Ultimate Guide to Unlocking Metaphor ReFantazio: Hulkenberg Bond Ranks and Abilities Explained

The latest JRPG sensation, Metaphor ReFantazio, invites players to embark on an expansive adventure through the enchanting realm of Euchronia, a part of the United Kingdom. Developed by Atlus, renowned for the acclaimed Persona series, similarities in gameplay mechanics are evident from the outset. The developers have significantly enhanced several of their previous systems, with the follower mechanism standing out as a notable improvement, allowing various characters to accompany the protagonist on their quest.

Among the early companions introduced in the game is Hulkenberg, a former royal knight. Below are the conditions to recruit her along with the rewards associated with unlocking her character.

Unlocking Hulkenberg in Metaphor ReFantazio

Players can bring Hulkenberg into the party on 6/11, immediately after defeating the Undead Grius. Once the team returns to the Hushed Honeybee Inn, Hulkenberg’s bond solidifies, and she joins the party. Progressing through the main storyline naturally unlocks her rank abilities.

Hulkenberg’s Bond Ranks and Skills in Metaphor ReFantazio

Outlined below are the details for each rank unlock and the corresponding rewards awarded to Hulkenberg:

Rank 1: Achieved on 6/11. This unlocks the Knight Archetype for further study.

Rank 2: Unlocked by talking to Hulkenberg after finishing the Regalith Grand Cathedral dungeon. Grants Knight Enlightenment, which lowers the MAG cost for Knight archetype study, and Guard Duty, allowing Hulkenberg to protect the protagonist from weaknesses.

Rank 3: Obtained by speaking with her on the Gauntlet Runner. This grants access to Knight Archetype: Adept, enabling the study of the Magic Knight.

Rank 4: Unlocked by interacting with her in town once Rank 3 is achieved. This grants Scion’s Skill (Knight), which expands the inheritance slots to two.

Rank 5: Achieved by discussing with her aboard the Gauntlet Runner. Unlocks Knight Veneration to further reduce studying costs for Knight Archetypes and Battle Aura (Knight), which boosts EXP gain when she is in reserve.

Rank 6: Unlocked by talking to her on the Gauntlet Runner. This grants Scion’s Merit, raising skill inheritance slots for the Knight Lineage to three, along with Battle Hypnosis, which adjusts the EXP gain back to the standard rate for reserves.

Rank 7: Achieved upon reaching Wisdom Rank 4. This unlocks Knight Archetype: Elite, which allows the study of both the Paladin and Dark Knight.

Rank 8: Unlocked by chatting with Hulkenberg aboard the Gauntlet Runner. Grants Special Guard Duty, enhancing the chance for Hulkenberg to defend against attacks targeting weaknesses and Grand Fantasy (Knight), which allows her to attain a new Heroic Embodiment.

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