Is this the end?
How do you get the true ending and the best ending in Person 5 Royal? Compared to Persona 5, this Royal version adds a couple of new endings along with some variations depending on certain requirements. However, there is only one "true" ending and in this guide we will tell you how to get it.
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- Guide to get started
Persona 5 Royal final list
There are basically six different endings in Persona 5 Royal. In a sense - they are for the most part variations on each other.
However, they are:
- The good, true ending
- A second variation of the good ending, true ending with added scenes
- A normal ending (Hold on during interrogation, but can't make it to the new semester)
- Bad ending 1 (Make a deal with Sae in interrogation 11/20 and "sell" your friends)
- Bad ending 2 (Can happen 12/24 in the Velvet Room)
- Bad ending 3 (Accepting offers made for you 1/9 or 2/2)
The normal ending and the last negative ending were also present in Persona 5, but the other endings are unedited. What you are probably looking for is the good and true ending.
This guide does not contain direct plot spoilers.
Persona 5 Royal - How to get the real ending
To get the "best" or "true" ending in Persona 5 Royal, you must meet the following requirements:
- Reach Confident Cooperation Level with Doctor Maruki at Level 9 before November 17th
- Reject all offers presented by the big bad boss
- Reach Confident Cooperation Level with Kasumi Yoshizawa at Level 5 before December 22nd
- Reach Confident Cooperation Level with Goro Akechi at level 8 before November 17th
In general, you will have enough time to meet these confidence requirements before specific deadlines. However, it's best to prioritize meeting all three of these characters when you are free and available, if only to make sure you keep up to date.
Remember that holding a person with the same arcana as the person you are meeting with increases their confidence faster.
In detail:
In Persona 5, the ending basically depended on how you responded to the interrogation with Sae (refusing to cooperate or even denying the knowledge of your friends, for every detail on the interrogation we refer you to the end of the guide). In Royal, it's a bit more complicated.
The main thing you need to do is make sure you get Maruki's confidant cooperation to level 9 before November 17th. This will unlock the 3rd semester of the school year, which brings with it a lot of new content. If you fail to do so, P5R will end at the same point as P5, without the texture extension, thus leading to the “normal ending”.
Answer guide with Takuto Maruki:
Below we will show you every conversation choice for the relationship you can build with Takuto Maruki. We have tried to present it (as well as for the others) in the most spoiler-free way possible, while keeping it useful at the same time.
All conversation choices not listed here are conversation choices because they have no material impact on the relationship. On top of that, the numbers next to each answer show how many points are added to the XP value which determines when exactly each confident relationship will rise to the next level.
For the record, the numbers shown represent the increases when dating Maruki when you have a character from the Maruki arcana - The Counselor - on your person. Doing this gives you some bonus points - so you must always have a Relevant Person on you; this applies to all relationships.
Once unlocked, you will be able to meet Takuto Maruki on Monday and Friday during the day. He is your school advisor and therefore will be in the school building.
The Maruki confidant relationship will begin on May 13th. You will not be able to go beyond grade 5 until after September 19th. Finally, you must advance to Rank 9 before November 17 if you want to reach Rank 10. This will unlock the new semester added in P5R, unlocking a lot of new content, but it's also the key if you want to get the real ending of the game.
Rank 1:
You will meet Takuto Maruki through the natural progression of the P5R story: he will introduce himself and meet you to kick off the confidant relationship on 13/5. None of the conversation choices here matter.
Unlocks +5 SP, plus one item.
Rank 2:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1: Option 1 ("We made a deal.") +2
- Option 2: (“I'm a little nervous”) +2
- Option 3: ("But it all sounds good." +3
- Choice 5: (“Well, ok.”) +2
- Unlocks +5 SP and 1x non-static eraser item.
Unlock Detox X: a passive ability which means that when you are given a negative state ailment, you have the option to cure it immediately.
Rank 3:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1:
- Option 1 (“So they got it, huh?”) +2
- Option 3 (“Thanks to you, probably.”) +2
- Choice 2:
- Option 1 Of course. ") +2
- Option 2 ("Yes, for our business.") +2
- Choice 3: Any
- Choice 4:
- Option 1 ("That seems necessary.") +2
- Option 2 ("It's a seed for new loves".)
