Persona 5 Royal: To Harem or Not to Harem? Should You Romance All the Girls?
The age-old question plagues every Persona 5 Royal player: Should you play the field and romance every available girl, or commit to a single, dedicated relationship? The answer, as with most things in life, isn’t a simple yes or no. While the game allows you to date every romanceable character, whether or not you should is a matter of personal preference, gameplay style, and your tolerance for awkward in-game consequences. In short: romancing all the girls is possible, but it comes with potential drawbacks and a hefty dose of guilt. Approach with caution, and consider the potential consequences before you dive headfirst into a digital harem.
The Allure of the Harem Route
The temptation to experience all the romances Persona 5 Royal offers is understandable. Each romanceable character is uniquely charming, with captivating storylines and heartfelt confessions. Playing through each confidant link offers deeper insights into their personalities, struggles, and dreams. To miss out on these experiences feels like leaving content on the table, especially for completionists eager to experience every facet of the game. The thrill of successfully navigating multiple relationships, juggling schedules, and delivering the right lines can be exhilarating in its own right. For some players, the ability to explore different romantic dynamics is a key part of the game’s appeal, offering replayability and a chance to connect with characters on a deeper level.
The Consequences: Valentine’s Day Massacre
The primary consequence of playing the field in Persona 5 Royal is the infamous Valentine’s Day scene. If you’re dating multiple girls, you’ll be treated to a somewhat humorous (but undeniably painful) sequence where your various love interests confront you about your infidelity. The ensuing beatdown is more comical than truly damaging, but it’s clear that your actions have hurt these characters. Sojiro offering you bonus chocolate afterward is a small consolation prize, but it doesn’t erase the awkwardness and guilt of the situation.
However, it’s crucial to understand that these consequences are largely contained to the Valentine’s Day scene. The game doesn’t significantly penalize you in terms of gameplay mechanics. There’s no lasting damage to your relationships outside of this event, and it doesn’t impact the ending. You could even fast forward the Valentine’s Day scene if you can’t stomach the guilt, and there will be no changes plot-wise.
The Missed Opportunities
While the negative consequences aren’t severe, there’s another factor to consider: missed opportunities. By spreading your romantic attention, you sacrifice the chance to fully invest in a single relationship. Choosing one partner unlocks exclusive dialogue and potentially more fulfilling romantic moments. While the harem route offers variety, a dedicated relationship provides depth and emotional resonance. Some might also argue it’s a more “realistic” and emotionally satisfying way to experience the game’s social elements.
Moreover, in Royal, choosing to romance only one girl unlocks additional bonuses. While not game-changing, these small perks can be advantageous and contribute to a more comprehensive experience. These additions encourage players to commit to a single romance, rewarding their loyalty with extra content and enhancing the overall emotional impact.
Weighing the Options
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to romance all the girls in Persona 5 Royal is a personal one. If you value experiencing every bit of content and aren’t bothered by the Valentine’s Day scene, the harem route might be right for you. If you prefer a more focused and emotionally resonant experience, committing to a single relationship may be the better choice. Here are some questions to consider:
- How important is it to you to see all the romance options?
- Are you comfortable with the in-game consequences of dating multiple characters?
- Do you prefer variety or depth in your relationships?
- Do you want all available content or do you prefer a single romance?
There’s no “right” or “wrong” answer. Both options are valid and offer unique experiences. Consider your personal preferences and what you hope to get out of the game before making your decision.
Playing Responsibly: A Few Tips
If you decide to pursue the harem route, here are a few tips to minimize the guilt and maximize your enjoyment:
- Be aware of the consequences: Go into it knowing what to expect on Valentine’s Day.
- Plan your social links: Prioritize the girls you’re most interested in to ensure you reach the romance flags before it’s too late.
- Save often: This allows you to reload and change your choices if you’re not happy with the outcome.
- Consider multiple playthroughs: You can experience all the romances without the guilt by dedicating each playthrough to a single relationship.
FAQs: Romance in Persona 5 Royal
H3 1. Is it okay to date multiple girls in Persona 5 Royal?
Yes, the game allows you to date multiple girls simultaneously. However, it leads to a specific scene on Valentine’s Day where the consequences of your actions are revealed.
H3 2. What happens if you romance all the girls in Persona 5 Royal?
On February 15th, you’ll encounter a scene where the girls you’re dating catch you cheating on them, leading to a humorous (but painful) confrontation.
H3 3. Are there any long-term consequences for dating multiple girls?
Beyond the Valentine’s Day scene, there are no significant long-term gameplay consequences. Your actions don’t affect the ending or other major plot points.
H3 4. Does dating multiple girls impact my social stats or abilities?
No, dating multiple girls does not negatively affect your social stats or your combat abilities.
H3 5. Who is considered the “canon” girlfriend in Persona 5 Royal?
While there’s no officially designated canon girlfriend, Ann Takamaki is often considered the closest due to her association with the Lovers Arcana.
H3 6. Can I break up with a girlfriend in Persona 5 Royal?
No, once you enter into a romantic relationship, you cannot break up with that character.
H3 7. Does romancing a teacher (Kawakami) have any special consequences?
Romancing Kawakami doesn’t have any unique consequences compared to romancing other characters. The only considerations are her availability and the social link requirements.
H3 8. Can I avoid the Valentine’s Day scene altogether?
Yes, if you cannot stomach the guilt and awkwardness, you can fast forward through the Valentine’s Day scene. This action does not influence the plot in any way.
H3 9. Are there any relationship bonuses for staying loyal to one girl?
Yes, in Persona 5 Royal, there are additional bonuses for committing to a single romance partner. These bonuses are not essential but add extra content.
H3 10. Is there a limit to how many girls I can date?
There is no imposed limit; if you meet all of the requirements, you can date every available romance option.
H3 11. How do I initiate a romance with a character?
During Rank 8 to 9 of their confidant link, you will get a choice to get romantically involved or remain platonic.
H3 12. Can I max out confidant ranks without romancing anyone?
Yes, it is entirely possible to max out every confidant rank without entering into a romantic relationship with them. Choosing this route, you will spend Valentine’s Day with Ryuji Sakamoto.
H3 13. Is it more “realistic” or “immersive” to stick with one relationship?
That is entirely dependent on the individual playing the game. Someone might feel it is more realistic, however others may think it is more realistic to attempt to juggle multiple relationships as it gives a more realistic representation of society.
H3 14. Who is the hardest character to romance in Persona 5 Royal?
Many players consider Kasumi Yoshizawa to be one of the harder characters to romance, due to the requirements that must be met to initiate the relationship.
H3 15. Are there educational components to video games such as Persona 5?
Absolutely! Video games can be a rich platform for learning and development. The Persona series, in particular, features complex social dynamics and moral choices that can prompt players to reflect on their own values and relationships. To learn more about the educational benefits of gaming, explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.