Metaphor ReFantazio Maria guide: How to unlock, Bond ranks, and abilities

The newest JRPG on the market, Metaphor ReFantazio takes players to the fictional United Kingdom of Euchronia and brings with it a wide variety of side quests, boss battles, and much more alongside a detailed campaign mode. There are also characters whom the protagonist can befriend, and form a stronger Bond with to get many additional benefits.

One of these characters is Maria. Part Ishkia and part Rhoag, Maria is the daughter of Grius. This is one of the earliest Bonds the player can form in-game, and she is part of the Healer lineage as well, meaning many additional benefits for players.

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How to unlock Maria in Metaphor ReFantazio

The steps to unlock Maria's bond level for the first time. (Image via Sega)

On 6/10, reach the Hushed Honeybee Inn. When freeroam is accessible, head downstairs, and Maria will be visible. Head over to Maria, and talk to her to start the Bond. Once the first conversation has concluded, she will rank up to Bond Level 1. To proceed further, the character's Tolerance Level needs to be gradually increased over time, till Level 4.

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Maria rank level and unlock conditions

All the Bond level unlock details for Maria. (image via Sega)

Rank 1: Speak with Maria on 6/10.

Rank 2: Speak with Maria on 6/29 after completing the Tree of Prophecy quest. Requires Tolerance being upgraded to Level 2.

Rank 3: Speak to Maria on 7/5 during the day, and have the Sunsands painting acquired as it must be given to her.

Rank 4: Speak to Maria during the daytime after Kriegante Castle on 7/9.

Rank 5: Give Maria the City Ruins drawing during the daytime after it is obtained.

Rank 6: Give Maria the Peregrine Falls drawing, which is obtained on 7/23.

Rank 7: Speak to Maria, and have Tolerance upgraded to Level 4.

Rank 8: Talk to Maria in the daytime after waiting for at least one day.

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Maria Bond abilities in Metaphor ReFantazio

It is very beneficial to rise up the Bond levels with Maria. (Image via Sega)

Rank 1: Healer Archetype unlocked, allowing the party to study the Healer archetype.

Rank 2: Healer Enlightenment: Reduces the MAG cost of studying the Healer Lineage.

Rank 3: Healer Archetype Adept unlocked, allowing the party to study the Cleric. Additionally, Scion Skill (Healer) is unlocked, allowing for Skill Inheritance Slots for the Healer to rise to 2.

Rank 41: Purpose increases post-battle EXP gain. Additionally, Speed Cooking is unlocked, which results in time not passing while cooking in the runner's kitchen.

Rank 5: Healer Veneration, which reduces the MAG cost to study the Healer lineage.

Rank 6: Scion's Merit unlocked, increasing skill inheritance slots for the Healer Lineage to 3.

Rank 7: Burning Purpose unlocked, significantly increasing post-battle EXP. Additionally, Chef's Chops unlocked, allowing for an additional dish to be made when cooking in the Runner's Kitchen.

Rank 8: Healer Archetype: Elite unlocked, allowing the party to study the Saviour. Additionally, Scion's Essence (Healer) unlocked, increasing skill inheritance slots for the Healer Lineage to 4.

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Read more Metaphor ReFantazio articles below:

• Metaphor ReFantazio Brigitta guide: How to unlock, Bond ranks, followers, and more
• Metaphor ReFantazio Archetype system explained