Persona 5: Combat and Battle Guide

Understanding Combat Mechanics#

Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of Persona 5’s combat system because mastering this is key to kicking some serious Shadows’ butts. Persona 5’s battle system is turn-based, meaning you’ll get time to think through your moves and really strategize. It’s all about exploiting enemy weaknesses, managing your resources, and knowing when to push and when to pull back. Here’s what you need to know.

Basic Turn Order and Actions#

Turn Order: Your team and the enemies take turns attacking. Speed stats of your characters and the enemies usually determine the order. Higher speed means going first, which can give you an early advantage.
Actions During Your Turn:
- Attack: A basic physical move using your equipped weapon.
- Persona Skills: These are magical or special abilities tied to your Persona. They can consume either Health Points (HP) or Spirit Points (SP).
- Guard: Reduces damage taken for that turn and can protect you from devastating attacks.
- Item: You can use items to heal, buff your team, or debuff your enemies.
- Tactics: Change your allies’ strategies mid-battle if things aren’t going your way.

Exploit Weaknesses#

Each enemy has specific weaknesses and resistances to different types of attacks (e.g., fire, ice, wind). Hitting an enemy’s weak point is essential because it:

Knocks them down.
Gives the attacker an extra turn.

Keep experimenting with skills to find each enemy’s weaknesses. Once you’ve figured them out, Joker will remember these, making future battles against the same enemies easier.

All-Out Attack#

When you knock down all enemies in a battle, you trigger a “Hold-Up.” Here, you have the option to unleash an All-Out Attack. This is a team-wide beatdown that deals massive damage to all enemies and has pretty cool animations too. It’s often enough to end the fight right then and there.

Personas and the Velvet Room#

Don’t forget about Joker’s unique ability to use multiple Personas. Switching Personas during battle can let you access different skills and affinities, which is super helpful for exploiting weaknesses. In the Velvet Room, you can fuse Personas to create more powerful ones. Always aim to have a versatile roster to handle various enemies.

Status Effects#

Some attacks can cause status ailments like sleep, fear, or confusion. While annoying when it happens to you, using these against enemies can yield big advantages:

Sleep: Makes enemies vulnerable to technical attacks.
Confusion: Can make enemies attack each other.
Fear: Can cause enemies to skip their turns.

Knowing how to use and counter these effects can be a game-changer.

Backup Strategies#

When things get tough, have a backup plan:

Always bring plenty of healing items.
Keep an eye on your SP; running out in a dungeon can limit your options.
Make sure your team is well-balanced with a good mix of offense and support abilities.

Buffs and Debuffs#

Never underestimate the power of buffs (like increasing attack or defense) and debuffs (reducing enemy stats). They can turn the tide of battle, especially in boss fights where raw damage alone might not cut it. Skills like Tarukaja (increases attack) and Rakunda (reduces enemy defense) can be lifesavers.

Conclusion#

Combat in Persona 5 is a blend of strategy and style. By understanding the mechanics—like turn order, elemental weaknesses, Personas, and the use of status effects—you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master Phantom Thief. So get out there and take down those Shadows with precision and flair!

Using Skills and Abilities Effectively#

In Persona 5, mastering your team’s skills and abilities can mean the difference between a smooth victory and a frustrating defeat. Here’s a breakdown on how to use them like a pro.

Know Your Personas#

Each character in Persona 5 can summon Personas, supernatural beings that give them special powers. The protagonist, Joker, is unique because he can switch between multiple Personas. Understanding each Persona’s strengths and weaknesses is essential.

Physical Attacks: These are straightforward and don’t cost SP (Spirit Points), but they do use HP (Health Points). Use physical attacks when you’re running low on SP.
Magical Attacks: These require SP but can target enemy weaknesses. For instance, Mabufu attacks all enemies with Ice damage. Learn the enemies’ weaknesses, then exploit them with the corresponding magic type.

Balance Health and SP#

It’s easy to burn through your HP and SP if you’re not careful. Here’s how to manage them effectively:

Conserve SP: You’ll need SP for healing and powerful magic attacks, so don’t waste it on enemies you can defeat with basic attacks.
Use Items Wisely: Consumable items can restore HP and SP. Keep some around for emergency situations.
Baton Pass: This ability allows you to pass your turn to another teammate, boosting their stats and recovering some HP. Utilize it to chain attacks without overusing a single character.

