Should I Accept Igor’s Deal? A Comprehensive Guide to Persona 5 Endings
The short answer is a resounding no! In both Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, accepting Igor’s deal leads to a premature, unsatisfactory ending, preventing you from experiencing the full scope of the game and facing the true final challenges. Rejecting the deal is crucial for unlocking the True Ending and, in Royal, accessing the coveted Third Semester.
Understanding Igor’s Offer and its Implications
In the Persona series, Igor serves as the Proprietor of the Velvet Room, a mysterious space that aids the protagonist on their journey. However, in Persona 5, things take a sinister turn. The Igor you initially encounter is, in reality, an imposter – Yaldabaoth, the God of Control – who seeks to manipulate you. His offer, presented near the game’s climax, is a tempting shortcut to a seemingly peaceful resolution.
The Allure of the “Good” Ending
Accepting Igor’s deal – often presented as a desire to restore order or to protect others – results in what is colloquially known as the “Good Ending”. While this ending provides a semblance of closure, it is ultimately a shallow and unfulfilling conclusion. You will not confront the true antagonist, you will not uncover the full extent of the conspiracy, and you will miss out on significant character development and story arcs.
Why Rejecting the Deal is Essential
Refusing Igor’s offer is the only way to unlock the path to the True Ending. This decision signifies your defiance against manipulation and your commitment to fighting for justice and truth. It’s a pivotal moment that sets in motion the events leading to the final confrontation and a more meaningful resolution. In Persona 5 Royal, rejecting the deal is even more important, as it’s the sole way to access the Third Semester, a significant addition to the game’s story featuring new characters, a new palace, and evolved Personas.
Persona 5 Royal: The Stakes are Even Higher
Persona 5 Royal elevates the importance of rejecting Igor’s deal. The Third Semester content is arguably the highlight of Royal, offering a deeper exploration of themes and characters that enrich the overall experience. Missing out on this content would be a disservice to your playthrough.
The Third Semester and its Content
The Third Semester is unlocked by achieving specific conditions, most importantly:
- Maxing out the Councillor Arcana (Dr. Maruki) by November 17th.
- Rejecting Igor’s Deal on January 9th.
This unlocks a brand new palace, more challenges, and more meaningful character interaction, truly enhancing your experience.
Fail to Complete the Final Palace
Failing to complete the final palace leads to a bad ending. Persona 5 Royal endings, this one will occur when the player rejects the deal on January 9 and chooses to take on the third semester palace, but fails to complete it by the February 2 deadline.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Persona 5 Endings
Here are 15 frequently asked questions designed to further clarify the intricacies of Persona 5’s ending choices:
1. What happens if I accept Igor’s deal in Persona 5?
You will achieve the “Good” Ending, which prematurely ends the game. You will miss the true final boss and the deeper story elements.
2. How do I unlock the Third Semester in Persona 5 Royal?
You must max out the Councillor Confidant (Dr. Maruki) by November 17th and reject Igor’s deal.
3. Is the Third Semester in Persona 5 Royal worth it?
Absolutely! It adds significant story content, new characters, a new palace, and third-tier Persona evolutions, greatly enriching the experience.
4. Are there multiple endings in Persona 5 Royal?
Yes, there are several endings: the “Good” Ending (accepting Igor’s deal), the original True Ending, a bad ending (if you turn yourself in), and the True Ending with the Third Semester content.
5. What is the “True” ending in Persona 5?
The True Ending is achieved by refusing Igor’s deal, confronting the true final boss, and resolving the core conflicts of the story.
6. What happens if I reject Igor’s deal?
You proceed to the true final events of the game, facing the true antagonist and unlocking the True Ending.
7. How many bad endings are there in Persona 5?
There are a total of five possible endings in Persona 5. Of the five, three of them are considered “bad,” one is considered “good,” and then there’s the true canonical ending. You can unlock one of the bad endings from the get-go by refusing to agree to Igor’s contract in the Velvet Room.
8. Is Persona 5 Strikers canon to Persona 5 Royal?
No. Persona 5 Strikers is a direct sequel to the original Persona 5, not Persona 5 Royal. The events of the Third Semester in Royal are not considered canon to Strikers.
9. Who is the real Igor in Persona 5?
The Igor you meet at the start of the game is an imposter, Yaldabaoth. The real Igor is imprisoned and eventually returns.
10. What is Yaldabaoth’s goal in Persona 5?
Yaldabaoth seeks to control humanity and maintain the status quo, preventing individuals from rebelling against societal constraints.
11. Does dating multiple girls affect the ending?
Dating multiple girls has no impact on the ending, but it unlocks a bonus scene on Valentine’s Day. Be warned, however, as your character will be put on blast for it.
12. Do I need Arsene for anything special?
Not really. Arsene’s ultimate form is Satanael, which is story-related and thus you can only fuse him in NG+.
13. What’s the best way to maximize my time in Persona 5 Royal?
Prioritize Confidant relationships, especially Dr. Maruki (Councillor), Kasumi Yoshizawa (Faith), and Goro Akechi (Justice) to unlock additional content and benefits.
14. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
Visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for resources and research on the intersection of gaming and learning. The Games Learning Society explores how games can be used effectively in educational settings.
15. What if I fail to complete the Third Semester palace in Persona 5 Royal?
Failing to complete the palace by the deadline results in another bad ending. This one occurs when the player rejects the deal on January 9 and chooses to take on the third semester palace, but fails to complete it by the February 2 deadline.
Conclusion: Choose the Path Less Traveled
In conclusion, when faced with Igor’s deal in Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal, reject it without hesitation. By doing so, you’ll unlock the true potential of the game, experience a more satisfying narrative, and ultimately achieve the True Ending. The journey may be longer and more challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Embrace the rebellion, fight for justice, and uncover the truth that lies beyond the surface. Your Phantom Thief adventure deserves nothing less.