Mementos After 12/24: A Phantom Thief’s Guide to Requests in Persona 5 Royal

Yes, you absolutely can do Mementos requests after December 24th in Persona 5 Royal, assuming you’ve met the requirements to unlock the third semester. In fact, progressing through Mementos and completing those requests is crucial to making the most of that extended gameplay period. Don’t let the in-game anxieties trick you; the deadline for most Mementos requests stretches far beyond the initial campaign’s conclusion.

Understanding the Mementos Timeline

Mementos isn’t just some side activity; it’s intrinsically linked to the progression of several Confidant ranks and even the opportunity to experience the true ending of Persona 5 Royal. Rushing it at the last minute isn’t recommended. However, the game is remarkably forgiving about deadlines within Mementos itself.

The key is understanding the game’s structure:

• Base Game Deadline: The original, non-Royal version of Persona 5 essentially ends around December 24th.

• Royal’s Third Semester: Persona 5 Royal extends the game into January and February if you’ve met specific conditions relating to the Councillor Confidant (Maruki). This is where the post-12/24 Mementos activities come into play.

• Final Mementos Deadline: The absolute final deadline to wrap up Mementos requests in Persona 5 Royal, assuming you’ve unlocked the third semester, is February 1st. After this date, the story locks you into the final boss sequence.

Why Prioritize Mementos Requests?

Beyond simply ticking boxes on a to-do list, completing Mementos requests unlocks significant benefits:

• Confidant Progression: Many Confidants are directly tied to Mementos requests. Failing to complete them can block you from ranking up certain key relationships, hindering your access to powerful abilities and narrative insights. Mishima’s Moon Confidant is a perfect example, directly dictating the flow of new requests.

• Story Unlocks: Some requests are necessary to unlock crucial plot points and dialogue options, especially those tied to specific characters’ personal growth.

• Gameplay Advantages: Completing requests rewards you with items, experience, and other resources that make the game easier and more enjoyable.

• The True Ending: The third semester and the game’s true ending are contingent on maxing out specific confidants. You need to complete Mementos requests to achieve this.

Strategic Mementos Management

Effective Mementos management involves balancing several factors:

• Timing: Consider clearing multiple requests at once, especially during rainy days to maximize your time efficiency.

• Exploration: Thoroughly explore each stratum of Mementos to uncover hidden items and resources, as well as to potentially encounter Jose, a unique character who offers valuable services.

• The Reaper: Be mindful of the Reaper, a powerful enemy that appears after lingering on a single floor for too long. While defeatable, the Reaper presents a significant challenge, particularly early in the game.

• Request Requirements: Some requests have specific time-of-day or part-time job requirements, necessitating careful planning and scheduling.

The Day of Reckoning: December 24th and Beyond

While December 24th is a significant date, it’s primarily the culmination of the initial campaign’s arc.

• Completing the Depths of Mementos: On 12/24 you must complete Depths of Mementos in one day. This dungeon must be completed in a single day. However, you can leave to get healing items or gear whenever you please.

• Third Semester Unlocks: If the third semester isn’t unlocked then the game ends around 12/24.

• Post-12/24 Opportunities: If you’ve unlocked the third semester, post-12/24 presents a wealth of additional opportunities, including tackling remaining Mementos requests, deepening your Confidant relationships, and experiencing new story content. The Games Learning Society understands the importance of player choice and engagement, elements deeply embedded in the Persona 5 Royal experience. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a hard deadline for all Mementos requests?

   Yes, February 1st is the absolute deadline in Persona 5 Royal if you’ve unlocked the third semester. After this date, the game progresses to the final boss sequence, and you will be unable to complete any outstanding requests. If you don’t unlock the third semester, Mementos must be completed by 12/24.

2. Can I miss a Mementos request permanently?

   Yes, it is possible to miss a request if you do not accept it before the game’s final deadline. However, the game usually gives you plenty of advance warning, and Mishima will keep reminding you of available requests via text message.

3. What happens if I don’t complete a Mementos request?

   Failing to complete a Mementos request can impact your Confidant progression, potentially blocking you from unlocking certain abilities, story events, and even the true ending of the game.

4. How do I unlock more Mementos requests?

   Most Mementos requests are triggered by advancing the Moon Confidant (Mishima) rank. As you deepen your relationship with Mishima, he will inform you of new targets within Mementos. Also, ensure you accept requests promptly from your phone.

5. What is Jose, and how do I find him in Mementos?

   Jose is a unique character who appears randomly in Mementos. He collects flowers and stamps and offers useful services in exchange, such as improving Mementos’ cognition or providing valuable items. A good way to make Jose appear is to constantly go up and down the same escalator. However, once Jose appears in an area, players will need to move at least two floors away before he’ll start showing up again.

6. How do I avoid the Reaper in Mementos?

   The Reaper appears after remaining idle on a single floor of Mementos for approximately five minutes. To avoid him, keep moving and exploring. If you hear the distinctive chain rattling sound, immediately proceed to the next floor.

7. Are Mementos requests required to beat the game?

   While not strictly required to reach an ending, completing Mementos requests is essential for unlocking the true ending and experiencing the full story of Persona 5 Royal. Moreover, they are crucial for several Confidant ranks.

8. Is there a level recommendation for tackling Mementos requests?

   The recommended level depends on the specific stratum and the enemies you’ll encounter. As a general guideline, aim to be at least the same level as the shadows you face. Higher levels make battles easier and allow you to explore deeper into Mementos.

9. Can I leave Mementos and return later?

   Yes, you can freely leave Mementos at any time and return later. Your progress within each stratum will be saved, allowing you to pick up where you left off.

10. What is the significance of Mementos Depths?

    The Depths of Mementos is essentially the final dungeon, and you encounter it on 12/24.

11. Can you revisit Mementos after reaching the Depths of Mementos in the initial campaign?

    Yes, you can revisit Mementos after clearing the initial campaign’s Depths of Mementos. However, your primary objective after that point will be to complete any remaining requests and prepare for the final challenges of the third semester.

12. Do weather conditions affect Mementos?

    Yes, weather conditions can affect Mementos. Rainy days, in particular, are advantageous for exploring Mementos, as they can inflict the “Despair” status ailment on enemies.

13. What Confidants are directly tied to Mementos requests?

    The Moon Confidant (Mishima) is the most directly linked, but several other Confidants, such as Ryuji (Chariot), Ann (Lovers), and Yusuke (Emperor), have requests associated with their storylines.

14. What happens if I choose the wrong dialogue options with Igor/Yaldabaoth?

    Answering with “Very well …” when the fake Igor (Yaldabaoth) offers you a deal will net you one of the bad endings. Persona 5 will end here, and you will not fight the final boss.

15. When are the Flu Seasons to take advantage of in Mementos?

    The Reaper is susceptible to despair during Flu Season in November and December. These dates are: 11/13, 11/14, 11/15, 12/8 and 12/9.

By understanding the timeline, prioritizing requests, and employing strategic management, you can conquer Mementos and unlock the full potential of Persona 5 Royal. Embrace the challenge, Phantom Thief, and claim your true ending! The Games Learning Society encourages exploration and mastery, qualities that resonate strongly with the Persona series.