- Choice 5: Both give +2
- Bonus Call: Option 1 (“Great job over there”) +2
Unlocks +5 SP and 1x Jagariko item. Unlocks Flow, which can give you the Charge and Focus buffs at the start of random battles.
Rank 4
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 2:
- Option 1 ("I know, right ...?") +3
- Option 3 (“Talk about a reward”) +2
- Choice 3:
- Option 3 (“Is this what you are looking for?”) +3
- Option 1 ("That would be great.") +2
- Choice 5: Both give +2
- Choice 6: Option 1 (“Looks like fun”) +3
- Bonus call:
- Option 1 ("I feel completely fine.") +2
- Option 2 (“It's part of our deal, so…”) +2
Unlocks +5 SP and 1x Happy Pop item.
Rank 5:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1: ("Looks great") +3
- Choice 3: ("You know, you're right.") +3
- Choice 4: ("Hey, as long as it tastes good.") +2
- Choice 5: ("I think so.") +2
- Bonus Call: ("I'm not really sorry.") +2
Unlocks +5 SP and 1x Donut Worry item. Unlock Awareness, another passive ability that has the ability to restore some SP when your SP is low.
Rank 6:
Reminder: You will not be able to progress beyond Grade 5 until after September 19th. Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1:
- Option 1 (“Did you want to talk?”) +2
- Option 2 ("We also have curry.") +2
- Choice 2: Option 1 ("I can do this.") +2
- Choice 3: Everyone adds +1
- Choice 4: Option 3 ("Then give up.") +2
- Choice 5 and choice 6: all are +1
- Bonus call:
- Option 1 ("Calm down.") +2
- Option 2 (“What's going on.”) +2
Rank 7:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
All conversation choices in this case are +3 - you can simply make whatever choice you like to move up to the next leaderboard with maximum efficiency!
Unlock the Fast Flow skill. Unlock +5 SP and 1x Phantom Wafers.
Rank 8:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1:
- Option 2 (“What do you mean?”) +3
- Option 1 ("I'm good with cookies, thanks.") +2
- Choice 2:
- Option 1 ("Ooh, really?") +3
- Option 2 (“Can you allow it?”) +2
- Option 3 ("I'm sorry, I prefer sushi.") +2
- Choice 3:
- Option 1 (“Thanks for the food!”) +3
- Option 3: (“This is just the spread.”) +2
- Choice 4:
- Option 3 (“We made an agreement”) +3
- Option 1 (“I'm a student”) +2
- Choice 5: Both are +3
- Choice 6:
- Option 1 (“I've done it.”) +2
- Option 2 (“Let's celebrate”) +2
- Bonus Call: ("He's a good friend") +2
Rank 9:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 2:
- Option 1 (“Pretty sad…”) +3
- Option 2: ("Is our deal done?") +2
- Option 3: ("Well… take care of yourself.") +2
The higher rank unlocks +5 SP and 1x Fulfiller item. Unlocks the Detox DX skill, increasing the effectiveness and chance of Detox X (Maruki's grade 2 confidant skill) occurring randomly.
Rank 9 → 10:
This rank will occur naturally as the story progresses as long as you have reached rank 9 before November 18th.
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
None! Enjoy your trip.
Unlocks the Vigilance skill, which improves the SP recovery you gain from the Awareness skill unlocked at Rank 5.
Reaching the maximum rank with Maruki is enough to get the “true ending”, but if you want the second variant (good ending) with additional scenes as well, you'll have to do something else. That something is related to Goro Akechi and, once again, it is connected to a trusting relationship.
To get the additional scenes in the true ending, you need to reach the highest rank in Goro Akechi's confident cooperation. Again, there is a time limit and it is set for November 24th.
Guide to answers with Goro Akechi:
Goro Akechi is a very different relationship of trust and it depends on the game you are playing: Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal.
If you're playing the original Persona 5, this guide is irrelevant - the relationship with Akechi will rank and skills will unlock on certain dates or when you complete certain aspects of the story. In Persona 5 Royal, Goro has a full-fledged confident relationship with the main choices to make. This is the third new confidant in P5R alongside Kasumi and Maruki.
