Metaphor blends Atlus's press-turn combat with a calendar. Exploit weaknesses to earn extra turns, and spend your limited days building bonds and stats.
The core loop
Hit weaknesses for more turns
Striking an enemy's weakness (or landing a crit) grants extra icons — a full team of weakness hits can double your actions.
Match Archetypes to the fight
Swap each character's Archetype before a dungeon to cover the elements and roles you'll need.
Use the field advantage
Stagger weaker foes in real time to start battle with a free turn, or ambush to skip fights entirely.
Spend your days wisely
Dungeons have deadlines. Budget time between exploring, building Follower bonds, and raising your Royal Virtues.
Grow your bonds
Deepening Follower bonds unlocks new Archetypes and, eventually, the powerful Royal Archetypes.
Early tips
- Always carry a Healer Archetype and elemental coverage into a new dungeon.
- Synthesis skills combine two party members for big damage — set them up on tough fights.
- Raise your Royal Virtues (Courage, Wisdom, Tolerance, Eloquence, Imagination) to unlock bonds and options.
- Don't hoard MAG — spend it to inherit skills across Archetypes as you unlock them.
💬 Community Strategies & Discussion
Did you find a hidden chest? Struggling with a boss? Share your tips and questions with other mercenaries below!