Can You Get With Ryuji in Persona 5?
The straightforward answer is a resounding no. Despite the game’s rich social simulation and the deep bonds you forge with your party members, Ryuji Sakamoto is not a romance option in Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal. While you can max out his Confidant rank and develop a strong friendship, the game does not allow for a romantic relationship with him. This is a point of contention for many fans who appreciate Ryuji’s character and believe the game misses an opportunity for a meaningful same-sex romance option. You can, however, still spend time with him when you don’t pursue romantic options with any of the girls.
Why No Ryuji Romance?
The reasons behind this absence are never explicitly stated by Atlus, the game’s developer. However, speculation and fan theories abound. Some suggest it’s due to the established character tropes, where certain archetypes are consistently assigned to romanceable roles. Others point to the societal context and the potential controversy surrounding depicting a same-sex relationship in a Japanese game marketed to a broad audience. Regardless of the reason, the lack of a Ryuji romance remains a common disappointment for players.
The design of the game seems to prioritize opposite-sex relationships for the protagonist. You can date multiple female characters, leading to potentially awkward or humorous situations if you’re caught cheating. The game’s social links are structured in a way that more easily facilitates romantic relationships with female characters.
Exploring the Bonds You Can Forge
Even without a romantic route, Ryuji is an integral part of the Persona 5 experience. He is the first member to join the Phantom Thieves, and his loyalty and unwavering friendship are crucial throughout the game. Maxing out his Chariot Confidant grants Joker access to powerful combat abilities, making him a valuable asset both in and out of battle.
The relationship between Joker and Ryuji is presented as a strong bond of brotherhood and mutual respect. They support each other through personal struggles and face the challenges of the Metaverse together. Their banter and camaraderie are often a source of humor and levity within the dark themes of the story.
Persona 5: Unpacking the Romances
There are several characters that you can romance in Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal. Here’s a summary:
- Ann Takamaki – Commonly considered to be the most common romantic option. She has the Lovers Arcana.
- Makoto Nijima – Serious and intelligent, Makoto has a lot to offer as she grows with the main character.
- Kasumi Yoshizawa – Only in Persona 5 Royal, Kasumi is a late-addition character with a unique storyline.
- Tae Takemi – A goth doctor with a somewhat scary demeanor.
- Futaba Sakura – A genius hacker with a shy personality.
- Hifumi Togo – A skilled shogi player,
- Haru Okumura – The gentle and wealthy member of the Phantom Thieves.
- Sadayo Kawakami – Joker’s teacher, a controversial but popular choice.
These characters all offer distinct storylines and romantic experiences for players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there any way to mod Persona 5 to romance Ryuji?
Yes, the PC version of Persona 5 Royal has mods available that allow you to romance Ryuji. These mods are created by fans who want to add same-sex romance options to the game. However, using mods may alter the intended game experience and potentially introduce glitches or instability.
2. Why are there so few same-sex romance options in Persona games?
This is a frequent criticism of the Persona series. While the reasons are never explicitly stated, some speculate it relates to cultural norms or the desire to appeal to a broader audience. Some fans expect that future installments in the series will offer more diverse relationship options.
3. What happens if you don’t romance anyone in Persona 5?
If you choose not to romance any of the available characters, you’ll spend Valentine’s Day with Ryuji instead. This is a fun, platonic experience that reinforces the importance of friendship in the game.
4. Who is considered the “canon” love interest in Persona 5?
While there’s no official canon love interest, Ann Takamaki is often considered the closest thing to it due to her association with the Lovers Arcana and her prominent role in the story. However, the choice is ultimately up to the player.
5. Can you romance multiple characters at the same time in Persona 5?
Yes, you can date multiple characters simultaneously. However, doing so can lead to a comedic but potentially uncomfortable scene on Valentine’s Day where your girlfriends confront you about your infidelity.
6. Does Ann have feelings for Ryuji?
The game doesn’t explicitly confirm romantic feelings between Ann and Ryuji, although there are hints that suggest they have a close friendship and possibly some level of attraction. Their dynamic is more often portrayed as a supportive and playful camaraderie.
7. What are the consequences of cheating in Persona 5?
On Valentine’s Day, if you’re dating multiple girls, they’ll confront you, leading to a humorous but awkward scene where they express their disappointment and anger. You’ll also receive “obligatory chocolate” from Sojiro, feeling guilty for your actions.
8. Is it possible to max out all Confidants in a single playthrough?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires careful planning, efficient time management, and maximizing your social stats. Using a guide can be helpful to ensure you don’t miss any crucial events or opportunities.
9. Does Persona 5 Royal add any new romance options?
Yes, Persona 5 Royal adds Kasumi Yoshizawa as a new romance option. She has her own unique storyline and Confidant path, offering a fresh perspective and relationship for players to explore.
10. What is the benefit of maxing out a Confidant relationship?
Maxing out a Confidant relationship unlocks powerful abilities, such as combat bonuses, crafting perks, and social benefits. These abilities can significantly enhance your gameplay and make you more effective in battles and social interactions.
11. Are there any age restrictions on the romance options in Persona 5?
Yes, all romanceable characters are depicted as being of legal age. However, the option to romance the protagonist’s teacher, Sadayo Kawakami, has sparked some debate due to the power dynamic inherent in the relationship.
12. Can you reverse a Confidant relationship in Persona 5?
No, unlike some other Persona games, you cannot reverse a Confidant relationship by making the wrong choices. However, making consistently negative choices can delay the progress of the Confidant.
13. Does the protagonist have a canon name?
While players can choose a name for the protagonist, he is canonically referred to as Ren Amamiya in most adaptations and Akira Kurusu in the manga.
14. How important are social stats for romancing characters?
Social stats (Knowledge, Guts, Proficiency, Kindness, and Charm) are crucial for advancing Confidant relationships, including romantic ones. Many Confidants require specific levels of social stats before you can progress their storyline.
15. Does the Games Learning Society study games like Persona 5?
The Games Learning Society explores the educational potential and social impact of games. Games like Persona 5, with their focus on social relationships, moral choices, and character development, offer rich material for academic study. Learn more about the educational value of games at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion
While the inability to romance Ryuji in Persona 5 may be disappointing for some players, the game offers a rich and engaging experience filled with meaningful relationships, complex characters, and compelling storylines. The absence of this particular romance option doesn’t diminish the overall quality of the game, and the strong bonds you forge with other characters, including Ryuji, remain a crucial part of the Persona 5 experience.