This page outlines the ranks and conversation choices for Goro Akechi in Persona 5 Royal, detailing how to quickly ramp up his relationship. This relationship is key to getting P5R's true ending, but we've tried to keep it as spoiler-free as possible.
Once this relationship is open, you will be able to meet Goro Akechi as Kichijoji and Darts & Billiards Bar. It shows up on Wednesday and Saturday nights, but between mid-July and mid-August it is also available on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
The confident relationship with Goro Akechi begins on June 10th through the progression of the story.
Akechi's ultimate confidant relationship adds an extra scene to Persona 5 Royal's true ending.
You must reach grade 8 by November 17th.
Rank 1:
You will meet Goro Akechi through the natural progression of the story in both games. In Persona 5 Royal, where his relationship is not automatic, you will begin the co-operative relationship with confidence on June 10th. No choice of conversation!
Rank 2:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1: Option 1 ("You always look so busy.") +2
- Choice 3:
- Option 1 ("Shoot very carefully.") +2
- Option 2 (“I'm going to make a power roll.”) +2
- Choice 5:
- Option 3 ("I see a lot of things.") +3
- Option 1 ("Maybe I'll be a detective.") +2
- Option 2 ("I see a lot of things.") +2
- Bonus Phone Conversation: Option 3 ("How Do You Rival?") +2
Unlock Criminal Instincts - a passive ability that gives you the ability to reveal an enemy affinity at the start of a battle.
Rank 3:
This rank requires Knowledge Level 3 and Charm Level 3 to start. Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 2:
- Option 1 ("I should have thought.") +3
- Option 3 ("Your life must be so difficult.") +2
- Bonus Call: Option 2 +2
Rank 4:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 2:
- Option 3 (“Now this is my kind of club”) +3
- Option 1 (“Do they have coffee?”) +2
- Choice 3:
- Option 1 (“Any advice?”) +3
- Option 2 (“Everything is fine for me”) +2
- Choice 4: Option 1 ("It's a great place.") +2
- Choice 6:
- Option 1 (“Quite frequently”) +3
- Option 2 (“Can I use a microwave oven…”) +3
- Option 3 (“All I need is curry”) +2
- Bonus Call: Option 2 ("I understand.") +2
Unlock Sleep Mastery, an ability that gives you the ability to reveal all of an enemy's affinities at the start of a fight.
Rank 5:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 2: Option 1 ("Are you used to shooting?") +2
- Choice 3:
- Option 1 ("Did you want to be a hero?") +3
- Option 2 ("Very interesting.") +2
- Bonus call:
- Option 1 ("You did well.") +2
- Option 2 ("You still have a long way to go.") +2
- Option 3 ("You were getting cocky.") +2
Rank 6:
Available from 3/9 onwards; triggers at LeBlanc. Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1:
- Option 3 (“A little, huh?”) +3
- Option 1 (“So relaxing…”) +2
- Choice 2: Option 2 (“… You've been through a lot.”) +2
- Choice 3:
- Option 1 (“This is nothing”.) +3
- Option 2 (“I'll stay until you're ready”) +3
- Option 3 (“Are you okay?”) +2
- Choice 4:
- Option 1 (“Same.”) +3
- Option 2 (“Guess I won”) +2
- Choice 5: Both are +2
- Choice 6:
- Option 1 ("I think you are right.") +3
- Option 3 ("Can I wear my own clothes?") +2
- Bonus Call: Option 3 ("My bad, I guess.") +2
Unlock different skills: Baton Pass, to switch turns to other characters, Follow Up, for a follow-up attack and Detective Talk, to help with Shadow Negotiation.
NOTE: : Between Grade 6 and 7 or Grade 7 and 8, you will have an extra choice. When prompted, choose to keep the promise for an optional / additional conversation at a later time. This does not affect the ending.
Rank 7:
It can be activated from 2/11 onwards. Knowledge level 4 required.
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1:
- Option 1 ("That's why it's so fun.") +3
- Option 2 (“Yes, it's twisted…”) +2
- Choice 4:
- Option 2 ("I couldn't let go.") +3
- Option 1 (Thank you. ") +2
- Choice 6:
- Option 3 (“You are my rival”) +
- Option 1 ("I'll think about it.") +
- Bonus Call: Option 3 ("We're rivals, aren't we?")
