Metaphor: ReFantazio is not just another JRPG-it’s Atlus’s most expansive adventure yet, promising a sprawling journey that can take anywhere from 65 to over 100 hours to complete. Whether you’re racing through the main story or diving deep into every side quest and bond conversation, this epic quest for the throne demands a serious time investment and rewards patience with a richly detailed world to explore on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is from the creators behind Persona 3, 4 and 5. Given those Japanese high school RPGs were all epic affairs, you might be wondering how long it takes to beat this new original fantasy RPG, which shares a similar structure and other gameplay elements. The answer is that it is a pretty long game, although not quite as long as Persona 5, given its calendar timeline covering the story’s Royal Tournament isn’t as long as two school semesters.
Below, see how long it took to beat Metaphor: ReFantazio, which will also include much of the optional content that will take up your schedule alongside the story quests.
How long to beat Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio typically takes around 65 to 70 hours to complete the
It took me around 80 hours to clear the whole story for Metaphor. This time will likely vary for you, depending on if you’re struggling with some of the tricky bosses and whether or not you opt to lower the difficulty. But 80 hours is representative of a typical playthrough of Metaphor, which accounts for side content, as well as watching all dialogue and cutscenes.
Due to the game’s calendar structure, you will always have time to spare between completing a story dungeon to engage with side content that can improve your Royal Virtues (like Eloquence), rank up your relationship with Followers, or complete optional dungeons and side quests to gain more experience and rewards. I was able to complete the game maxing out my Royal Virtues, Followers, and with all but a few optional challenges finished.
What happens after beating Metaphor: ReFantazio?
After beating Metaphor: ReFantazio, players have a variety of engaging activities to continue their adventure. They can focus on completing all character bonds, as there are 14 characters with multiple bond levels that unlock unique conversations and rewards. Additionally, players can pursue all possible endings by making different choices throughout the game. A notable challenge is the Regicide difficulty mode, which offers a tougher experience. For those seeking extra combat challenges, the Varmareno Coliseum and a secret post-game boss in Akademia provide formidable battles. Side quests, collecting Gold Beetles, and fully exploring the world also remain available to extend gameplay well beyond the main story’s conclusion.
There’s no post-game once you finally complete Metaphor but you will be able to save your cleared data, which will allow you to start New Game Plus, which carries over certain progress from your previous playthrough. These include equipment, money, MAG, and Archetype ranks, but party member levels and Follower ranks will reset. While you should have enough time to complete all side content on your first playthrough, New Game Plus is recommended if you wish to unlock and master every single Archetype.
How many hours will I need to beat Metaphor: ReFantazio on my first playthrough
For your first playthrough of Metaphor: ReFantazio, you can expect to spend roughly 65 to 90 hours completing the main story and engaging with side content at a steady pace. Players who focus mainly on the main objectives typically finish in about 65½ hours, while those who take time to explore side quests, bond conversations, and fully immerse themselves often reach around 80 to 90 hours. The exact time depends on your playstyle, how thoroughly you explore, and the difficulty level you choose.
Will I need around 80 to 90 hours for my first playthrough of Metaphor: ReFantazio
Yes, you will likely need around 80 to 90 hours for your first playthrough of Metaphor: ReFantazio if you engage with side quests, bond conversations, and other optional activities alongside the main story. One experienced player completed everything in 87 hours on Normal difficulty, including all side content and bond conversations. This estimate aligns with player reports on Reddit and Polygon, where leisurely playthroughs that include exploration and story engagement typically fall within that range. The exact time can vary based on your playstyle, difficulty choice, and how much optional content you pursue, but 80 to 90 hours is a reasonable expectation for a thorough first run.
