Unlocking Every Fate: A Comprehensive Guide to Persona 5 Royal Endings
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Persona 5 Royal, the enhanced version of the critically acclaimed Persona 5, doesn’t just offer a deeper narrative and expanded gameplay; it also presents a wider array of endings that shape Joker’s ultimate destiny. So, let’s cut to the chase: Persona 5 Royal features a total of five distinct endings. Three are considered “bad” endings, one a standard “good” ending based on the original Persona 5, and a single “true” ending that extends the story into a brand new third semester, providing a more complete and satisfying conclusion.
Diving Deep into the Endings of Persona 5 Royal
Understanding how to achieve each ending requires careful consideration of your choices throughout the game. Each decision, large or small, can impact your trajectory and ultimately determine the finale you witness. Let’s break down each ending and how to reach them:
The “Bad” Endings: A Road Not Worth Taking
These endings typically result from making poor choices or failing to meet specific deadlines, leading to a premature or negative resolution to the story.
- Refusing Igor’s Contract: This is the easiest “bad” ending to achieve and can be unlocked right at the very beginning of the game. Simply refuse Igor’s initial contract in the Velvet Room. This shortcut ends the game before it even begins, highlighting the importance of your commitment to the Phantom Thieves’ cause.
- The Shido Deal: When the story has caught up with the flashbacks, you can get a bad ending by responding incorrectly during the interrogation. To avoid this, select the first response to the second and third questions during the interrogation. Deviation leads to a deal with Shido and a surrender of your ideals.
- Failing to Complete the Third Semester Palace: This is perhaps the darkest of the bad endings. If you accept the challenge presented by Dr. Maruki in the third semester (by meeting the requirements to unlock it), but fail to complete his Palace by the February 2 deadline, you’ll be met with a bleak and disheartening conclusion. This ending underlines the importance of dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The “Good” Ending: A Familiar Conclusion
This ending mirrors the finale of the original Persona 5. It’s achieved by playing through the game without meeting the specific requirements for the “true” ending but still successfully completing the main story. While a positive outcome, it lacks the depth and resolution offered by the extended third semester.
The “True” Ending: The Ultimate Resolution
The “true” ending is the most rewarding and complete conclusion to Persona 5 Royal. It requires meeting specific criteria related to the characters introduced or expanded upon in Royal. To unlock the third semester and ultimately achieve this ending, you must:
- Maximize the Councillor Confidant (Dr. Maruki) to Rank 9 before November 18. This is absolutely crucial as Maruki’s Confidant is the gatekeeper to the third semester and its associated content.
- Rank Justice Confidant (Akechi) to Rank 8 before November 18. (On Rank 7). While not explicitly stated in the game, reaching this rank is essential for Akechi’s involvement in the additional story content. Note that some of the game states he needs to be maxed out before he can go to Rank 8.
- Rank Faith Confidant (Kasumi Yoshizawa) to Rank 5 before December 18. This ensures her role in the third semester’s events.
Fulfilling these requirements unlocks the third semester, allowing you to experience new story arcs, challenges, and ultimately, the “true” ending.
By growing close to the characters specifically added to Royal (along with one other) you can unlock the true expanded ending.
Persona 5 Royal: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Persona 5 Royal’s endings:
1. What happens if I accept Igor’s deal offered by Yaldabaoth?
Accepting Yaldabaoth’s “deal” leads to a “bad” ending, where the world is returned to its prior state, with people unable to think for themselves. The Phantom Thieves are praised, but at the cost of genuine freedom and progress. This ending reinforces the game’s themes of rebellion against societal control.
2. What happens if I fail to complete the final Palace in the third semester?
Failing to complete Maruki’s Palace by the deadline (February 2) also triggers a “bad” ending. The game will then return the world to the status quo, and Maruki’s fabricated reality is implemented.
3. Should I turn myself in to the police in Persona 5 Royal?
The game presents a moment where Sae Niijima asks Joker to turn himself in. While seemingly leading to a negative outcome, this action is necessary for ensuring Shido faces justice. However, it does not directly trigger a “bad” ending as long as you’ve met the criteria for either the “good” or “true” ending.
4. Is Goro Akechi dead at the end of Persona 5 Royal?
Akechi’s fate is somewhat ambiguous. In the original Persona 5, his death is implied. In Royal, his survival is subtly hinted at if you achieve high enough Confidant rank with him, particularly within the third semester arc. If you choose the “true” ending, and maxed out Akechi’s social link, there will be a post-credit scene that features Goro, implying he’s alive.
5. How do I avoid the bad ending related to Sae Niijima’s interrogation?
To avoid the “bad” ending during the interrogation, choose the correct responses when Sae questions you. Choose the first option for the second and third questions asked. This will keep you on the path towards the good or true ending.
6. What happens to Joker at the end of the “true” ending in Persona 5 Royal?
In the “true” ending, Joker serves a brief prison sentence for his actions. However, his friends eventually secure his release, and he returns home, ready to face the future alongside his found family.
7. What happens if I don’t max out Akechi’s Confidant?
Failing to max out Akechi’s Confidant will result in certain scenes not occurring and his ultimate Persona not being unlocked. This mainly affects the story experience within the third semester and the little additional scene in the post credit.
8. Where can I find Akechi to advance his Confidant?
Akechi can be found in Kichijoji, outside the Penguin Sniper Lounge (darts place), in the evening. He is likely to be available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
9. Is romance required to get the “true” ending in Persona 5 Royal?
Romance is completely optional and does not affect your ability to achieve the “true” ending. You can max out Confidants with female characters without pursuing a romantic relationship.
10. Who is the traitor in Persona 5?
Goro Akechi is the traitor. He works for Masayoshi Shido and betrays the Phantom Thieves.
11. Is Dr. Maruki evil in Persona 5 Royal?
Whether Maruki is “evil” is a matter of perspective. He believes he’s helping people by creating a reality where their desires are fulfilled, even if it means sacrificing their free will. His motivations are complex, making him a morally ambiguous character.
12. What happens if I date all the girls in Persona 5 Royal?
Dating multiple girls leads to a comedic but potentially guilt-inducing “cheating” scene on Valentine’s Day. Your romantic partners confront you, and you receive a harsh (but funny) punishment.
13. How long does it take to 100% Persona 5 Royal?
100% completion of Persona 5 Royal can take around 143 hours due to the amount of side content available.
14. What are some things I should avoid doing in Persona 5?
Avoid wasting SP, neglecting Confidants, ignoring Mishima’s messages, and prioritizing friends over Palace infiltration. Efficient time management is key to success.
15. Is Persona 5 longer than Royal?
Persona 5 Royal is generally longer than Persona 5, with an average playthrough lasting between 100 and 120 hours, compared to 90-95 hours for the original game. The added content in the third semester contributes to this increase in playtime.
Understanding the nuances of each ending in Persona 5 Royal allows you to tailor your playthrough to achieve the conclusion you desire. The choices you make shape Joker’s destiny and determine the fate of the Phantom Thieves. And, just like the learning you receive from games, you can also learn more about the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.