Metaphor: ReFantazio – Max Follower Bonds Guide (Social Links)

Follower Bonds is the Social Link equivalent in Metaphor: ReFantazio. The event cutscenes allow the main character, Will, to learn about his teammates and other allies. It is an excellent way of learning about characters without advancing the plot. Moreover, it unlocks new powers that help in combat, acquire extra items or lower shop costs. Bonds aren’t required to beat the game, but they can help remove a lot of the tension.

Compared to Social Links in Persona 3 Reload, the Bonds system is much more forgiving in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Many of the events happen automatically during the main story, with fewer of them being time-sensitive. Additionally, your answers do not affect the Bond rank and cannot fail. Instead, correct answers grant free Magla (MAG), a resource used to power up characters or can be sold for money. This makes it useful to pick good answers to avoid future grinding.

You Must Both Pass Certain Dates And Events

Selecting Followers from the menu in Metaphor ReFantazio

After completing Regalith Grand Cathedral, you will be able to have conversations with party members and NPCs via the Follower Menu. Initially, a red handshake symbol will appear on a character’s portrait if they are able to rank up. If the symbol is grey, but you have reached the correct date, visit a town and speak to the character directly. If you can’t find them on your own, speak to Gallica, and she may tell you who is around during a free day. When there is no handshake symbol at all, you must advance the main story to get a new rank up.

The protagonist of Metaphor ReFantazio flanked by several of the game's companions and NPCs_ Hulkenberg, Eupha, Louis, and Strohl.

Does Metaphor: ReFantazio Have Romance Options?

Metaphor: ReFantazio borrows a lot from Persona, including its Social Link system, renamed Bonds. But do those relationships ever turn romantic?

Each character represents a class Archetype and improving their rank unlocks new abilities. If you are only concerned about using a few Archetypes for gameplay purposes, then all Bonds aren’t required. Instead, the system brings out the personalities of characters and may provide extra plot elements in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

How To Raise Party Member Follower Bonds

Growing Close With Your Fellow Warriors

Hulkenberg is shocked in Metaphor ReFantazio

The six party members are the most direct Followers to interact with. They are always around, making it simpler to find them within town. As they fight on the field, it is very easy to understand their Archetypes and how they will improve via ranks.

How To Max The Warrior Bond With Strohl

Strohl is one of the first playable Followers you’ll gain access to starting on 6/6. This allows others to gain abilities as a Warrior. At Higher Bonds, it also starts the process of leveling the Swordmaster and Samurai Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“Let’s Go Talk to Him” +3 “That’s What Friends Do” +3
3	“You Won’t Help Him” +3 “No, We Do This Together” +2
4	“I Can Make You Rich” +1 “Where is Your Hometown?” +1
5	“It’s Okay To Be Nervous” +3 “Tell Me About Your Father” +3
6	“Wise Words To Live By” +2
7	“Stick To Your Ideals” +3 “It Was All You” +3
8	“You Do” +2 “Good Luck” +1 “Surely, They Believed You” +4 “That’s Not Ture” +4

How To Max The Knight Bond With Hulkenberg

Hulkenberg joins you on 6/11 after you have defeated Grius. This means there is no way of Bonding with Grius, as he will always leave the team. Aside from supporting the Knight Archetype, you can also study Paladin, Dark Knight, and Magic Knight in Metaphor: ReFantazio at higher ranks.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“Sounds Tough” +2 “Are You Okay?” +2
3	“Pus Me Harder” +2 “This Isn’t Like You” +2
4
5	“You Would Run Again?” +3 “You’re Better Than This” +3
6	“A Bold Move” +1 “You’ve Got This” +2 “If Only To Witness Your Victory” +3
7	“You Fought Marvelously” +2 “You Are A Model Knight” +3
8	“But It’s Not Over” +2 “I’ll Forge A Path Forward” +4 “You’re A True Knight” +4

How To Max The Thief Bond With Heismay

Heismay always joins the team on 7/4 and also tends to need the Eloquence Virtue to interact with. Heismay is a master of sneaking and ambushing targets, making him among the best party members in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Along with Thief, they can also study the Assassin and Ninja Archetypes.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“You’re So Cool” +1 “Let’s Find This Place” +2 “It’s For Your Son’s Sake” +3
3	“Shall We Look Somewhere Else?” +1 “Well, He’d Have To Be Lonely” +2 “But It’s My Concern” +3 “I Know It’s Difficult” +2 “Let’s Go Already” +3
4	“I Don’t Mind” +2 “Explain Yourself” +3
5	“Is That Why You Left?” +1 “There’s Nobility In That” +2 “So You Are Giving Up?” +3 “You’d Leave Me Behind?” +3
6	“Taken Out Of The Village” +2 “Just As You Deduced” +3 “Let’s Talk To Them” +2
7	“Things Can Change” +2 [All dialogue choices] +3
8	“Where Is It?” +2 “That Day’s Fast Approach” +4 “I’m Honored” +2 “I Won’t Let Anyone Die” +4

How To Max The Masked Dancer Bond With Junah

After the Dragon Temple Dungeon, complete the side quest, Save the Mourning Snakes at Virga Island. Keep in mind that once you leave the island, it may be impossible to start Junah’s Bond in Metaphor: ReFantazio. This would lock you from the Persona Master Archetype.

