Metaphor: ReFantazio features eight playable characters: the protagonist and seven companions who join throughout the adventure. While Gallica is present from the start, her combat role is limited initially. Each companion joins on a specific day, tied to story events. Note: reading this may reveal minor story details.
Spoiler Warning: This section contains minor story spoilers regarding party member recruitment in Metaphor: ReFantazio.
Party Member Recruitment Timeline:
Each party member awakens to a unique Archetype, usable by other party members after awakening. Some early members are initially AI-controlled before gaining full control.
Strohl (Warrior): Joins on June 5th (6/5) during the Border Fort events, but awakens and becomes fully controllable on June 6th (6/6) at the Nord Mines.
Grius: Joins after the Border Fort events, but becomes a fully controllable party member on June 6th (6/6) after Strohl's awakening. Grius doesn't undergo an Archetype awakening.
Hulkenberg (Knight): Begins interacting with the party on June 10th (6/10), fully joining and awakening her Archetype during the boss fight on June 11th (6/11).
Heismay (Thief): His awakening and party joining occur on July 4th (7/4) within Martira's main dungeon.
Junah (Masked Dancer): Awakens and joins the party on August 13th (8/13).
Eupha (Summoner): Eupha's recruitment is flexible. Completing the Dragon Temple Dungeon anytime between August 19th (8/19) and September 4th (9/4) during Viraga Island's free time adds her to the party for the final boss. Her Bond quest becomes available after this period.
Basilio (Berserker): Awakens and joins on September 11th (9/11) during Saint's Day events. He becomes usable in combat the following day.