The simple way to defeat Metaphor: ReFantazio's first real threat, Fire Dragon Mauna, and nab a great reward

GamesRPGMetaphor Re FantazioThe simple way to defeat Metaphor: ReFantazio’s first real threat, Fire Dragon Mauna, and nab a great rewardWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

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(Image credit: Sega Atlus)

Metaphor ReFantazio�s Fire Dragon Mauna boss

Jump to:The easy way: Ice ChunksThe hard way: Mage grinding

If you’ve just attempted to fight Fire Dragon Mauna for the first time and been burned to a crisp, you’re probably thinking something like “is this optional fight even worth it?” Unfortunately: Yes. Winning here is very much worth the reward, because beating this boss will provide you with what is inarguably the best early game weapon you can find in Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Fortunately there’s a straightforward method to beating Fire Dragon Mauna without hours of grinding, but it does require spending a little cash.

Metaphor: ReFantazio’s optional dragon boss guide

There are two ways to take down Metaphor’s optional early dragon boss. First, and the one I recommend, is splashing some cash to shortcut your way to the win. The second approach requires changing all three of your party members' Archetypes and doing some (but not tons) of grinding.

If your coffers are empty it might be your only choice, but I suggest saving up enough money to buy your way to an easy win.

How to beat Fire Dragon Mauna the easy way: Using Ice Chunks

(Image credit: Sega Atlus)

Metaphor ReFantazio’s Fire Dragon Mauna boss

Prior to the fight with the Homo Fulquilo earlier in the Nord Mines, you likely spotted a merchant called Gallinago the Peddler. He carries an item called an Ice Chunk. These deal 100 damage to any enemy they hit (as long as they don’t reflect ice damage) and cost 270 a pop. They also deal, as you might have guessed, ice damage. However, keep in mind that single-use items like these deal a fixed amount of damage so (even though the boss is weak to ice) they’ll still only deal 100 damage.You’re going to want to buy as many of these as possible. With no mages in your party, you’ll want at least 20 of them before taking on Mauna. Consider selling any treasure items in your inventory if you can’t afford this many. Otherwise, just buy as many as you can. I know that sounds like a heavy investment, but don’t fret—money is easy to find in Metaphor, so you’ll make that back in no time. And beating Fire Dragon Mauna actually nets you 1,000, so consider it an investment.Another tip: if you’ve entered the part of the map where Fire Dragon Mauna is, you might have noticed that you can no longer backtrack through the Nord Mines. Obviously this means you can’t go back and talk to Gallinago the Peddler. There’s a simple fix here—to backtrack, fight Fire Dragon Mauna and die. You’ll be sent back to a slightly earlier spot in the Nord Mines, which means you can now backtrack freely. Don’t worry, there are literally zero ramifications for dying here. You won’t lose any progress, experience or money.To prepare for the fight, ideally include a mage in your party outfitted with Blizz, and cast it whenever possible. Use your Ice Chunks like mad. If you start to run low on MP and/or you start to run out of Ice Chunks, use your ice attacks at the start of your turns and then guard afterwards with your extra turns.Move to the back rowso you take less damage. Ice Chunks will deal about half as much damage as Blizz, so without any mages this will take twice as long as the next method, but it’s a slow, steady, reliable victory.

How to beat Fire Dragon Mauna the harder way: Grind the mage Archetype

(Image credit: Sega Atlus)

Metaphor ReFantazio’s Fire Dragon Mauna boss

(Image credit: Sega Atlus)

Metaphor ReFantazio’s Fire Dragon Mauna boss

Your reward for beating Fire Dragon Mauna is a bunch of EXP and A-EXP (which scales based on your level), 100 MAG, and 100 money—but that’s not what we’re here for. Beating this boss will grant you access to the treasure chest behind it, which contains theDragon’s Indignation Greatsword.

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Trust me when I say this weapon was worth the trouble, whichever strategy you chose. It’s a Warrior class weapon that has a base ATK stat of 111, which will dealwaymore damage than any other weapon you’ll acquire for quite some time. Most importantly though, it deals innate fire damage. This will be extremely helpful during the next main quest dungeon, because most of the enemies you encounter there are weak to fire. Also, it looks cool so, y’know, style points.

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Metaphor: ReFantazio’s optional dragon boss guide#

How to beat Fire Dragon Mauna the easy way: Using Ice Chunks#

How to beat Fire Dragon Mauna the harder way: Grind the mage Archetype#

The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals#

Metaphor: ReFantazio’s optional dragon boss guide

How to beat Fire Dragon Mauna the easy way: Using Ice Chunks

How to beat Fire Dragon Mauna the harder way: Grind the mage Archetype

The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals