within the Skybound Avatar dungeon, which players can access during certain storyline segments. Instead of facing a traditional boss battle at the end of this extended dungeon, players encounter Louis, who delivers a lengthy, philosophical monologue about his vision for a reformed world, one that may come at the expense of cruelty and oppression.

Louis persuades the protagonist to join him in establishing this grim new order, where humans dominate and other creatures are subjugated. Accepting his invitation by selecting the dialogue option, "You’re absolutely right," leads to a bad ending. While the companions are shocked by this choice, they eventually accept it as a preferable alternative to the ongoing cycle of injustice. The world transforms, falling under human rule and resulting in significant loss, ultimately concluding the narrative with no regard for future consequences.

More on the Bad Ending

Another bad ending materializes during the final encounter with Louis on 10/26. After overcoming Louis’s initial phase and enduring numerous cutscenes, the protagonist appears to perish but is saved by More, who teleports them back to Akademeia. The setting shifts dramatically to Shibuya, Tokyo, where More then discloses a staggering truth: everything within the United Kingdom of Euchronia and the Tournament was merely a fabricated narrative. The protagonist’s real world is, in fact, More’s reality.

Choosing to accept this explanation seals a bad ending, bringing the narrative to a conclusion that underscores the fantasy as mere fiction. Unlike the other endings, this one unfolds after an extensive boss battle and multiple cutscenes, so players should be aware that if they want to resume the story for its true ending, they will need to replay the boss encounter.

How to Achieve the True Ending

To unlock the true ending in Metaphor: ReFantazio, players must navigate the storyline without choosing any options leading to the bad endings. The goal is to defeat Louis, the main antagonist, on 10/26 at the final confrontation. Straying from this path will result in one of the negatives. However, if players remain focused on defeating Louis, they can progress toward the true ending, where the protagonist emerges as the hero.

Successfully beating Louis signifies a crucial victory, etching the protagonist’s face onto a mountain as a symbol of their ascendance to power and winning the hearts of the kingdom’s citizens. If players have encountered any bad endings prior to this point, they will not experience this major achievement. However, bypassing negatives means that players are on track for the true conclusion.

The epilogue extends beyond mere coronation ceremonies, fast-forwarding one year into the future to reveal the positive changes that have taken place in Euchronia. The protagonist’s reign is portrayed as prosperous, marked by the happiness of the people. Players will also reconnect with their loyal companions, exploring their individual narratives in greater depth. The details of the true ending hinge on the connections established with companions throughout the game.

Video credit: GamersPrey/YouTube