Persona 5 Expulsion: Consequences and Survival Guide
Getting expelled in Persona 5 (or Persona 5 Royal) is a serious setback, and understanding the ramifications is crucial for a successful playthrough. In short, expulsion typically leads to a game over, forcing you to reload a previous save. The exact consequences vary depending on when and why you’re expelled, but the general outcome is undesirable. Failing to meet critical deadlines, such as completing a Palace before the deadline, is a common cause. This article delves deep into the mechanics of expulsion, bad endings, and how to avoid them, turning you into a Persona 5 master.
Understanding the Expulsion Mechanic
The game heavily emphasizes time management. You have a limited number of days to accomplish tasks like infiltrating Palaces, changing hearts, and improving your social stats. The game sets you up for expulsion primarily through missing deadlines in Palaces.
- Failing to complete a Palace within the allotted time: This is the most common reason for expulsion. If you don’t secure the treasure route and send the calling card before the deadline, the Palace ruler’s distorted desires will overwhelm their victim, leading to disastrous consequences for society.
- Specific Story Events: Certain decisions or failures during key story moments can trigger expulsion. The most notable example is failing to change Kamoshida’s heart.
The Dire Consequences of Expulsion
The effects of expulsion aren’t just a slap on the wrist. Here’s what you can expect:
- Game Over: As mentioned before, the most immediate consequence is a game over screen. You’ll be prompted to reload a previous save.
- Loss of Progress: Depending on how long ago your last save was, you could lose significant progress, including social stat increases, Confidant ranks, items, and money.
- Bad Ending: In many cases, expulsion is directly tied to achieving a bad ending. These endings often depict a bleak future for the characters and the world. For instance, failing Kamoshida’s Palace results in expulsion, Ryuji getting arrested, and Ann being vulnerable to Kamoshida’s abuse.
- Rollback: Persona 5 implements a rollback system if you hit a game over due to a missed deadline. The game essentially loads a hidden save file from about a week before the deadline, letting you retry, but you’ll lose everything you did in that missed week.
- Missed Opportunities: Expulsion can lock you out of certain Confidant events, storylines, and ultimately, the true ending of the game.
How to Avoid Expulsion
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to expulsion. Here are some tips to keep you on the right track:
- Prioritize Palace Infiltration: Make Palace infiltration your top priority. Plan your schedule to allow ample time to secure the treasure route, send the calling card, and defeat the Palace ruler before the deadline.
- Time Management is Key: Be mindful of the calendar and how much time each activity takes. Don’t waste days on activities that don’t contribute to your overall goals.
- Save Regularly: Save your game frequently, especially before making critical decisions or attempting challenging Palace sections. This allows you to quickly revert to a previous point if things go wrong.
- Strengthen Your Party: Level up your characters, acquire powerful Personas, and equip them with strong gear. A well-prepared party can tackle Palaces more efficiently.
- Understand Confidant Abilities: Some Confidant abilities can significantly aid your Palace infiltration efforts. For example, Kawakami’s (Temperance) abilities allow you to slack off in class after going to the Metaverse, giving you extra time.
- Follow a Guide (If Needed): If you’re struggling with time management or specific Palace puzzles, consider consulting a guide or walkthrough to help you stay on track. This might prevent some of the challenging spots from costing too much time in-game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if you fail Kamoshida’s Palace?
Failing Kamoshida’s Palace triggers a game over. You and Ryuji will be expelled from Shujin Academy. The consequences go beyond just academic. You will also get arrested due to Kamoshida’s machinations, and Ann will be left in a vulnerable position.
2. What happens if you don’t finish a Palace in Persona 5?
If you don’t complete a Palace before the deadline, you will face negative consequences, including a game over and expulsion. The Palace owner continues to exert their influence, impacting the world and preventing your allies from wanting to spend time with you.
3. What happens if you miss the time limit in Persona 5?
Missing the time limit results in a game over, and the game will revert to a hidden save file from approximately one week before the deadline, causing you to lose any progress made during that week. This ensures that you can’t exploit the bad ending.
4. What happens if you fail to change Kamoshida’s Heart in Persona 5 Royal?
The outcome is consistent with the original Persona 5. Failing to change Kamoshida’s heart within the time limit leads to a game over and expulsion.
5. Can you get fired in Persona 5?
No, you cannot get fired from any of your part-time jobs in Persona 5. The game is surprisingly forgiving when it comes to job attendance.
6. Is there a bad ending in Persona 5 Royal?
Yes, Persona 5 Royal has multiple bad endings, all of which are triggered by specific failures or decisions. These endings typically involve the Phantom Thieves failing to achieve their goals, resulting in a dystopian or unhappy outcome for the characters.
7. What happens if you date every girl in Persona 5?
Dating multiple girls leads to a humorous but uncomfortable scene on February 15th. Your romantic partners will discover your infidelity and punish you accordingly.
8. Can you stop dating in Persona 5?
Unfortunately, Persona 5 Royal does not offer a breakup option. Once you enter a romantic relationship with a Confidant, you are committed for the rest of the game.
9. Can you max all Confidants in one playthrough of Persona 5?
Yes, it’s possible to max out all Confidants in a single playthrough, provided you prioritize social stat increases early and manage your time effectively.
10. What level should you be at the end of Kamoshida’s Palace?
It’s recommended to be at least level 10 before facing Shadow Kamoshida. This will ensure you have access to a decent range of skills and stats to withstand his attacks.
11. Can you get Arsene back in Persona 5?
Yes, Arsene can be re-obtained from the Persona Compendium in the Velvet Room. As a low-level Persona, he’s relatively inexpensive to summon.
12. Does Arsene turn into Satanael?
During the final battle against Yaldabaoth, Arsene transforms into his ultimate form, Satanael, after being fueled by the public’s support for the protagonist.
13. Is Arsene the weakest Persona?
Yes, Arsene is one of the weakest Personas in terms of base stats and resistances. However, he plays a crucial role in the story and is required for fusing Satanael in New Game+.
14. What Confidants have deadlines?
All Confidants have a final deadline on December 22nd. However, certain Confidants, such as the Councillor (Maruki), Justice (Akechi), Sun (Yoshida), and Temperance (Kawakami), have earlier deadlines in mid-November.
15. Can you still max Confidants without romance?
Yes, you can max out Confidants without entering a romantic relationship. Romancing a Confidant requires choosing specific dialogue options that indicate romantic interest. The choices are usually pretty blatant.
Conclusion: Avoiding Expulsion and Mastering Persona 5
Expulsion in Persona 5 is a harsh penalty for failing to meet deadlines or making critical errors. By prioritizing Palace infiltration, managing your time effectively, saving regularly, and strengthening your party, you can minimize the risk of expulsion and ensure a successful playthrough. Understanding the mechanics of the game, including the rollback system and the consequences of bad endings, is essential for navigating the challenging world of Persona 5.
Furthermore, remember that engaging with resources that delve into the Games Learning Society can provide additional insights into the game’s design and mechanics, ultimately enhancing your understanding and enjoyment. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games contribute to learning and development.