In Metaphor: ReFantazio, choosing the right weapon can transform a battle from a struggle into a breeze. Whether you’re playing with the luck-manipulating Merchant class or the powerful Mage archetype, early-game weapons can give you an edge that goes beyond raw attack stats.
From passive stat boosts to unique effects, each weapon is crafted to fit its class like a glove, often giving a glimpse into the possibilities of that archetype’s endgame potential. We will try to cover a weapon for each of the more popular Archetype.
1. Thrifty Abacus
If you want to try the Merchant class, Metaphor: ReFantazio lets you bring more to the battlefield than just money. The Thrifty Abacus, a unique weapon designed for the Merchant archetype, brings in some very useful benefits, including a +3 Luck bonus and reduced cost on money-based skills.
With this weapon, your Merchant can harness Reeve, a move that lets you throw money at enemies (yes, really). And while spending in battle might sound reckless, the Thrifty Abacus makes it much more affordable.
To get the Thrifty Abacus, you’ll need to find the Apprentice’s Abacus in the Abandoned Tomb and then go through a purification process to upgrade it. Unlocking the Merchant archetype involves befriending Brigitta, a quirky NPC follower, who introduces you to this unique playstyle.
Although the Merchant archetype might seem unconventional or even awkward, you’ll quickly find that it’s surprisingly powerful and practical, especially since it allows you to farm money much more efficiently. This weapon allows you to maximize your class’s potential without constantly worrying about finances in combat.
2. Fishing Harpoon
The Knight class in Metaphor: ReFantazio is a bit of a challenge to master early on, with a mostly passive skill set that requires strategic planning.
However, if you’re willing to invest time in learning its strengths, you’ll be rewarded with a party member who can take on enemies head-on while barely taking any damage. And to help make that process smoother, the Fishing Harpoon is an early-game must-have.
With an attack stat of 250, this lance packs a punch, but that’s not all it does. The Fishing Harpoon provides an automatic attack buff at the start of each combat, letting you get right into the action without wasting precious time on buffs. Plus, it deals piercing damage, which can be a crucial advantage against certain enemy types in the game.
For players who like their characters ready to go right when combat begins, this weapon is ideal. Your Knight will be ready to unleash strong, piercing attacks before your opponents have a chance to react, freeing up your support characters for healing or debuffs.
3. Fortune’s Bludgeon
While Healer archetypes can sometimes feel passive, don’t underestimate their importance in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Having a powerful healer can make your party far more resilient, especially as you progress in the game.
For an early-game weapon that makes your Healer even more effective, look no further than the Fortune’s Bludgeon. This weapon not only increases all of the user’s stats by two but also restores the user’s MP after each battle. If you know about the constant struggle of conserving MP, especially while dungeon diving, then you’ll realize how meaningful this trait is.
In practical terms, this weapon allows your Healer (and your party too since the Healer can continue to support them) to stay in the fight without constantly worrying about MP, ensuring that they’re ready to heal whenever necessary.
The stat boost is also helpful since you’ll receive stats across the board that will reflect in your output. With the Fortune’s Bludgeon, you’ll be able to keep your Healer well-equipped to manage your party’s health and support your team in even the longest battles.
4. Kamaitachi Blades
The Faker class in Metaphor: ReFantazio might not be on everyone’s radar at first. It requires some effort to unlock, as you’ll need to build a bond with the eccentric character Alonzo, but if you invest in this archetype, you’ll have a powerful debuffer who can also deliver strong attacks.
The Kamaitachi Blades are an excellent weapon for the Faker, providing both an agility boost and team-wide buffs at the start of combat.
With the Kamaitachi Blades equipped, your Faker gains a significant agility increase by +5, allowing them to act quickly in battle and even evade attacks more easily. At the same time, the weapon buffs all party members, increasing their hit rate and evasion right from the start.
This is an incredible advantage, giving you more control over the flow of battle and letting your team avoid damage while dealing more accurate hits. For players who enjoy strategic gameplay, the Kamaitachi Blades makes the Faker a highly effective class for both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
5. Grand Master’s Staff
No RPG would be complete without a powerful mage Archetype, and in Metaphor: ReFantazio, the Mage class is all about raw magical power. The Grand Master’s Staff is a weapon that amplifies this even further, making it an essential addition to your arsenal if you’re playing as a Mage. This weapon powers up all magic attacks, allowing your spells to hit harder and deal more consistent damage.
To get your hands on the Grand Master’s Staff, you’ll need to locate and upgrade the Sage’s Staff. The Sage’s Staff can be found in the Abandoned Tomb, which becomes accessible once you reach the town of Martina and meet Alonzo.
After completing the side quest A Dagger, a Ring, and a Rake, you’ll be able to purify the Sage’s Staff, transforming it into the Grand Master’s Staff. This weapon is worth the effort, as it turns your Mage into an absolute powerhouse capable of devastating spells that can shift the course of a battle in your favor.
Honorable Weapon Mention – Dragon’s Judgement
The best early weapon for the Warrior lineage is the Dragon’s Judgement, a powerful greatsword that requires a few key steps to unlock. You won’t just stumble upon it, though, unfortunately.
First, head to the Nord Mines and take on the sleeping Fire Dragon Mauna. Be prepared since it’s a tough battle, especially when you’ll likely be low-level when you face it. But if you can pull off a win, you’ll earn the Dragon’s Indignation.
Next, focus on raising your Wisdom Royal Virtue to level 2. Complete side content like the “Help the Hushed Honeybee” quest to boost your Wisdom level. Once you hit level 2, you’ll unlock the ability to purify items at churches.
Now, visit the nearby St. Fermis Church to purify the Dragon’s Indignation, transforming it into the mighty Dragon’s Judgement.
This greatsword grants you +3 Strength and has a fire affinity effect that adds a fire element to your regular attacks. With Dragon’s Judgement, you can take advantage of an enemy’s elemental weakness without burning through MP, a massive asset in any fight.
As you embark on your journey through Metaphor: ReFantazio, these early-game weapons provide a boost that can define your playstyle and elevate your combat strategy. Weapons with special effects and stat boosts should be preferred since they have major impacts on your strategy and playstyle.