Metaphor: ReFantazio - Tips for Defeating the Goborn King

In Metaphor: ReFantazio, bounties are a great way to earn Reeve and boost your reputation. These quests often lead to challenging mini-boss encounters, which can yield significant XP and MAG, as well as provide access to smaller dungeons to explore.

The first bounty available in Martira involves facing Goborn, King of the Imps. This quest takes players to the Imp's Den, located just a day’s journey from Martira. However, to challenge the Goborn King, you'll need to summon him first by meeting specific conditions in the area.

Preparing for the Goborn King Fight in Metaphor: ReFantazio

It's best to avoid bringing a Healer or Mage to this battle, as their use of Staffs will only anger the Goborn enemies.

Recommended Party Setup:

- Protagonist: Gunner

- Hulkenburg: Knight

- Strohl: Warrior/Swordmaster

The Goborn King doesn't have any particular elemental weaknesses but is more vulnerable to sleep effects. Using a Swordmaster, the advanced form of the Warrior class, can be extremely beneficial due to its powerful multi-target attack skill. The Gunner's initial ability also has a chance to put enemies to sleep, so stocking up on items that induce sleep from the store in Martira can provide a crucial backup strategy. Additionally, transferring the Media healing skill from a Healer to another party member through Skill Inheritance can help maintain your team’s health during the battle.

How to Summon the Goborn King in Metaphor: ReFantazio

Upon reaching the Imp's Den, you'll find several Hexer Goborn Estos scattered throughout the area. To trigger the appearance of the Goborn King, you must defeat all but two of these Hexers. The boss will spawn immediately after the last Hexer falls, so make sure to heal your party and restore your MP before engaging in this final skirmish. Like the Goborn King, these Hexers have no specific weaknesses but are somewhat prone to falling asleep.

Tips for Defeating the Goborn King in Metaphor: ReFantazio

The Goborn King enters the battle accompanied by four other Goborns. To gain the upper hand, focus on eliminating these additional enemies first to reduce the number of Press Turn icons the enemy side can use. If you have mostly single-target attacks, use the Gunner's Sleep skills or sleep-inducing items to incapacitate the boss and a few of its minions, limiting their ability to act.

Keeping the Goborn King asleep as much as possible is crucial, as its attacks can deal heavy damage and continually buff its allies. Hulkenburg’s Knight’s Proclamation skill is also vital, as it helps direct enemy attacks to a single character, allowing you to manage damage more effectively and reduce the need for healing.

This battle may be too challenging if faced early on, so consider returning later in the game with a more leveled-up party. Utilizing sleep effects is essential, as this strategy can limit the Goborn King's ability to overwhelm you with Press Turn icons. Once the additional Goborns are defeated, the Goborn King will relentlessly maximize its accuracy and evasion stats. Although you can dispel these buffs, the boss will quickly recast them, draining your MP in the process.

To counter this, boost your party's agility with skills or items to keep up with the boss’s increased stats. If you find your attacks missing frequently, use items with a sure-hit effect to consistently damage the Goborn King during the final moments of the battle, ensuring a swift and reliable victory.

Final Thoughts

Facing the Goborn King is a true test of strategy and resourcefulness in Metaphor: ReFantazio. Proper preparation and clever use of sleep-inducing tactics will be your keys to success. With persistence and the right approach, you'll be able to defeat this formidable foe and claim the rewards that await.