Metaphor: ReFantazio boasts eight playable characters, including the protagonist. While Gallica joins early, her combat role is limited. The remaining seven party members join on specific in-game dates, often tied to story events. Note: Reading further may reveal minor story spoilers regarding party member recruitment.

Important Spoiler Warning: This section contains minor story spoilers regarding party member acquisition in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Party Member Recruitment Timeline:

Each party member awakens to a unique Archetype, usable by any party member after awakening. Early members may be initially AI-controlled before awakening.

• Strohl (Warrior): Joins on June 5th (6/5) during the Border Fort events. Awakens and becomes fully controllable on June 6th (6/6) in the Nord Mines.

• Grius: Joins after the Border Fort events, but becomes combat-ready on June 6th (6/6) after Strohl's awakening. Grius doesn't undergo the same awakening process as other characters.

• Hulkenberg (Knight): Interacts with the party from June 10th (6/10). Awakens and joins the party fully on June 11th (6/11) during a boss fight.

• Heismay (Thief): Appears in Martira. Awakens and joins the party on July 4th (7/4) within the town's main dungeon.

• Junah (Masked Dancer): Appears throughout the game, awakening and joining the party on August 13th (8/13).

• Eupha (Summoner): Her recruitment is flexible. Completing the Dragon Temple Dungeon between August 19th (8/19) and September 4th (9/4) during Viraga Island's free time period adds her to the party for the final boss. Her Bond quest begins after this deadline.

• Basilio (Berserker): Awakens and joins the party on September 11th (9/11) during Saint's Day events. However, he's only usable in combat the following day, if the player chooses.