Know When to Defend#

Sometimes, the best offense is a good defense:

Guarding: If an enemy is preparing a powerful attack, consider using the Guard command. This significantly reduces the damage you take.
Stat Buffs and Debuffs: Skills that buff your team’s stats (like Rakukaja for defense) or debuff enemies (like Tarunda to lower their attack) can make a huge difference in tough fights. Keep a Persona with these abilities handy.

Exploit Enemy Weaknesses#

Every enemy has a weakness, whether it’s fire, ice, electricity, or another type of attack. Hitting these weaknesses is crucial:

Knocking Down Enemies: Hitting an enemy’s weakness will knock them down, giving you an extra turn. Use this to start an All-Out Attack, a massive team attack that deals heavy damage.
Hold Up and Negotiation: When all enemies are knocked down, you can choose to perform an All-Out Attack or negotiate. In negotiations, you can ask for money, items, or even convince the enemy to join you as a Persona.

Use Persona Fusions#

Regularly visiting the Velvet Room to fuse new Personas is key. Fusing allows you to combine Personas to create more powerful ones, usually inheriting some of the better skills from their “parents.” Aim to:

Create Balanced Personas: Make sure you have a mix of offensive, defensive, and support skills.
Inherit Strong Skills: When fusing, select which skills the new Persona will inherit. Focus on versatile abilities that cover multiple needs in battle.

Utilize Team Synergy#

Each member of your team has unique abilities and their own strengths. Utilize them effectively:

Joker: With his ability to switch Personas, Joker is your most versatile fighter. Use him to adapt to the situation at hand.
Ryuji (Skull): His physical strength and electric attacks make him a powerhouse against enemies weak to electricity.
Morgana (Mona): A healer and wind-user. Use Mona to keep your team’s HP up while hitting enemies with Garu skills.
Ann (Panther): Great for dealing magical fire damage. Use her for powerful fire spells like Agi and Maragi.
Makoto (Queen): She excels with nuclear attacks and healing. Bring her along to cover both offensive and support roles.

Summing it Up#

Understanding and utilizing skills and abilities effectively in Persona 5 can drastically tilt the scales in your favor. Keep a diverse set of abilities at your disposal, manage your resources wisely, and constantly adapt to your enemies’ weaknesses. With these strategies, you’ll breeze through battles and savor the thrill of victory.

Best Strategies for Boss Fights#

Boss fights in Persona 5 can be tough, but with the right strategies, you can take them down like a pro. Here’s a breakdown of some key tips and tricks to help you conquer these formidable foes.

1. Know Your Enemy#

Before heading into a boss fight, make sure you know what the boss is weak against. Use Scan abilities or pay attention to dialogue hints. Many times, a boss will have specific elemental vulnerabilities. Exploit these weaknesses as much as possible to deal significant damage and incapacitate the boss for a turn.

2. Buffs and Debuffs Are Your Friends#

Don’t underestimate the power of buff and debuff skills. Use moves like Tarukaja to boost your attack power or Rakukaja to increase your defense. On the flip side, use debuffs like Tarunda or Marakunda to lower the boss’s attack and defense. These strategies can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

3. Heal Smartly#

Healing is vital in long boss battles. Always have a dedicated healer in your party or equip multiple characters with healing skills like Diarama and Media. It’s often a good idea to heal whenever a party member’s health drops below half. Staying on top of your healing can prevent a sudden knockout and keep your party fighting fit.

4. Save SP (Skill Points)#

Ensure you enter a boss fight with nearly full SP on all characters. Save your strongest moves for when the boss shows signs of weakness or is knocked down. Consider bringing items that restore SP, like Soul Drops or Snuff Souls, to avoid running dry midway through the fight.

5. Exploit Baton Passes#

Make the most of Baton Passes. When you hit a boss’s weakness and get a one-more, pass the baton to another party member. This not only increases their attack power but also restores a small amount of HP and SP. Executing multiple Baton Passes can create a devastating combo, dealing tons of damage in a single turn.