NOTE: Between Grade 6 and 7 or Grade 7 and 8, you will have an extra choice. When prompted, choose to keep the promise for an optional / additional conversation at a later time. This does not affect your ending.
Rank 8:
Reminder: You must reach this rank by November 17th to not be blocked by future progress.
Some elements of this rank only occur if Akechi's HP is reduced to 1/3 or less. Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 6:
- Option 1 (“I definitely wouldn't lose.”) +3
- Option 2 ("I don't know.") +2
- Choice 7:
- Option 2 (“You really hate losing, don't you?”) +3
- Option 1 (“Same here.”) +2
- Choice 8: Option 1 ("I agree") +
Rank 9 and Rank 10:
Both Rank 9 and Rank 10 of Akechi's Confidant Cooperation will naturally occur as the Persona 5 Royal story advances.
This will unlock the Resist ability which will allow Goro to take a hit in combat that would normally kill him, and the Protect ability, giving Goro the ability to take a hit for the Joker that would otherwise kill the protagonist.
It also unlocks the Second Awakening, evolving the persona of Goro Akechi into his final form.
There is also another thing you could do: try to push Kasumi's confidant relationship as high as possible - ideally, you should reach level 5 before 18/12, otherwise it won't go higher than level 4. This will reveal some interesting aspects of his character.
Answers guide with Kasumi Yoshizawa:
Below, you will find listed all the confidant ranks and any conversation choices that have a material impact on the relationship with Kasumi in Persona 5 Royal.
Note: Grade 4 must be completed before 22/12 to continue with confidant. Once you reach level 5, you cannot go beyond level 5 until after 22/12. Other than that, there's nothing else related to the actual Persona 5 Royal ending or anything like that, so you can enjoy the relationship at a more leisurely pace.
You can find Kasumi Yoshizawa at school lunchtime and after school. It's around Kichijoji. In June and September, October and November it is only available on Wednesdays. July, August and December, it will occasionally also be available on Thursdays and Sundays. If you want to give Kasumi a gift, some good starting ideas are a designer perfume, a crimson lipstick and a mini cactus.
Rank 1:
Throughout the progression of the story, your chance to meet Kasumi will happen during the tour that takes place on 30/05. Unlock +5 HP.
Rank 2:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1:
- Option 1 ("We're just getting started.") +2
- Option 3 ("I'm done with this.") +2
- Choice 2: Option 1 ("Next time, then.") +2
- Bonus Call: Option 1 (“Awesome”) +2
Unlock +5 HP. Unlock Tumbling - you may be able to escape a pinch match in the mansions, or even turn it into a meeting of possibilities
Rank 3:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1: Option 1 ("Do Bento?") +3
- Choice 2: Option 1 ("I'm touched!") +2 / Option 2 ("It looks delicious.") +2
- Choice 3: Option 1 ("Is this all for you?") +3 / Option 2 ("It seems a little too much.") +2
- Choice 4: Option 2 ("It's definitely unique.") +2
- Choice 8: Option 1 ("Could you try again sometime?") +3 / Option 2 ("It happens.") +2 / Option 3 ("Continue.") +3
Unlock +5 HP.
Rank 4:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1: Option 2 (“Are you looking to buy?”) +2
- Choice 2: Option 1 (“A rather modern look”) +3
- Choice 4: Option 1 ("Naturally") +2
- Choice 6: Option 1 ("Good choice") +2
- Choice 8: Option 1 ("Everyone takes care of it.") +2
- Bonus Call: Option 1 ("Glad to know.") +2
Unlock Chaines Hook, a new ability that allows you to use a grappling hook to engage in a random encounter / long-range surprise attack.
Rank 5:
Reminder: You must complete level 4 to reach level 5 before 22/12 to continue. Once you reach level 5, you will not be able to go beyond level 5 until after 22/12.
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1: Option 1 ("It's a surprise, yes.") +2
- Choice 3:
- Option 2 ("Go ahead. I'll watch.") +3
- Option 1 (“It's a good idea”) +2
- Choice 5:
- Option 2 (“I saw!”) +3
- Option 1 (“Congratulations”) +3
- Option 3 ("How are you doing?") +2
- Choice 6:
- Option 1 (“It's important”) +3
- Option 2 Don't forget how it feels. ") +2
- Bonus call:
- Option 1 ("Swimming") +3
- Option 3: (“Gymnastics”) +3
- Option 2 (“Race”) +2
Unlock +5 HP.