YouTuber DismArchus compiled all of Junah’s Follower Bond scenes together. The majority of the starting one occurs directly on Virga Island. It is unknown what happens if you venture too far from this location.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“What Are You Buying?” +1 “That’s Why You Were Nice To Her?” +1 “And If I Say You Can’t?” +2
3	“Don’t Let Her Get To You” +1 “She’s No Match For You” +3
4	“I’ll Be With You” +3
5	“People Are Excited” +2 “Are You Alright” +1
6	“Was That You, Junah?” +1 “You Were Cute” +3
7	“Fate is Strange” +2 “Go On” +2 “I Want To Hear You Sing” +3
8	“She’s Got Potential” +1 “You Give Me Hope” +4 “It’s a Promise” +4

How To Max The Summoner Bond With Eupha

Similar to Junah, Eupha’s Bonds are unlocked on Virga Island, making it possible to miss them. Speaking to her will start the side quest, The Trial of Malnova. Additionally, you will need to max both the Imagination and Wisdom Virtues to access her later scenes. Eupha allows you to improve the Summoner and Devil Summoner Archetypes.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“Don’t Worry About It” +1 “I Can’t Leave You Alone Anywhere” +2 “Of Course I Will” +3
3	“Teach Me, Too” +2 “Your Beliefs Are Your Own” +3
4	“Let’s Take A Look” +4 “We Have To Act” +3
5	“That Was Scary” + 2 “Let’s Snap Out Of It” +3 “Less Thinking, More Action” +3 “Then Let’s Help Them” +3
6	“Let’s Go See” +1 “Let’s Hurry” +2
7
8	“Request?” +2 “I Understand” +1 “How Did You Know?” +1 “I Feel The Same Way” +4

How To Max The Berserker Bond With Basilio

Basilio is the final teammate you meet in Metaphor: ReFantazio. His Bonds gimmick is that he can only be ranked up while Gauntlet Runner Walker travels to a location. He initially has the Berserker Archetype but also unlocks Destroyer.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“I Look Forward To It” +3
3	“More Please” +3 “That Must Be Rough” +1 “Let’s Visit Him” +1
4	“It’s Very Like You” +3
5	“You’d Help Kill Him?” +1
6	“Let’s Find His Target” +2 “Keep Your Head High” +1 “Obviously” +2 “It Was Vinca’s Hope Too” +2
7	“Genius” +1 “What Will You Do?” +2
8	“Now We Fulfill Your Promise” +4 “He Was A Good Man” +2 “We’ll Make It Happen” +4

How To Raise NPC Follower Bonds

Other Characters Are Roaming Around

Neuras is ready for danger in Metaphor ReFantazio

In addition to the playable characters, other characters will become non-combat Followers in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Most of them are found by completing side quests in various cities. However, a few are also simply gained by going through the main campaign.

The character Gallica gains Bond ranks automatically throughout the story. If you make it to 9/24, she will have the maximum rank of 8. She represents the Mage Archetype.

Compared to the characters played, NPCs tend to require higher Virtues to rank up in a Bond. Some also need several Virtues in total. Thankfully, they tend to stay in the same locations, making it easier to find them in each settlement.

How To Max The Seeker Bond With More

More becomes a Follower while still in the long prologue tutorial on 6/5. Because it is so early, you won’t gain access to his main features until reaching Akademia a little bit later. Aside from Seeker, he also unlocks the Magic Seeker and Soul Hacker Archetypes.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“Who Are You Again?” +1 “You Might Be Right” +3
3
4	“You Deserve High Praise” +3
5	“But You Do” +2 “I Won’t Betray You” +3
6
7	“Are You Okay?” +1 “I’m On Your Side” +3
8	“I Could Have Told You That” +1 “We Can Journey Together” +4

How To Max The Healer Bond With Maria

Maria’s becomes a Follower on 6/10 of the main storyline. She is very helpful as her Bond increases the amount of experience gained. Also, she unlocks the Healer, Cleric, and Savior Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“You’re Not Weird” +2 “I’d Never Forget” +2 “He Did It For You” +1 “We’ll Talk Again” +3
3	“Let’s Go There” +3 “Don’t Mind Her” +1 “You Have Me” +3 “You Are Good” +3
4
5	“Your Papa Must Be Happy” +3 “Maybe You Can Make People Smile” +3 “Leave It To Me” +3
6	“I’m Glad We Asked Him To Help” +3 “Mission Complete” +3 “You Did A Great Job” +3
7	“Good Job” +2 “How Can I Help?” +3
8	“I Want To Help” +2 “That’s Great” +4 “You Have A Lot of Friends” +2 “I Promise” +4

