Should I Hang Out with Maruki? A Comprehensive Guide to Persona 5 Royal’s Most Crucial Confidant
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The short answer is a resounding YES. Absolutely, you should prioritize hanging out with Takuto Maruki in Persona 5 Royal. Maxing out Maruki’s Confidant is not merely a side quest or a bonus – it’s the key to unlocking a significant portion of the game’s narrative and experiencing the true ending. Without achieving rank 9 with him by November 18th, you will miss out on the entire third semester, a brand-new palace, and ultimately, a more complete and satisfying conclusion to the story. In essence, ignoring Maruki’s Confidant means missing a large and crucial part of the Persona 5 Royal experience.
The Importance of Maruki’s Confidant
Maruki’s role extends far beyond a simple social link. Introduced as Shujin Academy’s new school counselor in response to the Kamoshida incident, he becomes a confidant with the Councillor Arcana. This might seem like a minor character initially, but he is fundamentally linked to the new third semester and the true ending of Persona 5 Royal.
Unlocking the Third Semester
The most critical aspect of Maruki’s Confidant is that you must reach Rank 9 with him by November 18th to access the new content. Without achieving this, you will be locked out of the events that occur between January 1st and February 3rd, March 3rd, and March 14th. These events include the brand new palace and the expansion on previously established themes. The story delves into complex philosophical questions, making this additional content crucial for a deeper appreciation of the game’s overall message.
A Story with Impact
Maruki’s arc is a narrative standout, exploring the complex notion of whether a “perfect lie” is better than an “imperfect reality”. He seeks to create a world free from pain and suffering, albeit through methods that ultimately infringe upon personal agency and freedom. Maruki’s story is unique in the context of Persona because he is eventually redeemed and acknowledges the error of his ways. His story provides a thought-provoking exploration of morality and the human condition that elevates the narrative far beyond a simple hero versus villain trope.
More than a Confidant, a Key to the Ending
Maruki’s story has huge implications for the overall experience. Not only does it add a new chapter to the game, but it also adds valuable depth to the main story’s themes. It also introduces new gameplay elements, such as new areas to explore and a brand-new boss battle. Ignoring Maruki’s Confidant would mean missing out on not just a chapter in the game, but an important part of its character arcs and overall message.
How to Maximize Maruki’s Confidant
Maruki’s Confidant automatically initiates on May 13th. He is available at Shujin Academy’s first-floor practice building near the nurse’s office on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. These are the weekdays during school hours, so you have to prioritize seeing him during the day.
Key Dates
Here’s a reminder of the important dates to keep in mind when interacting with Maruki:
- Confidant Initiation: May 13th.
- Deadline for Rank 9: November 18th.
- Third Semester Access: Requires Rank 9 by deadline.
- True Ending: Relies on experiencing the third semester.
Prioritize Maruki
Since Maruki is only available during school hours and on weekdays, you must prioritize him over other activities. While other confidants are important, Maruki is necessary to progress with the additional content. This means potentially scheduling other activities around his available days. You should aim to spend every available day with Maruki to ensure you reach Rank 9 before the deadline.
Ranks Before Summer
You can only reach ranks 2 through 5 before summer break, after which he leaves for some time. Then, you will only be able to reach ranks 6-9 during the fall semester. Hitting rank 9 before the deadline is all you need to progress in the main story. Rank 10 will happen automatically prior to the third semester.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maruki
1. Is Maruki a good or bad guy?
Maruki’s character is complex. He is not simply “good” or “bad.” Initially, he appears as a well-intentioned counselor, but he later becomes the final antagonist of Persona 5 Royal. He seeks to create a perfect world, but his methods are questionable, as he believes he needs to control everyone’s reality. His intentions are rooted in a desire to alleviate suffering, but he fundamentally disrespects personal agency. Ultimately, he sees the error of his ways and helps the main characters in the end.
2. What is Maruki’s role in the story?
Maruki is introduced as a supporting character and confidant, but he is ultimately revealed to be a Persona user with the persona Azathoth (evolving into Adam Kadmon). He becomes a major antagonist in the third semester, where he tries to impose his reality onto the world.
3. Why does Maruki turn evil?
Maruki’s “evil” stems from his desire to save humanity from all suffering. During the events in the game, he manifests a corrupted version of his persona and becomes convinced that he must control reality to eliminate all pain and grief.
4. What are Maruki’s powers?
Maruki possesses a unique Persona that can warp reality to fulfill people’s desires, making him a formidable opponent. He manipulates the world through his Persona, essentially rewriting reality.
5. What is Maruki’s sin?
Maruki’s sin is Sorrow (Tristitia). This refers to his overwhelming despair and his desperate attempt to remove all forms of sadness from the world by removing the ability for negative feelings.
6. How does Maruki affect the other characters?
Maruki’s power directly affects the characters. In his reality, he brings back people who have died and gives people their greatest desires. For example, he brings Akechi back and gives Sumire the life she never got to have. He manipulates the world to create an ideal outcome for them, even if it means taking their agency.
7. Did Maruki revive Akechi?
Maruki suggests that he revived Akechi, but his version of reality is not the true reality. Once the world is restored at the end of the game, Akechi returns to the dead.
8. How hard is the Maruki boss fight?
The fight against Maruki is one of the most challenging in Persona 5 Royal. You must battle his main body, three tentacles, and Maruki himself. Strategic planning and a well-balanced team are essential for victory.
9. What is the best party to fight Maruki?
For the Maruki fight, it’s recommended to bring Sumire, Akechi, and Makoto. These characters are optimal due to their skills and story relevance during the third semester.
10. How long does it take to complete Maruki’s Palace?
Maruki’s Palace is the largest in the game, requiring at least two days to explore fully. In addition, you need to make an excursion into a new area in Mementos to remove a roadblock in the Palace itself.
11. What happens if you don’t max out Maruki’s Confidant?
If you don’t reach Rank 9 with Maruki by November 18th, you will not unlock the third semester, missing out on a significant portion of the story and the true ending. You will also not be able to access the new palace.
12. Can you finish Maruki’s palace in one day?
No. Maruki’s palace is the biggest in the game and requires at least 3 days to complete. 2 days in the palace, and another day in mementos.
13. Is Maruki stronger than Yaldabaoth?
Given that Maruki possesses all of Yaldabaoth’s powers, plus his own, it is reasonable to assume he would win in a fight. Maruki can essentially rewrite reality, while Yaldabaoth was simply manipulating society.
14. Is Maruki an anti-hero?
Maruki can be considered an anti-hero due to his extreme methods and disregard for personal agency. While his initial goal is to create a world free of pain and suffering, his extreme approach makes him an antagonist.
15. What makes Maruki’s story unique?
Maruki’s story is unique because of the exploration of moral ambiguity. Unlike most Persona villains, Maruki has noble goals, but his flawed methods create a thought-provoking narrative. His eventual redemption also sets him apart from most other antagonists in the series.
Final Thoughts
Prioritizing Maruki’s Confidant is crucial for experiencing the full scope of Persona 5 Royal. It is the key to the third semester, the true ending, and a deeper understanding of the game’s complex themes. By focusing on building your relationship with Maruki, you’ll unlock some of the most meaningful content that Persona 5 Royal has to offer. Do not hesitate to spend your available time with him, as the rewards are more than worth the effort.