6. Use Personas Strategically#

Switching Personas to adapt to the battle is key. Carry a range of Personas with different skill sets. One with strong offensive spells, another with healing abilities, and perhaps one with buff/debuff skills can prepare you for any scenario. You can fuse new Personas to cover any gaps in your strategy as well.

7. Pay Attention to Patterns#

Many bosses follow specific attack patterns or phases. Observe these patterns to predict their next moves. For instance, some bosses may go into a defensive mode, signaling a powerful move next turn. Use these observations to prepare—defend, heal up, or apply buffs and debuffs to mitigate the incoming damage.

8. Team Composition Matters#

Craft your team with a balance of roles—attackers, healers, and support. Make sure everyone contributes to the fight. A well-rounded party can deal with various challenges, whereas a team leaning too much on one aspect (like pure damage) might struggle with survival.

9. Keep Items Handy#

Bring a diverse set of items, from healing items like Revival Beads and Life Stones to SP-restoring items and ones that cure status ailments. These can provide a much-needed lifeline when you’re in a pinch and have no other options left.

10. Stay Calm and Adapt#

Lastly, stay calm and be ready to adapt your strategy. Boss fights can be unpredictable with unexpected moves that test your limits. Don’t be afraid to use a turn to regroup, heal, and re-evaluate your strategy. Sometimes, taking a breather is the best move you can make.

With these strategies in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to face even the toughest bosses in Persona 5. Remember, each fight is a test of your abilities, so learn from each encounter and keep improving. Good luck!

Managing Party Members#

Managing your party members in Persona 5 is key to ensuring you have the best team for any situation. Let’s break down how to effectively handle your team during the game.

Choosing Your Party#

At the start, you’ll have a small roster, but as you progress, you’ll gather a diverse group of Phantom Thieves. Each member has their own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a general rundown of your core team:

Joker: The protagonist, can use multiple Personas, making him flexible and adaptable.
Morgana: A great healer and support with wind attacks.
Ryuji: Heavy physical attacker with electric skills.
Ann: Focuses on fire skills and ailments to debuff enemies.
Yusuke: Ice attacks and a mix of physical moves.
Makoto: Equipped with nuclear skills and healing, also good for analyzing enemies.
Futaba (Navigator): Not an active fighter but provides invaluable support during battles.

Typically, you’ll want to mix and match depending on the enemies you’re facing. A balanced team would include offensive, defensive, healing, and support capabilities.

Rotating Party Members#

Unlike some RPGs, Persona 5 allows you to swap party members both during and outside of battle:

Outside of Battle: You can change party members when you’re exploring Palaces or Mementos. Plan ahead if you know what enemies you’ll face.
During Battle: Use the Baton Pass feature to rotate a member in battle. This can give a tactical advantage if you need a specific skill.

Remember, only Joker can swap Personas, so plan out your lineup considering the skills your team members have.

Utilizing Strengths and Weaknesses#

Each character excels in different areas. Balancing these can mean the difference between seamless victories and struggling through battles:

Elemental Strengths: Make sure to cover a variety of elements. If you already have Joker covering certain types, avoid duplicating those with other members.
Physical vs. Magical: Ryuji and Yusuke are more physical, while Morgana and Ann lean towards magical attacks. Use them accordingly.
Support and Healing: Keeping someone with healing skills, like Morgana or Makoto, is usually a good idea. They can help keep your team healthy and nullify negative effects.

Raising your Social Links (Confidants) with party members unlocks new abilities and boosts. Spend time with your teammates to deepen these bonds:

New Abilities: Each character gets new combat abilities as you rank up their Social Links. For example, Ann learns to endure a fatal hit or Joker’s friends might take a hit for him.
Combat Tactics: Improving these bonds can also lead to extra moves like Follow Up Attacks or chance-based finishing blows.

Strategic Adjustments#

Don’t be afraid to switch up your party for different battles. Before boss fights or tougher enemies:

Check weaknesses and resistances.
Ensure your team covers a wide range of skills.
Use the Showtime attacks (special team’s combined attacks) for extra damage and flare.