Rank 6:
The conversation leading to rank 6 is blocked until 13/01, and if you have not reached rank 5 before, you will be blocked.
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- None of these nine (!) Choices have an effect, but ...
- Bonus call:
- Option 2 ("You have to face it.") +2
- Option 3 (“What if it were?”) +2
This rank unlocks:
- Unlock +5 HP.
Unlocks the Follow Up skill, giving Kasumi the ability to attack an enemy after Joker as a follow up. - Unlock the FitnessTalk skill, giving Kasumi the chance to step in to rescue any failed demon negotiations.
Rank 7:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 3: Option 1 ("Are you okay?") +2
- Choice 4: Option 1 ("This is not true.") +3
- Choice 6:
- Option 1 ("Sure.") +3
- Option 3 (“Another love confession?”) +3
- Option 2 ("I could see you forever.") +2
- Bonus Call: Option 3 (“I love a good challenge”) +2
Unlock +5 HP. Unlock Harisen's recovery ability, which gives Kasumi the ability to intervene and heal status ailments on party members.
Rank 8:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 1: Option 1 (“Walk to Sumire”) +3
- Choice 3:
- Option 2 (“I'm here for you”) +3
- Option 1 ("Try to stay positive.") +2
- Option 3 (“Everything will work out.”) +2
- Choice 6: Option 3 (“I'm in love”) +3
- Choice 9:
- Option 2 (“Looks like progress”) +3
- Option 1 ("This is how it should be.") +2
- Bonus call: Option 2 ("The resale shop.") +2 / Option 3 ("Online".) +2
Unlock +5 HP. Unlocks the Resist ability, giving Kasumi the ability to withstand a hit in a battle that would usually kill.
Rank 9:
This is the moment when a romance with Kasumi Yoshizawa becomes available.
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
- Choice 2: Both options give +2 (“That's not a problem.” Or “We'll call it a holiday time”).
- Choice 3: Both options give +2 ("Definitely. 'Or" Of course ".)
- Choice 4: Option 1 ("Of course you do.") +2
- Choice 5: All options give +3
- Choice 6: Option 3 (“Go ahead”) +2
- Choice 8:
- Romance: OPTION 2 ("I love you too.")
- Friendship: OPTION 1 ("Let's stay friends, okay?")
At this point, the final choices of this relationship are divided according to whether you have chosen the love relationship option or simply a friendship.
Relationship path:
- Choice 9: Both options give +2
- Choice 10: All options give +3
- Bonus Call: Option 1 +2
Path of friendship:
- Choice 9: Option 1 ("Show me the best.") +2
- Bonus call:
- Option 1 ("I'm glad to know.") +2
- Option 3 ("I will always support you.") +2
Regardless of the path, leveling up unlocks +5 HP. Unlocks the Protect ability, giving Kasumi the ability to protect Joker from an attack that would kill him.
Rank 10:
Impactful conversation choices for this degree:
Relationship path:
- Choice 5: All options give +3
- Bonus Call: All options give +2
Path of friendship:
- Choice 4:
- Option 1 ("You've done all the work.") +3
- Option 2 ("We're not done yet.") +3
Whatever your path, leveling up unlocks +5 HP. Unlock Second Awakening by evolving Sakura's Persona into its final form.
Before that, you will have to undergo the interrogation by Sae 20/11 ...
Persona 5 Interrogation: the correct answers for Sae
What you have to do here on November 20th is basically refuse to partner with Sae Niijima, protecting your friends and not disclosing your successes. This is the key to achieving the good ending.
Refuse to cooperate or deny all knowledge of your friends and accomplices ("No" or "Never heard of them"). She will not let you go, and at that point you should tell her that "There were no such people."
Next is a question about Goro Akechi - none of these answers really matter, as none will allow you to progress to the true ending.
Finally, as noted above, getting to the third semester isn't enough on its own to get the real ending - there will be two choices, 1/9 and 2/2, which can send you to a bad ending even after the 3rd semester starts. . These choices are pretty obvious, so we won't reveal them to you, but keep them in mind as you push your way to success!
