Metaphor: ReFantazio – How To Use Formations

Metaphor: ReFantazio - How To Use Formations

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  • What Are Formations?

As a seasoned RPG enthusiast with countless hours spent navigating the intricate worlds of games like Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, I can confidently say that “Metaphor: ReFantazio” has managed to captivate me yet again with its innovative take on turn-based combat. The strategic element of Formations has been a game-changer for me, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to the battles that I’ve encountered so far.


In a similar vein as other ATLUS games, ReFantazio delves into a rich narrative, boasts intriguing characters, and offers an intuitive turn-based battle system. Smaller adversaries can be defeated in real-time, but more formidable foes necessitate the use of the Party combat system for players to overcome.

In this game, you’ll be starting a sequence where each move is taken in turns, and you’ll have the ability to command your team members. From now on, you can decide between attacking, defending, using items, or even transforming into potent Archetypes.

A vital strategic aspect in party combat involves arranging characters into Formations, deciding their positions across the battlefield.

Positions can be arranged so that ranged units stay safe, and tougher units take up front positions to bear the brunt of attacks.

As a gamer, I’ve come to realize that the way my characters are arranged on the battlefield, or their formations, can be crucial in tackling some of the tougher fights in the game. At first glance, they might not seem significant, but trust me, they can tip the scales in your favor!

Improving your understanding of Formations can effectively help you tap into the full capabilities of various Archetypes, and secure an “Unscathed” bonus following combat encounters.

What Are Formations?

Metaphor: ReFantazio - How To Use Formations

During a battle in a party, each character occupies a specific location, known as their formation. These characters can be stationed either at the front line (Front Row) or the back line (Rear Row).

From my perspective as an ardent strategist, characters stationed at the Front Line will deal more harm but will also endure greater repercussions. On the flip side, those positioned at the Rear Line will experience less vulnerability, albeit with a diminished capacity to inflict damage in offensive maneuvers.

The placement of this strategic element can significantly influence the results of every skirmish, as certain adversaries might focus on assaulting entire columns during their offensive moves. Moreover, tactical arrangements could help protect weaker party members from harm while they’re engaged in healing activities on specific turns.

Formations won’t interfere with the workings of Synchronization skills; these skills can still be employed among party members regardless of their placement in different rows.

How To Use Formations

Metaphor: ReFantazio - How To Use Formations

Adjustments are made to each formation separately, depending on the characters you’ve chosen. You can move these characters forward or backward using the directional pad (D-Pad) or arrow keys.

You can perform this action multiple times during one round without affecting other actions, allowing you to quickly adapt your strategies based on each character’s skills for optimal results.

A smart approach when deploying formations involves positioning characters with high health points (HP) and damage absorption skills, such as Knights and Warriors, in the front positions. Meanwhile, it’s beneficial to keep support characters like Seekers and Healers in the back rows for optimal performance.

To launch a potent assault, position your character in the Front Line. Likewise, for characters needing healing or specific items, it’s most effective to place them in the Back Line initially.

To avoid an enemy’s impending strike that hits an entire row, ensure all your characters are shifted from that row by the end of their turn. You can easily return them for a retaliation attack in the following turn.

While less challenging adversaries may not necessitate a deep understanding of formations, mastering their strategic use will prove crucial in defeating tougher opponents like the Goborn King.

As a keen enthusiast, I’ve now grasped the concept of Formations and their functionalities. This newfound knowledge empowers me to maximize each character’s abilities, and moreover, leverage a tactically beneficial resource.

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2024-10-13 18:08