Tips for Effective Management#

Experiment: Don’t settle for one party too early. Try different combinations to see what works best.
Balance: Always have a mix of attackers, healers, and support.
Upgrade Gear: Keep your team’s equipment up-to-date with the latest weapons and armor for each party member.
Tactical Use of Items: Remember to use items when you need them, whether for healing, curing ailments, or providing temporary boosts.

By carefully managing your party members in Persona 5, you can maximize their unique abilities and build a versatile team ready for any challenge. Keep experimenting and adapting to find the best strategies that work for your gameplay style. Happy Phantom Thief-ing#

Tips for Winning Battles#

Winning battles in Persona 5 can be a lot easier if you follow some smart strategies. Here’s a guide to help you dominate every fight, whether you’re up against low-level shadows or facing tough bosses. Let’s get into it!

1. Exploit Enemy Weaknesses#

Each enemy in Persona 5 has specific weaknesses to certain elemental attacks. Understanding and exploiting these weaknesses is key to knocking them down.

Use Analysis: You can use the Analysis feature during fights to see enemy weaknesses. It’s especially useful when you encounter new enemies.
Switch Personas: Joker can switch Personas freely. Use this to your advantage! Have a diverse set of Personas that cover different elements like Fire, Ice, Electric, and Wind.
Technical Attacks: These happen when certain conditions are met, like burning or freezing an enemy, then hitting them with a physical attack. These can be just as effective as exploiting weaknesses.

2. Baton Pass for Combo Chains#

Baton Pass is a nifty feature that lets you pass your turn to another teammate, boosting their strength in the process.

Chain Attacks: Use Baton Pass to chain attacks and hit multiple enemy weaknesses in one turn. This not only knocks them down but also stacks attack boosts for your team.
Recover HP/SP: Later in the game, Baton Pass can also help recover HP or SP, making it a lifesaver during longer dungeons or tough boss fights.

3. Use Your SP Wisely#

SP (Spirit Points) is crucial for using magic and powerful attacks, but it’s limited. Here’s how to manage it:

SP Conservation: Don’t blow all your SP on regular enemies. Use physical attacks when possible, or rely on party members like Ryuji and Yusuke, who have strong physical skills.
Items and Accessories: Carry items that restore SP, and buy accessories that help reduce SP costs. These can be clutch in deeper, more challenging dungeons.
SP Adhesives: Buying SP Adhesives from Takemi’s Clinic can be a game-changer. These accessories can regenerate SP each turn, ensuring you don’t run out during long play sessions.

4. Keep Your Party Balanced#

Make sure your party has a mix of attackers, healers, and support characters.

Role Specialization: Characters like Mona (Morgana) are great healers, while Ryuji and Yusuke excel in physical damage. Makoto and Ann can switch between support and magical attacks.
Balance is Key: Always have at least one healer and one defense/support character in your party to handle various situations.

5. Status Effects are Your Friends#

Don’t underestimate the power of applying status effects to enemies.

Affliction Skills: Skills that cause Burn, Freeze, Shock, or Dizzy can disable enemies and set them up for Technical Attacks.
Facilitating Fights: Use moves that cause Confusion or Sleep to momentarily disable tough opponents and take control of the battle.

6. Don’t Forget About Your Equipment#

Strong equipment can make a significant difference in battles.

Regular Updates: Regularly update your weapons, armor, and accessories. Visit stores in Shibuya or Akihabara often, and use any new items you find in Palaces.
Customized Weapons: Use the services of the Airsoft Shop owner to customize and upgrade your weapons. This can add extra effects like higher damage or status ailments.

7. Prepare for Boss Fights#

Boss fights require extra preparation.

Learn Patterns: Pay attention to the boss’s attack patterns and adapt accordingly. Some bosses follow specific patterns that you can exploit.
Stat Buffs and Debuffs: Use skills that buff your party’s stats (like increasing attack or defense) and debuff the boss (like reducing their attack power). Skills like Tarukaja and Sukunda can be life-savers.
Healing and Items: Ensure you are stocked up on healing items, especially those that can revive fallen characters.

Stick to these tips, and you’ll find yourself cruising through battles with ease. Persona 5’s combat can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you’ll be the ultimate Phantom Thief!

Following these strategies will help ensure every battle is a victory. Stay smart, anticipate your enemies’ moves, and keep your party in top shape!