Metaphor: ReFantazio introduces players to the concept of time management with the Necromancer Takedown and its associated dungeon, the Regalith Grand Cathedral. In this challenge, players must defeat the necromancer Zorba within a set time limit while also accessing various activities in Grand Trad. Initially, balancing the dungeon’s completion, the available activities, tasks, and bounties can be quite daunting. However, mastering this timing will help ensure a smoother experience in the game as it progresses.
Much like the palaces in Persona, players must keep an eye on a calendar deadline to enter the dungeon and confront Zorba in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Activities such as shopping, listening to conversations, and meeting with characters like More do not advance the clock. However, once these tasks are completed, they will occupy your current time slot. This deadline pushes players to make thoughtful choices about how they utilize their in-game days, striking a balance between dungeon exploration and developing relationships, royal virtues, and side quests.
Necromancer Takedown: Start Date, Deadline & Rewards
The Necromancer Takedown challenge begins on June 12, giving players until June 21 to clear the Regalith Grand Cathedral and accomplish any associated goals. It’s crucial to understand that finishing the dungeon early does not change the deadline of June 21.
For instance, if a player completes the dungeon by June 14, they can still explore Grand Trad with the remaining time available. Many activities unlock once the dungeon is finished, so wrapping it up early allows players to tackle limited-time quests more efficiently.
Completing the Necromancer Takedown itself won’t yield any significant rewards upfront. Still, within the dungeon, there are numerous treasure chests and rare items to discover. Additionally, defeating enemies will steadily earn players Reeve, the primary currency in Metaphor: ReFantazio, along with MAG, which is used for interacting with the archetype system through More.
Defeating bosses in the dungeon will also grant valuable resources and unique items that can be sold for a good profit. Outside the dungeon, completing side quests and bounties can result in Royal Virtue Points, improved bonds, helpful items, and additional resources.
Best Activities Order During Necromancer Takedown
To maximize efficiency, it’s advisable to complete the main dungeon early, ideally by June 14. Forming bonds with party members is an important aspect of free time gameplay, but this feature remains locked until the dungeon is cleared.
After finishing the dungeon, the recruitment center will offer the first bounty. Additionally, Briggita, a vendor on Sumleo Street, will give you a quest that involves tackling an optional dungeon and boss, likely too challenging without having previously cleared the Cathedral.
If your plan is to tackle Regalith Cathedral in one session, managing your Magic Points (MP) is critical. Stock up on health items instead of relying solely on healing spells, and take advantage of the Mage Archetype to regain MP by defeating overworld enemies.
Before entering the Cathedral, use your free time to strengthen your party. One effective way to do this is by purifying any armor and weapons you’ve acquired in the Nord Mines, enhancing their stats and unlocking new abilities.
Fortunately, both purifying gear and accepting Briggita’s quest only require level 2 Wisdom. By simply completing Young Nidia’s quest on Sumleo Street, you can earn enough Wisdom points to access these tasks. The next day, turn in the quest, purify available gear, and accept Briggita’s request.
As a final preparation step, feel free to finish any lingering side quests, such as A Pagan’s Dilemma, stock up on MP items at the Entero Water Shop, and upgrade your equipment at the Smithy and Shield Works, all without advancing the in-game time.
After completing the Cathedral, it’s advisable to pursue the bounty "Man’s Not-So-Best Friend" first, as it is shorter and easier to complete. Following that, ensure to work on building bonds with Strohl and Hulkenberg, and fill any spare time with repeatable virtue activities in Metaphor: ReFantazio.
