Do Skill Cards Carry Over? A Persona Compendium

Yes, the carry-over of Skill Cards in New Game + (NG+) depends on the specific Persona title. In Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, Skill Cards do carry over into NG+. However, in Persona 3 Portable (P3P), Skill Cards do not carry over. In Persona 4 Golden, any Skill Cards you registered with Marie in the Velvet Room will be available in NG+.

Skill Cards Across the Persona Universe: A Deep Dive

The Persona series, known for its captivating blend of social simulation and turn-based RPG combat, has always kept players on their toes with its intricate mechanics. One such mechanic, the Skill Card system, allows players to imbue their Personas with new abilities, opening up a vast realm of customization and strategic possibilities. However, the rules governing Skill Cards, particularly whether they carry over to subsequent playthroughs, vary from game to game. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the Skill Card carry-over rules across the series, along with other vital details to optimize your Persona experience.

Persona 5 & Persona 5 Royal: Skill Card Paradise

For those diving into the world of the Phantom Thieves, the news is good. Persona 5 and its enhanced counterpart, Persona 5 Royal, are generous with their Skill Card policy. Any Skill Cards you acquire during your initial playthrough will seamlessly transfer to New Game +. This means you can start your new journey with a powerful arsenal of abilities right from the get-go. Remember, you’ll need to re-summon any Personas you want to use from the Velvet Room, and this, of course, requires money.

Persona 4 Golden: Skill Card Registration is Key

Persona 4 Golden, the enhanced version of the original Persona 4, takes a slightly different approach. While Skill Cards themselves don’t directly carry over, there’s a clever workaround. By registering your Skill Cards with Marie inside the Velvet Room, those cards will become available for purchase in your subsequent playthroughs. This does mean you’ll have to spend some yen to reacquire them, but it’s a far better fate than losing them altogether.

A pro tip for Persona 4 Golden: Aim to achieve the “Card Collector” trophy, which requires you to register a total of 100 Skill Cards with Marie. Not only does this give you the trophy, it is also setting you up very nicely for NG+.

Persona 3 Portable: A Skill Card Reset

Persona 3 Portable (P3P) takes a more stringent approach. Unlike its successors, Skill Cards do not carry over to New Game Plus. This means any Skill Cards you’ve accumulated during your playthrough will be lost once you start a new cycle. Therefore, it is advised to use them to improve Personas stored in the compendium prior to beginning a new cycle.

This might seem disheartening, but it encourages players to experiment with different builds and utilize their Skill Cards strategically throughout their initial run. It also reinforces the game’s themes of mortality and fleeting moments.

Implications for Gameplay Strategy

Understanding the Skill Card carry-over rules has significant implications for how you approach each game. In Persona 5/Royal, hoarding Skill Cards for NG+ is a viable strategy, allowing you to create overpowered Personas early on. In Persona 4 Golden, prioritizing Skill Card registration is crucial. And in Persona 3 Portable, a more liberal and experimental approach to Skill Card usage is encouraged.

Skill Cards are a fantastic addition to the series and can significantly change your strategy when creating new Personas. To delve deeper into the world of gaming and learning, be sure to explore resources like the GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions, along with concise and informative answers, to further clarify the nuances of Skill Cards and New Game + in the Persona series.

1. Do weapons and armor carry over in Persona 4 Golden?

   Yes, weapons, armor, and accessories unlocked at Daidara’s Metalworks carry over into New Game + in Persona 4 Golden.

2. Do costumes carry over into New Game +?

   Yes, any costumes purchased in Persona 4 Golden and Persona 5/Royal will carry over into New Game +.

3. In Persona 5, can you max all confidants in a single playthrough?

   Yes, with efficient time management and maximized social stats, it is possible to max out all Confidants in a single playthrough of Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal.

4. Do Confidant abilities carry over in Persona 5?

   When you start NG+, every Confidant reverts to rank 1, but if a Confidant was maxed on a previous playthrough, the Confidant will give you an item that let’s you retain certain benefits as soon as you start the Confidant again in the new playthrough.

5. What is the best way to obtain Skill Cards in Persona 4 Golden?

   Skill Cards can be obtained through Shuffle Time after battles in dungeons or by drinking coffee at Chagall Cafe in Okina City.

6. How many endings are there in Persona 4 Golden?

   Persona 4 Golden has seven different endings, ranging from bad endings to the “true” ending.

7. Is it possible to get rank 10 confidant without romance?

   Yes, it is possible to reach rank 10 with a Confidant without entering a romantic relationship. When reaching rank 9, choose friendship options.

8. What is Joker’s real name in Persona 5?

   While the player can choose a name, Joker’s canonical name is Ren Amamiya. Akira Kurusu is used in the manga adaptation.

9. What is the ultimate Persona in P3P?

   The strongest Persona in Persona 3 Portable is Orpheus Telos, obtainable by maxing out all Social Links.

10. Can you reject girls in P3P?

    No, the male protagonist in Persona 3 Portable cannot reject any of the female romance options once their Social Link reaches a certain point.

11. Should I sleep in class in P3P?

    Sleeping in class in Persona 3 Portable can increase your condition to Great if you’re already in Good condition.

12. Is Persona 5 Strikers a sequel to Persona 5?

    Yes, Persona 5 Strikers is a direct sequel to Persona 5, continuing the story of the Phantom Thieves.

13. What happens if you romance everyone in Persona 3 Portable?

    Romancing multiple girls simultaneously in Persona 3 Portable can lead to jealousy and potential Social Link reversals.

14. Is Persona 3 Portable a downgrade?

    Persona 3 Portable is a streamlined version of the original, designed for the PSP. It removes animated cutscenes and the explorable overworld, but allows direct control of party members.

15. Is Persona 3 The Answer canon?

    Whether or not “The Answer” is canon is a topic of much discussion within the community. Some argue that it is a vital piece of the story, while others believe it detracts from the ending of the original game.

Final Thoughts

The Persona series continues to captivate players with its rich characters, compelling stories, and strategic gameplay. Understanding the intricacies of the Skill Card system, particularly the carry-over rules in New Game +, is essential for optimizing your experience and maximizing your enjoyment. By mastering these mechanics, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any challenge the Persona universe throws your way.