Can You Date All the Girls in Persona 5 Royal? A Deep Dive into Romance and Consequences
Yes, you can date all the romanceable female characters in Persona 5 Royal. However, choosing to indulge in a harem lifestyle comes with its own set of quirky (and potentially guilt-inducing) consequences, particularly around Valentine’s Day. While the game doesn’t offer a traditional breakup mechanic, your actions do have an impact, leading to some memorable, albeit painful, moments. Think of it less as “cheating” in the conventional sense and more as embracing the chaotic freedom the Phantom Thieves represent…with a side of well-deserved fictional punishment.
The Allure of the Harem Route in Persona 5 Royal
Let’s face it, the characters in Persona 5 Royal are compelling. Each romanceable confidant offers a unique storyline, growth opportunities, and a tantalizing glimpse into their personal lives. It’s easy to get attached! The game facilitates this by allowing you to deepen your relationship with multiple characters simultaneously, leading many players to wonder if they can truly “have it all.”
The short answer? You can. The game doesn’t prevent you from reaching the highest confidant rank (Rank 10) with multiple female characters, which is the key requirement for initiating a romantic relationship. You’re free to spread your charm (and affection points) far and wide.
The Valentine’s Day Reckoning: Harem Route Consequences
This is where the consequences of your choices become hilariously (and perhaps emotionally) apparent. On February 15th, the day after Valentine’s Day, Persona 5 Royal delivers a unique scene for those who have romanced multiple girls.
Instead of a romantic rendezvous with one special someone, you’ll be confronted by all of your girlfriends. The scene is played for laughs, with your paramours expressing their (justified) anger and jealousy in a series of comical outbursts. Let’s just say Joker experiences the Phantom Thieves’ version of a beatdown, a stark reminder of the pain you’ve inflicted (even if unintentionally).
To add insult to injury, Sojiro, ever the understanding guardian, gives you some bonus chocolate to make you feel better…a bittersweet gesture that only amplifies the guilt.
It’s important to note that this is the primary consequence of dating multiple girls. Unlike some other RPGs, Persona 5 Royal doesn’t feature significant gameplay penalties or story alterations based on your romantic choices outside of this Valentine’s Day scene. You won’t suffer stat reductions or be locked out of specific content.
Beyond Valentine’s Day: Long-Term Considerations
While the Valentine’s Day scene is the most direct consequence, the emotional impact of romancing multiple characters can linger. The game subtly reinforces the idea that these are genuine relationships with characters who have their own feelings and desires. Witnessing their disappointment, even in a comedic context, can leave players feeling conflicted.
Furthermore, choosing to pursue multiple relationships might impact how you personally connect with each character’s individual storyline. By spreading yourself thin, you may miss out on the depth and nuance that comes with focusing on a single romance.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a harem route is a personal one. Persona 5 Royal provides the freedom to make that choice, but it also presents the potential emotional consequences. The game encourages players to consider the impact of their actions, even within the fantastical world of the Phantom Thieves.
The Morality of the Harem Route
The question of whether it’s “right” to date all the girls in Persona 5 Royal is a moral gray area. The game doesn’t explicitly condemn the practice, but it doesn’t condone it either. It presents the situation as a choice with consequences, allowing players to grapple with their own ethical considerations.
Some players view the harem route as a harmless indulgence, a way to experience all the romantic possibilities the game has to offer. Others see it as disrespectful to the characters and a betrayal of their trust. Ultimately, there’s no “correct” answer. The beauty of Persona 5 Royal lies in its ability to provoke these kinds of discussions and encourage players to reflect on their own values.
Confidant Ranks and the Romance Trigger
Reaching Rank 9 with a romanceable confidant is the crucial step to unlocking the romantic option. During the Rank 9 event, you’ll typically be presented with a dialogue choice that determines whether you pursue a friendship or a romantic relationship. Choosing the romantic option solidifies your commitment and sets you on the path to Valentine’s Day reckoning if you’re playing the field with several girls.
If you choose the friend option, you can still reach Rank 10 and max out the Confidant’s benefits, but you will not be dating them. It is important to choose carefully, as there is no way to revert this decision.
Is Kasumi Yoshizawa Special?
The addition of Kasumi Yoshizawa in Persona 5 Royal has sparked debate about whether she’s the “canon” love interest. While the game doesn’t explicitly designate a single character as such, Kasumi’s storyline is deeply intertwined with Joker’s, and their interactions often feel more significant than those with other romanceable characters. Her confidant abilities are also very helpful.
In fact, Persona 5 Royal: Joker x Kasumi Is Basically Canon – And Here’s The Proof. A close look at Kasumi’s personas show that she might be Joker’s canon love interest in Persona 5 Royal. Persona 5 Royal saw the introduction of a brand new character and Phantom Thief – Kasumi Yoshizawa.
Ultimately, whether you see Kasumi as the “canon” romance is up to you. However, her unique role in the narrative makes her a compelling choice for players seeking a meaningful and impactful relationship. You may want to check the work of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to see more information about the social issues in games.
FAQ: Romancing in Persona 5 Royal
Here are some frequently asked questions about dating in Persona 5 Royal:
1. How many girls can you date in Persona 5 Royal?
You can date all ten romanceable female characters in the game. These include the five teammates (Ann, Makoto, Haru, Futaba, and Kasumi) and five confidants (Tae, Sadayo, Hifumi, Ichiko, and Chihaya).
2. Can you break up with girls in Persona 5 Royal?
No, there is no option to break up with a character once you’ve established a romantic relationship.
3. What happens if you romance all the girls?
You’ll experience the Valentine’s Day scene where all your girlfriends confront you about your infidelity.
4. Is there any other punishment for dating multiple girls besides the Valentine’s Day scene?
No, there are no other gameplay penalties for dating multiple characters.
5. Who is the easiest girl to romance in Persona 5 Royal?
Each character has different requirements for their social link, but Ann Takamaki is generally considered one of the easiest to romance. Her availability is very high.
6. Who is the hardest girl to romance in Persona 5 Royal?
Kasumi Yoshizawa requires specific requirements for her social link progression that requires a deeper understanding of the game and how confidants operate.
7. Does your choice of romance affect the ending of the game?
No, your romantic choices do not affect the main ending of Persona 5 Royal, but they influence Valentine’s Day.
8. Can you romance multiple characters without any guilt?
That depends on your personal preference. However, there are consequences, so consider each character’s feelings.
9. Can you max out confidants without romancing them?
Yes, you can reach Rank 10 with a confidant without pursuing a romantic relationship. Just choose the friendship option at Rank 9.
10. Is there a “canon” romance in Persona 5 Royal?
While many point to Ann or Kasumi as being the official choice, there is no “canon” romance.
11. Can you romance any male characters in Persona 5 Royal?
No, there are no romantic options for male characters in the game.
12. What are the benefits of romancing a character?
Romancing a character allows you to experience their story more deeply and gain a unique Valentine’s Day event.
13. Does romancing affect persona fusion or combat abilities?
No, your romantic choices do not affect persona fusion or combat abilities.
14. Can you date older women in Persona 5 Royal?
Yes, you can date older women, such as Tae Takemi (the doctor) and Sadayo Kawakami (your teacher).
15. Is it possible to avoid the Valentine’s Day scene by only dating one girl?
Yes, if you only romance one character, you’ll have a romantic Valentine’s Day with them instead of getting confronted by multiple girls.
In conclusion, Persona 5 Royal gives you the freedom to explore relationships. Whether you decide to experience all the romanceable characters or pick just one, the game encourages you to consider the effects of your decisions. So, enjoy the game, be a Phantom Thief, and try not to break too many hearts!