Metaphor: ReFantazio: All Followers And How To Unlock Them

TL;DR

  • Follower bonds unlock powerful Archetype trees with eight progression ranks each
  • Use Followers’ Echoes ability (unlocked at bond level 2) to track available interactions
  • Story-based Followers progress automatically while side quest characters require specific conditions
  • Manage Royal Virtue stats and travel conversations to overcome progression blockers
  • Prioritize key Followers based on your party composition and playstyle

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The Follower system in Metaphor: ReFantazio represents a sophisticated social mechanic that draws inspiration from the developer’s Persona series lineage. These character relationships function as your primary social links, requiring deliberate time investment to strengthen bonds while providing substantial gameplay advantages. Each new Follower connection unlocks a distinct Archetype progression tree, with more powerful Archetypes becoming accessible as you achieve higher bond levels. Approximately half of these relationships emerge through main story progression, while the remainder demand exploration of optional content and side quests.

Every Follower relationship encompasses eight distinct bond ranks to achieve completion. Tracking these becomes significantly more manageable once you reach the second bond tier with Gallica, your initial companion. This milestone activates the Followers’ Echoes feature, accessible by pressing Y/Triangle during free time outside dungeons. The interface clearly indicates which characters are ready for advancement and highlights any current limitations. When progression stalls, direct conversation reveals specific obstacles—typically insufficient Royal Virtue stats (your character’s social attributes) or the necessity for specific travel conversations aboard the Gauntlet Runner.

The progression order generally follows narrative sequence. Followers obtained through mandatory story events that cannot be overlooked are designated as story-based with minimal spoiler content, though some narrative elements remain unavoidable. Each character profile includes recommended skills that merit prioritization for optimal party performance.

Gallica

Gallica serves as your loyal companion throughout the entire adventure. She becomes available as a Follower during the early game stages through unavoidable narrative progression. Unique among all Followers, her advancement ties exclusively to story milestones, eliminating any requirement for additional effort beyond normal gameplay progression.

Strohl

Strohl represents your inaugural party member and transitions to Follower status shortly after awakening to his capabilities. His initial bond tier activates through main story events, with subsequent advancement possible during any available free time segments. He presents a specific request demanding completion for progression, involving locating a particular merchant within Gran Trad’s marketplace district.

More

More oversees Akademeia operations, with your foundational bond established via main narrative. However, deepening this connection necessitates completing assigned tasks. These assignments typically involve leveling specific Archetypes (achievable by any party member) or studying numerous Archetype varieties. When tasked with studying multiple Archetypes, each counts only once upon initial unlocking by any character.

Hulkenburg

Hulkenburg constitutes another core party member whose bond activates automatically through story progression. Given her constant presence in your party, she remains consistently available for bond advancement, though occasionally requiring conversations during Gauntlet Runner travel rather than town-based interactions.

Maria

Maria, daughter of Grius, resides at Gran Trad’s Hushed Honeybee Inn. You’ll encounter an unmissable opportunity to interact with her the evening preceding the assassination attempt. Subsequently, returning to Gran Trad with photographic evidence from your travels becomes necessary. Not every bond rank demands new photographs, and the main storyline provides sufficient images to achieve maximum rank without additional hunting.

Catherina

Catherina appears within the initial major dungeon—the Catacombs beneath Gran Trad. Once dungeon exploration freedom is obtained, you’ll naturally encounter her. She requests assistance finding her friend, presenting what initially appears optional but ultimately proves essential. A survivor chamber located in the dungeon’s first section holds the key; locate it nearby and rescue the occupants to activate her bond. Though technically categorized as side content, this questline functions as practically mandatory for complete progression.

Brigitta

Brigitta represents one of the more challenging optional Followers, requiring specific conditions that many players overlook. Her bond progression involves completing a multi-stage quest chain that spans several locations, making early initiation crucial for timely completion.

Neuras

Neuras becomes available only after reaching the game’s midpoint and requires a specific Royal Virtue stat threshold. Missing his initial availability window can permanently lock you out of his Archetype tree, which contains some of the most versatile support abilities available.

Effective Follower management requires strategic time allocation and priority setting. Begin by focusing on characters whose Archetypes complement your current party composition—this strategic alignment provides immediate combat benefits. Utilize the Followers’ Echoes menu religiously during every free time segment to identify immediately available advancement opportunities before committing to lengthier activities.

Royal Virtue development should align with your targeted Followers’ requirements. If multiple characters demand the same virtue, prioritize those stat improvements to unlock multiple progression paths simultaneously. Travel conversations aboard the Gauntlet Runner often provide efficient bond advancement without consuming valuable town time segments.

A common mistake involves neglecting travel-based interactions—these conversations frequently resolve progression blockers that would otherwise require extensive backtracking. Always check the Echoes menu before arriving at new destinations to maximize interaction efficiency.

For optimization-focused players, consider these advanced tactics: Schedule dungeon explorations to conclude just before travel segments to maximize conversation opportunities; prioritize Followers whose advanced Archetypes provide game-changing abilities; and always maintain a stock of conversation triggers like photographs for characters like Maria.

The most successful approaches balance main story progression with deliberate side content exploration. While some Followers like Gallica advance automatically, others demand proactive engagement. The Class Guide offers complementary strategies for party composition that synergize well with Follower Archetype selections.

Action Checklist

  • Unlock Followers’ Echoes by reaching bond level 2 with Gallica
  • Check Echoes menu before every major time allocation decision
  • Prioritize Royal Virtue development based on your target Followers’ requirements
  • Complete Catherina’s rescue mission in Gran Trad Catacombs
  • Collect photographs during main story for Maria’s bond progression
  • Engage in travel conversations with Hulkenburg and similar characters

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