How To Max The Brawler Bond With Catherina

During Regalith Grand Cathedral, speak with Catherina to start her side quest, A Friend in Need. Even though it is marked as a side event, the tutorial must still be finished correctly. She provides the Brawler and Martial Artist Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“You Too” +2 “I Didn’t Know You Did, either” +2 “That’s Not a Bad Idea” +2 “I Can’t Say Yet” +2
3	“Let’s Save Them Too” +3
4	“No It’s Not” +3 “We’ll Find Better Ways” +2 “For Both Of Us” +3
5	“You Still Can” +1 “You Don’t Need To Ask” +3
6	“Be Proud” +3 “We Finally Have Peace” +1 “We Can Work On That” +3
7	“You’re Right” +2 “I Sure Did” +3
8	“I’ll Try To Live Up To Your Expectations” +4 “You Are Right” +4

How To Max The Gunner Bond With Neuras

During the main storyline, Neuras will mention his side quest Providing A Spark. There is no rush to complete it, but doing so is the only way to unlock his Bond. He teaches the Gunner, Sniper, and Dragoon Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“Would He Really Mislead You?” +1 “I’m Definitely Motivated” +2 “So You Got Distracted” +3
3	“Wish You Were Me” +2 “You’re Perfect For Each Other” +3
4	“Aren’t Igniters Convenient” +1 “It’s Better This Way” +2
5	“That’s Just Growth” +3
6	“What A Legend” +1 “To The End And Beyond” +3
7	“Anything For You” +3
8	“There Must Be A Reason” +1 “Let’s Destroy It” +4 “It’s the Fruits Of Your Efforts” +4

How To Max The Commander Bond With Bardon

Bardon is gained as a Follower during the side quest Old Castle Town Kidnapper. However, just like Catherina, this is semi-fake as the event is required to access the next main story scene in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Bardon provides the Commander and Warlord Archetypes.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“You’re Popular” +3 “It’ll Be Fine” +3
3	“I Support You” +2 “The Job Suits You” +3 “You Can Protect Them Now” +3
4	“I See You In A New Light” +1 “That’s A Good Idea” +2 “That’s Reassuring” +3
5	“Stay Calm” +1 “I’m Leaning Towards You” +1 “Let’s Think of Another Strategy’ +3
6	“The Children Are Afraid” +3 “No Shame In That” +3
7	“Are You Hurt?” +1 “Let’s Go Tell Them” +2 “Nothing Happened” +4
8	“That’s Terrible” +1 “Have Faith In Yourself” +3 “You’re Still A Kind Person” +1 “There Is No One More Qualified” +3

How To Max The Faker Bond With Alonzo

You will need to have an Imagination Virtue rank of 2 or more. Then, on 6/29 or later, speak to Cuculus in Martia Thoroughfare Square to undergo the side quest A Dragger, A Ring, And A Rake. You will meet Alonzo, who provides the Faker and Trickster Archetypes. He also requires high Tolerance and Wisdom to rank up fully.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“To Threaten Them?” +1 “What Do You Mean” +1 “Interesting Plan There” +2 “If You Cut Me In” +3
3	“She Sounds Kind” +2 “We’ll Save Your Village” +2
4	“Make Amends By Living” +3
5	“Of Course” +3 “Leave It To Me” +3
6	“From Yourself” +2 “Our Bet, You Mean” +3
7	“Please Stop This” +3
8

How To Max The Merchant Bond With Brigitta

Like Alonzo, you need a minimum Wisdom Virtue of 2. Once this is gained, speak to Brigitta at Grand Trad Sunlumeo Street to start her quest A Bullish Embargo. Completing it will grant access to the Merchant and Tycoon Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio. You will also need high Courage Virtue to finish ranking her Bond.

Rank Up Event	Maximum MAG Bonus
2	“Is It Actually Some Vicious Monster?” +2 “Why Hide It?” +2 “Done Already?” +2
3	“It’s Proof She’s Smart” +1 “Understood” +1 “To Make My Mark” +1
4	“I Don’t Think So” +2 “I’ll Keep Visiting” +3
5	“What’s The Church Doing?” +1 [Free MAG During the Event] + 5 “To Harass You?” +1
6	“But They’re Lying” +1 “Smiling Faces?” +3
7	“Won’t That Make Them Mad?” +1 “Thus You Chose Me” +1 “That’s True Determination” +2
8	“And Afterward?” +1 “We’ll Achieve That Together” +4

Source: DismArchus/YouTube

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Systems

Platform(s): PS4 , PS5 , PC , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released: October 11, 2024
Developer(s): Studio Zero
Publisher(s): Atlus
Engine: GFD
ESRB: t
OpenCritic Rating: Mighty

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