During your adventure in Metaphor ReFantazio, you’ll unlock the Varmareno Coliseum in Port Brilehaven. This arena offers two activities: Ranked Battles and Gauntlet Challenges. While the Ranked Battles progressively grow harder as you climb through the Bronze, Silver, and Gold leagues, the Gold Gauntlet Challenge stands out as the ultimate test of skill. It tasks players with surviving 30 consecutive battles without rest. Though the other Gauntlets might be skippable, completing the Gold Gauntlet unlocks a trophy or achievement, making it a worthwhile endeavor for completionists.
How to Unlock the Gold Gauntlet Challenge
The Coliseum becomes available after completing the Infiltration of the Charadrius quest, a pivotal moment in the Brilehaven chapter. At first, only limited battles are accessible. As you climb through the ranks of Ranked Battles, advancing from Bronze to Silver and finally to Gold, the Gold Gauntlet Challenge will unlock.
It’s worth noting that attempting the Gold Gauntlet immediately upon unlocking it is ill-advised. The difficulty spikes significantly, with enemies ranging from mid-level 50s to level 70. To maximize your chances of success, wait until you’ve progressed near the end of the game, when your party is fully equipped and prepared for the challenge.
What to Expect in the Gold Gauntlet Challenge
The Gold Gauntlet consists of 30 battles fought back-to-back without opportunities for recovery. Losing even a single fight resets the entire challenge, so preparation is crucial. While the rewards include experience, item drops, and a small boost to the Courage Royal Virtue, the primary incentive for completing the Gold Gauntlet is the achievement or trophy it unlocks.
Key Tips for Success
- Stock Up on Healing Items: Bring plenty of Cursed Love Ballads to restore MP for the entire party. These are especially effective when paired with the Item Connoisseur ability, which doubles their healing potency.
- Team Composition:
- Equip Strohl with the Royal Warrior Archetype for powerful AoE skills.
- Use the Prince and their Radiance ability to exploit enemy weaknesses to Light.
- If you have a Tycoon in your party, their high-damage synthesis skills can be devastating, provided you have the funds to support them.
Enemy Encounters
While the battles in the Gold Gauntlet follow a set list, the order of encounters is randomized. Some formations may repeat, while others might not appear at all during a single run. Below is a breakdown of potential enemies and strategies to defeat them.
Key Enemy Formations
1. Noctiluca Papyrmas
- Weaknesses: Pierce, Wind, Dark
- Strategy: Easy fodder at level 48. Take them out quickly.
2. Greatmoth Nocurmos
- Weaknesses: Ice, Wind
- Strategy: Slightly tougher but manageable with Ice-based attacks.
3. General Malmortas
- Weaknesses: Strike, Light
- Strategy: A group of four skeletons using bows, swords, and spears. Use Light AoE attacks for efficiency.
4. Spekto of Fury and Rigopetia
- Weaknesses: Spekto – Ice, Light | Rigopetia – Ice
- Strategy: Focus on Ice AoE attacks to clear the group. Rigopetia has high HP, so target it strategically.
5. Grotesque Chimenzahn
- Weaknesses: Ice, Wind
- Strategy: High HP makes this single enemy troublesome. Prioritize AoE skills to maximize damage.
6. Moldilich
- Weaknesses: Strike
- Strategy: The toughest foe in the Gauntlet. Resistant to Light and immune or reflective to other elements. Use Strike-based abilities and avoid prolonged fights.
Final Thoughts
The Gold Gauntlet Challenge is a grueling test of endurance, preparation, and tactical planning. Its randomized battle order and high-level enemies demand adaptability. Enter the challenge with a fully equipped party, ample healing items, and a deep understanding of your team’s strengths. With careful planning, you’ll overcome the Coliseum’s toughest trial and earn your well-deserved victory.
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