Guide to Unlocking Bond Ranks and Abilities in Metaphor ReFantazio Maria

The latest addition to the JRPG genre, Metaphor ReFantazio, transports players to the imaginative setting of Euchronia’s fictitious United Kingdom. This exciting title offers an array of side quests, exhilarating boss battles, and an immersive campaign mode filled with rich narrative. Among the game’s features, players can forge relationships with various characters, enhancing their Bonds for valuable benefits.

One notable character is Maria, who embodies both Ishkia and Rhoag heritage, being the daughter of Grius. She represents one of the initial Bonds that players can establish, and her connection to the Healer lineage provides numerous gameplay advantages.

Unlocking Maria in Metaphor ReFantazio

Steps to unlock Maria's bond level for the first time. (Image via Sega) — Steps to unlock Maria’s bond level for the first time. (Image via Sega)

To initiate your Bond with Maria, visit the Hushed Honeybee Inn on 6/10. Once you gain access to free roam, head downstairs, where you’ll find Maria. Engage in a conversation with her, and upon completion, your Bond will elevate to Level 1. Progressing further requires gradually increasing her Tolerance Level up to Level 4.

Maria’s Rank Levels and Unlock Requirements

All the details for unlocking Maria's Bond levels. (Image via Sega) — All the details for unlocking Maria’s Bond levels. (Image via Sega)

Rank 1: Initiate conversation with Maria on 6/10.

Rank 2: Speak with Maria on 6/29 after finishing the Tree of Prophecy quest; Tolerance must be raised to Level 2.

Rank 3: Converse with Maria on 7/5 during the daytime, ensuring you have the Sunsands painting to give her.

Rank 4: Talk to Maria in the daytime following the completion of Kriegante Castle on 7/9.

Rank 5: Provide Maria with the City Ruins drawing, available after obtaining it, during the daytime.

Rank 6: Gift Maria the Peregrine Falls drawing, which you will acquire on 7/23.

Rank 7: Engage with Maria and ensure her Tolerance is upgraded to Level 4.

Rank 8: Speak to Maria during the day after waiting a minimum of one day.

Maria’s Bond Abilities in Metaphor ReFantazio

Benefits of raising the Bond levels with Maria. (Image via Sega)

Rank 1: Unlocks the Healer Archetype, allowing your party to explore the Healer archetype.

Rank 2: Healer Enlightenment is achieved, which reduces the MAG expenditure for studying the Healer Lineage.

Rank 3: Unlocks Healer Archetype Adept, permitting the study of Cleric; also introduces Scion Skill (Healer), raising Skill Inheritance Slots for Healers to 2.

Rank 4: Boosts post-battle EXP gain through increased Purpose. Additionally, enables Speed Cooking, causing time to stand still while cooking in the runner’s kitchen.

Rank 5: Grants Healer Veneration, leading to a reduction in MAG requirements for studying the Healer lineage.

Rank 6: Scion’s Merit is unlocked, raising the Skill Inheritance slots for the Healer Lineage to 3.

Rank 7: Unlocks Burning Purpose which significantly enhances post-battle experience points, as well as Chef’s Chops, allowing an extra dish to be prepared in the Runner’s Kitchen.

Rank 8: Healer Archetype: Elite is activated, allowing access to study the Saviour; additionally, Scion’s Essence (Healer) increases Skill Inheritance slots to 4.

Source