The Phantom Thief’s Guide to Romance and Regret: What Happens When You Cheat in Persona 5?
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So, you’ve found yourself entangled in the captivating world of Persona 5, charming the socks off multiple Confidants and perhaps considering spreading your affection a little too thin? Wondering if you can get away with playing the field? Let’s cut to the chase: Yes, you can cheat in Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, but there are consequences! The game doesn’t punish you during the main story, but your actions catch up to you on Valentine’s Day and the days that follow.
In the original Persona 5, romancing multiple girls leads to a bonus scene on February 15th. All the girlfriends you’ve been juggling catch you in the act. This results in a comedic beatdown, followed by a consolation chocolate from Sojiro. It’s a funny scene, but it comes with a hefty dose of guilt.
Persona 5 Royal handles the situation slightly differently. On Valentine’s Day, you must choose one girl to spend the day with. If you don’t, or if you choose Ryuji, all the neglected girlfriends confront you afterward and accuse you of cheating. Again, while the scene is played for laughs, the emotional impact of hurting your virtual companions is very real for many players. There’s no way to break up, so this choice sticks with you!
Ultimately, cheating doesn’t trigger a game-over scenario or lock you out of content, but it can significantly impact your emotional investment in the characters and the story. Are those extra confidant abilities really worth the heartache? That’s for you to decide. Morality aside, this can be a major factor in your immersion and enjoyment of the game.
Persona 5: Romance and Relationship FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about romance, relationships, and the consequences of cheating in Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal:
Can I get caught cheating at any time other than Valentine’s Day?
No, the game doesn’t actively monitor your dating life outside of the Valentine’s Day event. You can freely go on dates with different girls without fear of immediate repercussions. You can even take one girl to a location, and another character that you are romancing will be in that place, this does not trigger anything though! The storm is brewing but there are no short term penalties for your actions.
What happens if I don’t date anyone in Persona 5?
If you choose not to romance any of the female Confidants, the main story remains unaffected. You’ll simply spend Valentine’s Day with Ryuji, your best bro. The romance options are separate from the core narrative, allowing you to enjoy the game without committing to any relationships. This is also a viable option if you are not feeling romance. This will still give you an interesting experience in the game.
Does Persona 4 punish you for cheating?
In the original Persona 4, there were no consequences for romancing multiple characters. Persona 4 Golden, however, introduced a scene for each girl, depicting their painful realization that they’ve been cheated on. This is very similar to Persona 5’s approach to this concept. There were no hard penalties, just feelings of shame.
Is it okay to romance multiple characters in Persona 5?
The game allows you to date as many characters as you like. However, be prepared for the aforementioned Valentine’s Day confrontation! It’s a matter of personal preference whether you’re comfortable with the in-game consequences and the potential guilt that comes with it.
Can I max out Confidants without romancing them?
Yes, you can reach rank 10 with every female Confidant without entering a romantic relationship. When you reach rank 9, you’ll have a dialogue choice that determines whether you become friends or start dating. Be careful with your words!
Is there a canon romance in Persona 5?
While Atlus hasn’t officially declared a “canon” romance, many fans consider Ann Takamaki to be the closest thing to it. She is the Lovers Arcana, which is typically the official love interest in each of the games. Romance is truly up to the player though.
Can I break up with my girlfriend in Persona 5 Royal?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot break up with any of your girlfriends in Persona 5 Royal. Once you’re in a relationship, you’re in it for the long haul. Therefore, choose wisely! Be prepared for the game’s Valentine’s Day event if you pursue multiple relationships.
What happens if I lie to Sae about my friends?
This is unrelated to romance, but if you lie to Sae Niijima about your friends’ involvement with the Phantom Thieves, you’ll be forced to submit to ruin. It’s generally better to protect your friends!
How many girlfriends can I have in Persona 5?
You can technically have all of them! There are multiple romanceable characters, and you can date them all if you desire. This will cause problems in the game on Valentine’s Day, as alluded to earlier!
Who is the easiest romance in Persona 5 Royal?
While “easiest” is subjective, Makoto Nijima is often considered a relatively straightforward romance option. Plus, her connection to the plot through her sister Sae makes her a compelling choice.
Does Persona 5 have any NSFW content?
Persona 5 contains some suggestive themes and mild partial nudity, but no explicit sex scenes. Some Personas have exposed breasts, but without detailed nipples, qualifying it as partial nudity.
Which Confidants should I max out first?
Again, this depends on your playstyle. However, Kawakami (Temperance) and Chihaya (Fortune) are excellent choices for New Game Plus runs due to their time-saving abilities. This allows you to min/max your gameplay.
Is there a deadline for Confidants?
Yes, all Confidants have a deadline on 12/22. However, some, like the Councillor, Justice, Sun, and Temperance, have earlier deadlines in mid-November.
Can you romance Kasumi in Persona 5 Royal?
Yes, you can romance Kasumi Yoshizawa in Persona 5 Royal. However, it requires patience and understanding. You must tell Kasumi you love her during her Rank 9 scene. This is something that will be very rewarding in the game!
Can I get rank 10 without romance in P5R?
Yes, you can reach a level 10 Confidant rank without dating. When you reach rank 9, a scene with the girls will appear and the protagonist will say “I better choose my words carefully.” One option will cement you as friends, while the other will put you through a few questions to ensure romance.
The world of Persona 5 is rich with possibilities, both in and out of combat. Whether you choose to be a faithful partner or a heartbreaker, remember that your choices have consequences, both tangible and emotional. So, go forth, Phantom Thief, and choose wisely… or not! The choice is yours. Just be prepared to face the music on Valentine’s Day!
To learn more about how games engage and educate players, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.