If you're serious about maxing out your Persona 5 confidants , you're already playing with a strategic mindset. These character bonds aren’t just window dressing—they fuel your journey, unlock powerful fusion perks, boost battle capabilities, and even influence the game’s ending.

Whether you’re diving into the original Persona 5, Persona 5 Royal, or a modern port, understanding how to quickly build relationships and make the right dialogue choices is essential. This guide explains how to do just that. We break down all 21 confidants, outlining their benefits, tips for ranking them up fast, and how to pick the best options every step of the way.

Confidants are relationships you form with key characters as you move through the game. These social links are tied to the Major Arcana, and they provide meaningful gameplay advantages the higher your bond grows.

Each confidant belongs to an Arcana—Chariot, Death, Star, and so on. Raising their rank unlocks upgrades, including:

• More effective Persona fusions within their Arcana

• Special abilities like item discounts, battle perks, or new navigation tools

• Access to rare or unique gameplay mechanics

Some bonds, like Futaba or Kawakami, can be game-changing. Others are more narrative-driven, offering depth and heart to your journey.

Here’s how to grow your bonds quickly and get the most value out of each confidant:

• Carry a Persona that matches the Arcana of the confidant. This gives extra points for every interaction.

• Pick the best dialogue choices during hangouts. They often result in double or triple progress.

• Use Chihaya’s fortune readings to boost your relationship points if progress has stalled.

• Take advantage of free days like Sundays, holidays, and exam breaks.

• Unlock Kawakami early —her skills open up extra time slots at night.

The earlier you establish a good rhythm, the more you can squeeze into each week. Planning is everything.

Ryuji Sakamoto (Chariot)

• Where to find him : Shujin Academy hallway (daytime)

• Ideal choices : Back him up when he stands up for his friends, encourage his self-worth.

• Top perk : Insta-kill weak shadows while dashing.

Makoto Niijima (Priestess)

• Where to find her : Student Council Room or hallway (after school)

• Ideal choices : Show respect for her values and trust her leadership.

• Top perk : Gains bonus cash and insights during battles.

Tae Takemi (Death)

• Where to find her : Yongen-Jaya clinic (afternoon)

• Ideal choices : Support her research, side with her when she doubts herself.

• Top perk : Advanced healing items and discounts at her shop.

Pressed for time? Here are the best confidants to focus on early in your playthrough:

• Futaba (Hermit) – She makes every battle easier. Her scanning, buffs, and support actions are invaluable.

• Kawakami (Temperance) – She helps unlock more free time—arguably the most important resource in the game.

• Takemi (Death) – Better gear means longer dungeon runs without needing to rest.

• Chihaya (Fortune) – Lets you improve other bonds faster.

• Hifumi (Star) – Switching out tired teammates mid-fight can save a run.

• Mishima (Moon) – Boosts XP for characters you aren’t actively using.

If you're juggling social stats, remember that some confidants have minimum Charm, Guts, or Knowledge requirements.

There are multiple romanceable characters in Persona 5, including:

• Ann

• Makoto

• Futaba

• Haru

• Kawakami

• Takemi

• Hifumi

• Chihaya

• Ohya

Royal adds the option to romance Kasumi Yoshizawa (Faith). But be careful—pursuing more than one leads to consequences on Valentine’s Day.

Romance doesn’t affect gameplay performance, but it does impact cutscenes and certain events.

Confidants are the beating heart of Persona 5. These bonds give your playthrough meaning, power, and soul. They connect the turn-based grind to something more human—stories of ambition, insecurity, redemption, and trust.

Treat these bonds like more than just stats. The stronger your relationships, the stronger your Phantom Thieves become. Whether you’re chasing 100% completion or just want to see the best endings, every conversation counts.

So hang out. Say the right thing. And watch what happens when connection meets conviction.