Best Strategies for Completing Heismay's Rank Up Events in Metaphor: ReFantazio

Many popular RPGs feature an endearing mascot character who accompanies the main group on their adventures. In Metaphor: ReFantazio, this character is Heismay, a former knight of the Shadowguard haunted by the grief of losing his son too soon.

Although Heismay is a small, bat-like Eugief, his backstory is one of the most intricate and sorrowful in the game, unfolding beautifully with each rank of his follower bond. This guide will help you unlock Heismay as a follower and navigate each rank effectively.

How to Unlock Heismay as a Follower

Like other follower bonds in the game, Heismay’s bond is automatically unlocked on July 4th when you return to the Martira Inn. This bond enables any party member to learn the Thief Archetype, focusing on stealthy magic and rapid strikes. To advance Heismay’s bond beyond the first level, however, you need to achieve at least level two eloquence to connect with this Eugief.

All Heismay Follower Ranks and Rewards

The bond rank up screen that appears at the end of each bond conversation in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

While choosing specific dialogue options during Heismay’s bond conversations isn’t mandatory, doing so will provide you with extra MAG to use later. Below is a table outlining how to unlock each rank of Heismay’s follower bond, the best dialogue choices for maximizing MAG, and the rewards associated with each bond level.

Bond Rank	Prerequisites	Best Dialogue Options	Rank Rewards
One	Reach July 4th in the main story to automatically unlock Heismay’s follower bond.		Thief Archetype – The party can now study the Thief.
Two	Unlock Heismay’s follower bond. Reach level two eloquence.	Any option is valid. Any option is valid. Any option is valid. Any option is valid. Any option is valid. Any option is valid.	Thief Enlightenment – Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Thief Lineage. Preternatural Hearing – Shows the location of strong enemies on dungeon maps.
Three	Reach follower rank two for Heismay’s follower bond.	“Shall we look somewhere else?” “Well, he’d not be lonely.” “No problem.” “But it is my concern.” Any option is valid. “I know it’s difficult.” Any option is valid. Any option is valid. “Let’s go already.”	Thief Archetype: Adept – The party can now study the Assassin.
Four	Reach rank three for Heismay’s follower bond.	“I don’t mind.” Any option is valid. Any option is valid. Any option is valid. Any option is valid.	Scion’s Skill – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Thief Lineage to 2.
Five	Reach rank four for Heismay’s follower bond. Talk to Heismay while traveling via the Gauntlet Runner.	“Is that why you left?” Any option is valid. “There’s nobility in that.” Any option is valid. Any option is valid. Any option is valid.	Thief Veneration – Significantly reduces the MAG cost of studying the Thief Lineage. Battle Aura – Increases experience gained by Heismay while in reserve.
Six	Reach rank five for Heismay’s follower bond.	“Taken it out of the village.” “Just as you deduced!” Any option is valid. “Let’s talk to them.”	Scion’s Merit – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Thief Lineage to 3. Battle Hypnosis – Heismay gains experience at a normal rate while in reserve.
Seven	Reach rank six for Heismay’s follower bond. Achieve rank four in your Imagination stat. Talk to Heismay at night on the Gauntlet Runner during a trip.	Any option is valid. Any option is valid.	Thief Archetype: Elite – The party can now study the Ninja.
Eight	Reach rank seven for Heismay’s follower bond. Speak to Heismay while traveling on the Gauntlet Runner.	Any option is valid. “I’m sure he’d want that.” or “That day’s fast approaching.” “I’m honored.” “I won’t let anyone die.”	Scion’s Essence – Increases skill inheritance slots for the Thief Lineage to 4. Assassinate – Greatly boosts Heismay’s ambush damage against stunned foes. Grand Fantasy – Heismay is primed to earn a new Heroic Embodiment.

Once you’ve achieved the highest follower bond level with Heismay, your entire party will be able to access all Thief Lineage Archetypes. Moreover, Heismay will gain the ability to elevate to the Royal Thief Archetype, the game’s fastest and most powerful Archetype.

Unlocking the Royal Thief Archetype requires significant effort. To realize his full potential, Heismay must reach level 20 in the Ninja Archetype and level 15 in both the Dragoon and Tycoon Archetypes, along with a cost of 30,000 MAG for the upgrade. However, this investment is well worth it, given the unmatched speed and power this Archetype offers.

Ultimately, Heismay stands out as one of the most endearing and intricate characters in Metaphor: ReFantazio, showcasing a distinctive playstyle and character design. We hope this guide enhances your appreciation for this uniquely tragic yet charming Eugief during your journey.