Does it Matter Who I Date in Persona 5? A Deep Dive into Romance and Relationships
Short answer: No, it doesn’t fundamentally matter who you date in Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal, in terms of core gameplay progression. The game will not punish you or restrict your access to content based on your romantic choices. However, choosing a romantic partner does enrich the game, providing unique character interactions, special scenes, and a deeper connection to your chosen confidant.
The Nuances of Romance in Persona 5
Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal offer an incredibly rich and immersive social simulation aspect. You can forge bonds with various characters, building Confidant relationships that grant you valuable abilities in combat and everyday life. Amongst these Confidants are several female characters who offer the option of progressing your relationship to a romantic level. Choosing to do so, however, is entirely optional.
Gameplay Implications of Romance
- No Game-Altering Consequences: Unlike some RPGs where romance choices can drastically alter the ending or lock you out of certain paths, Persona 5 keeps things fairly consistent. Your main objective – saving the world and reforming society – remains the same regardless of who (if anyone) you romance.
- Confidant Abilities: The primary benefit of maxing out a Confidant, romantic or platonic, is unlocking their unique abilities. These abilities assist you in various aspects of the game, such as negotiation, crafting, or combat support. The romance itself doesn’t directly enhance these abilities.
- Valentine’s Day Event: The most significant gameplay impact of your romance choices occurs on Valentine’s Day. If you’re dating multiple characters, you’ll be forced to choose one to spend the day with, leading to a humorous but potentially guilt-inducing confrontation with the others later. If you’re not dating anyone, you’ll spend the day with your best bro, Ryuji Sakamoto.
- New Game Plus Bonuses: In Persona 5 Royal, certain romantic relationships offer a unique item upon completion that carries over to New Game Plus, providing a small advantage in your subsequent playthrough.
- Dialogue and Cutscene Variations: Romancing a character unlocks exclusive dialogue during certain scenes and events, allowing you to delve deeper into their personality and motivations.
The Emotional Significance of Romance
While the gameplay consequences are minimal, the emotional impact of romance in Persona 5 can be substantial. It allows you to forge a deeper connection with your chosen character, experience their personal growth, and witness their unique perspective on the events of the story.
Choosing a romance can significantly enhance the overall narrative experience, adding layers of depth and meaning to your journey as Joker. Each character has their own vulnerabilities, dreams, and struggles, and pursuing a romantic relationship allows you to understand them on a much more intimate level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Romance in Persona 5
1. Can I romance multiple characters in Persona 5?
Yes, you can. However, be prepared for the consequences on Valentine’s Day. You’ll have to choose one girl to spend the day with, and the others will confront you afterward, resulting in a comedic but morally questionable scene.
2. Is there a “canon” romance in Persona 5?
There’s no officially designated “canon” romance. However, Ann Takamaki, as the Lovers Arcana representative, is often considered the closest to an official love interest, as is the case with Yukari Takeba in Persona 3 and Rise Kujikawa in Persona 4. Makoto Nijima is also a highly popular choice.
3. What happens if I don’t romance anyone in Persona 5?
If you don’t romance anyone, you’ll spend Valentine’s Day with Ryuji. You can still max out all Confidant relationships without entering a romantic partnership.
4. Does dating affect my gameplay abilities?
The primary benefit of maxing out a Confidant is the abilities they grant you. The romance itself doesn’t directly influence these abilities, but it does offer unique dialogue and cutscenes that deepen your understanding of the character.
5. What’s the penalty for dating multiple girls in Persona 5?
The penalty for dating multiple girls is a humorous confrontation on February 15th. The girls will discover your infidelity and give you a comedic beatdown, leaving you feeling guilty.
6. Who is the hardest character to romance in Persona 5 Royal?
Kasumi Yoshizawa is often considered the hardest to romance, mainly because her Confidant arc is locked behind specific story requirements and time constraints within Persona 5 Royal. You can read more about the educational aspects of games such as Persona at the Games Learning Society. You can visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
7. Is it ok to romance an older character?
Persona 5 allows you to date older characters, such as Sae Niijima (Makoto’s sister) or Kawakami. While the narrative doesn’t explicitly delve into the ethics of these relationships, it’s a factor to consider based on your personal preferences.
8. Can you break a social link in Persona 5?
Yes, you can break a social link by neglecting the character or making consistently poor dialogue choices. This will prevent you from fusing Personas of their respective Arcana.
9. Can I reach rank 10 with a female Confidant without romancing them?
Yes, you can reach rank 10 with any female Confidant without entering a romantic relationship. At rank 9, you’ll have the option to solidify your bond as friends or pursue a romantic connection.
10. Does Ryuji have a crush on Ann?
The game implies Ryuji has a certain interest in Ann, but it never develops into a fully-fledged romance.
11. Is Persona 5 Royal inappropriate?
Persona 5 Royal contains mature themes, including references to sexual assault and exploitation. While the game doesn’t depict explicit content, it explores these issues in a way that may be uncomfortable for some players.
12. What happens if you cheat in Persona 5 Royal?
Cheating results in a comedic scene and potential guilt. You will suffer an Arcana penalty (no bonus EXP) unless you repair your relationship with the affected Confidant.
13. Does Makoto have a crush on Joker?
The game strongly suggests Makoto develops feelings for Joker throughout her Confidant arc. The relationship blossoms naturally as Joker helps her overcome her insecurities and discover her own path.
14. Is there a difference between the romance in Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal?
The core romance mechanics are the same in both versions. Persona 5 Royal adds Kasumi Yoshizawa as a romanceable option and offers expanded content for existing relationships.
15. Who is Joker’s canon Persona?
While Joker can wield multiple Personas, his initial and most iconic Persona is Arsène.
Conclusion: Romance is a Choice, Not a Requirement
Ultimately, the decision of who (if anyone) to romance in Persona 5 is entirely up to you. There’s no “right” or “wrong” choice. Choose the character whose story resonates with you the most and whose company you enjoy. Whether you’re drawn to Ann’s cheerful optimism, Makoto’s determined intellect, or someone else entirely, embrace the opportunity to deepen your connection with the characters and experience the game in a way that feels personally meaningful. The world of Persona 5 is rich and full of choices, and your romantic path is just one facet of the many adventures that await.