Which Confidants Are Automatic in Persona 5 & Persona 5 Royal?

In Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, some Confidants rank up automatically as you progress through the main story. This means you don’t need to spend precious in-game time with them to advance their social link. These automatic Confidants are crucial to the narrative and often unlock key abilities as they develop. The Igor (Fool), Morgana (Magician), and Sae Niijima (Judgement) Confidants are the primary examples of automatic Confidants. While you still influence their progression, the story dictates the timing of their rank increases. Let’s dive deeper into automatic confidants within the game!

Automatic Confidants Explained

• Igor (Fool): This is the first Confidant you unlock, and it’s entirely story-driven. Igor’s rank automatically increases as you complete palaces and progress the main plot. He’s essential for unlocking Persona fusion abilities.

• Morgana (Magician): Morgana’s Confidant also advances automatically. His rank improvements usually coincide with story milestones. You will unlock a wide variety of useful skills as you increase his rank.

• Sae Niijima (Judgement): Sae’s Confidant is another that levels up automatically as you progress through the narrative. Her role in the story and the legal proceedings surrounding the protagonist drive her rank.

The Justice arcana, represented by Goro Akechi, has a unique case. His Confidant ranks up automatically for the first few ranks. However, later ranks require specific actions and dialogue choices on your part. It’s important to note that Akechi’s Confidant has a strict deadline, making him a semi-automatic character.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Persona 5 Confidants

What is a Confidant in Persona 5?

Confidants in Persona 5 are characters that Joker (the protagonist) can form bonds with. Strengthening these bonds unlocks various abilities and benefits, making gameplay easier and more engaging. Confidants are based on the Major Arcana of tarot cards, and each represents a different aspect of life and personality.

Why are some Confidants automatic?

Automatic Confidants usually play a significant role in the main story. Their relationships with Joker develop naturally through the events that unfold, so spending free time with them to deepen the bond wouldn’t fit the narrative. For example, Igor is the master of the Velvet Room, and his role is tied to the protagonist’s progress, making his arc story-dependent.

Are automatic Confidants less important than manual ones?

Not at all! Automatic Confidants are just as crucial as the ones you actively pursue. They often grant essential abilities and provide deep insight into the game’s plot. In some cases, the skills or story events that automatic Confidants unlock may be required to progress the game.

Do I still need to pay attention to automatic Confidants?

Even though their ranks increase automatically, pay attention to their dialogue and actions during the story. Understanding their motivations and roles will enhance your overall gaming experience and can impact certain decisions you make later in the game.

Does the Moon Confidant rank up automatically?

No, the Moon Confidant (Yuuki Mishima) does not rank up automatically. You must spend time with Mishima to increase his Confidant rank. While he is an early-game Confidant, his availability changes depending on whether you have completed his Mementos requests.

Which Confidants have deadlines?

Several Confidants have deadlines, meaning you must reach a certain rank with them before a specific date, or you’ll miss out on their benefits. Key deadlines include:

• Yoshida/The Sun: November 18.
• Maruki/The Counselor: November 18 (essential for the Royal’s true ending, must be Rank 9).
• Akechi/Justice: November 18 (must be Rank 8 for true ending).
• Caroline and Justine/Strength: December 22.

Which Confidants don’t require a Persona of the matching Arcana?

To maximize your Confidant gains when spending time with them, it’s generally advisable to have a Persona that matches their Arcana in your active stock. However, there are some exceptions. You do not need a matching Persona of the following Arcana: Sun, Moon, Strength, Magician, Justice, Judgement, and Fool.

Can I max out all Confidants in a single playthrough?

Yes, it is possible to max out all Confidants in a single playthrough of Persona 5 Royal. It requires careful planning, efficient time management, and taking advantage of skills and perks that boost Confidant gains. Focus on maximizing your social stats early on and using Fortune Confidant abilities.

What are the benefits of maxing out Confidants?

Maxing out Confidants provides numerous benefits, including:

• Unlocking powerful abilities that aid in combat and exploration.
• Gaining access to unique items.
• Deepening your understanding of the characters and their stories.
• Achieving the game’s platinum trophy or 100% completion.

On the final day of the game, characters whose Confidant link you maxed out will give you a special key item.

What happens if I don’t max out certain Confidants?

If you fail to max out a Confidant before the game’s ending, you’ll miss out on their final abilities and story conclusion. While it won’t necessarily lock you out of the game’s main ending (unless it’s a requirement for the true ending, like Maruki), it will impact your overall experience and completion.

Can I romance any of the female Confidants?

Yes, many of the female Confidants can be romanced. However, initiating romance usually requires choosing a specific dialogue option at Rank 9 or 10. These choices are typically clear and indicate the potential for a romantic relationship. Choosing the friendship option allows you to max out the Confidant without entering a romantic relationship.

What should I prioritize when ranking up Confidants?

Prioritize Confidants that offer significant gameplay advantages. The Fortune (Chihaya Mifune) and Temperance (Sadayo Kawakami) Confidants are excellent choices early on, as they provide abilities that significantly improve time management. Remember that Maruki is required for the Royal true ending.

Does rainy weather affect Confidant availability?

Yes, rainy weather can affect the availability of some Confidants. For example, Yuuki Mishima (Moon) is available during the day on rainy days. Other Confidants might be unavailable during rain.

How do social stats affect Confidant progression?

Many Confidants require specific social stats (like Knowledge, Guts, Charm, Proficiency, and Kindness) to reach certain ranks. Maxing out your social stats is essential to unlock and progress through all Confidant stories. You’ll need to strategically manage your time to increase these stats.

Where can I find more resources about Persona 5 Confidants?

There are numerous online guides, forums, and communities dedicated to Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal. These resources offer detailed information on Confidant availability, dialogue choices, and optimal strategies for maximizing social links. Explore resources about effective learning in games, such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This is a fantastic resource for understanding the educational aspects of the game.

By understanding which Confidants rank up automatically and prioritizing others strategically, you can maximize your experience in Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, unlock valuable abilities, and enjoy the rich stories these characters have to offer.