Persona 5: The Ultimate Guide to Dating Multiple Girls (and Surviving the Valentine’s Day Massacre)
Yes, you absolutely can date multiple girls in Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal. In fact, the game actively allows it, offering you a charming array of romance options to pursue throughout your playthrough. However, before you embrace your inner Casanova, be warned: there are consequences. Let’s dive into the delightful, and sometimes disastrous, world of multiple romances in Persona 5.
The Allure of the Harem Route
The temptation to woo every available lady in Persona 5 is understandable. The game boasts a cast of compelling female characters, each with unique personalities and compelling storylines tied to their Confidant ranks. As you build relationships, the game offers options to deepen those bonds into romantic relationships, leading to special events and dialogue. Who wouldn’t want to experience all that Persona 5 has to offer?
The Valentine’s Day Reckoning (and its Aftermath)
This is where things get interesting – and potentially painful. If you’ve decided to embrace the “harem route” and date multiple girls, Valentine’s Day becomes your day of reckoning.
On February 15th, you’ll be treated (or subjected) to a special scene. All the girls you’re dating will confront you about your infidelity. The ensuing scene is a comedic, yet brutal, beatdown. Think cartoon violence mixed with the sharp sting of betrayal. It’s a memorable moment, to say the least! After the Valentine’s Day beating, Sojiro offers Courage Chocolate to raise your Courage Stat.
While humorous, the scene also serves as a moral check. The characters express their hurt and disappointment, reminding you that your choices have consequences, even in a video game. You’ll probably feel a pang of guilt, even if you’re just pixels on a screen.
Persona 5 Royal’s Valentine’s Day Differences
In Persona 5 Royal, the Valentine’s Day event is enhanced with additional dialogue and character-specific reactions, making the scene even more impactful. The consequences for choosing multiple partners are more pronounced.
Beyond Valentine’s Day: The New Game Plus Gift
The Valentine’s Day confrontation is not the only consequence of dating multiple girls. In Persona 5 Royal, dating one girl and maxing out her confidant level is considered the “best” path as you get a unique gift from her on White Day that allows you to use her ultimate ability on a character other than Joker. Furthermore, if you only friend the other girls without romancing them, each will give you chocolate the day after Valentine’s Day which can be used in New Game Plus. The gifts are exclusive to romanced characters. If you romance multiple girls, you won’t get the best gifts, and will miss out on additional bonuses in your next playthrough.
Is the Harem Route Worth It?
Ultimately, the decision to date multiple girls in Persona 5 is a matter of personal preference. If you prioritize experiencing all the romantic content the game has to offer and don’t mind the consequences, the “harem route” can be entertaining. However, if you prefer a more focused and less guilt-inducing experience, committing to a single romance is the way to go.
Consider your play style and what you value most in the game. Are you a completionist who wants to see every scene? Or are you more invested in building a deep and meaningful relationship with one character? There’s no right or wrong answer, but understanding the consequences will help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dating in Persona 5
1. What happens if I get caught cheating in Persona 5 Royal?
Besides the Valentine’s Day scene, there are no tangible stat penalties for dating multiple girls in Persona 5 Royal. You do, however, miss out on exclusive gifts if you do not focus on a single girl.
2. Can you break up with a girl in Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal?
No, you cannot break up with a girl in Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal once you’ve committed to a romantic relationship. Your choices are permanent for the duration of that playthrough.
3. Who is considered the “canon” romance option in Persona 5?
There isn’t a definitively “canon” romance option. However, Ann Takamaki, associated with the Lovers Arcana, is often considered the most prominent romance option. Each protagonist tends to have a Lovers Arcana girl in each of the games that are popular like Yukari in Persona 3 and Rise in Persona 4. Ultimately, the choice is yours!
4. Can you date older women in Persona 5?
Yes, you can date older women, such as Sadayo Kawakami (Temperance Confidant) and Tae Takemi (Death Confidant).
5. How do I avoid the Valentine’s Day scene in Persona 5?
To avoid the Valentine’s Day beatdown, commit to only one romantic relationship. If you’ve been raising multiple girls’ Confidant ranks, make sure you choose the non-romantic dialogue options when prompted.
6. What are the best romance options in Persona 5 Royal?
The “best” romance option is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Popular choices include Ann Takamaki, Makoto Nijima, Kasumi Yoshizawa, and Tae Takemi. Each character offers a unique and rewarding storyline.
7. Is it possible to max out a Confidant without romancing them?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to max out a Confidant without entering a romantic relationship. You can choose platonic dialogue options at key points in their storyline to maintain a friendship.
8. Can you romance Kasumi Yoshizawa in Persona 5 Royal?
Yes, you can romance Kasumi Yoshizawa (Faith Confidant) in Persona 5 Royal. Her Confidant storyline is engaging and adds depth to the game.
9. What is the age of Futaba Sakura?
Futaba Sakura (Oracle) is 15 years old in Persona 5. Despite her young age, she is an essential member of the Phantom Thieves.
10. Can I date Marie in Persona 4 Golden without consequences?
Yes, you can date Marie, as well as Ai Ebihara, Ayane Matsunaga/Yumi Ozawa, and one of Chie Satonaka/Yukiko Amagi/Rise Kujikawa/Naoto Shirogane without facing any specific negative consequences.
11. What happens on White Day in Persona 5 Royal?
On White Day (March 14th), if you romanced a girl, she gives you a special gift to show that she appreciates you.
12. Does Ryuji Sakamoto have a crush on Ann Takamaki?
While Ryuji often expresses admiration for Ann and makes playful, sometimes lewd, comments, it is more of a friendly and teasing dynamic rather than a serious romantic interest.
13. Is it considered “cheating” to date multiple people in Persona 5?
In the context of the game, yes. The characters perceive it as cheating, and the Valentine’s Day scene reflects their feelings of betrayal. Whether it feels like “cheating” to you as a player depends on your personal moral compass!
14. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
For more information about the impact of gaming on learning and education, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can also find great information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. Will dating multiple girls impact my New Game Plus experience?
Yes. While dating multiple girls doesn’t prevent you from starting a New Game Plus, it can affect the gifts you receive and the exclusive abilities you unlock. Focusing on a single romance offers greater rewards for subsequent playthroughs.