A new character to the Royal edition, and arguably the most important social link in the game, here’s a guide to Maruki’s confidant in Persona 5 Royal
The Royal Edition to Persona 5 brought a lot of quality-of-life upgrades to the game, helping combat feel better and actually letting players use the gun mechanic more often. Royal also brought in new characters for you to meet, along with a third semester, with its own palace to explore and storyline to experience.
While the game does point out Maruki’s confidant and urges players to complete it, many may not realize his confidant is required to unlock the bonus content at the end of the game. His confidant does have a deadline that it will need to be completed by in order to experience the third semester.
All Social Link Ranks
Maruki’s social link must reach rank 9 before 11/18 to access the additional third semester. Maruki’s social link will automatically begin on 5/13 and can be found outside the nurse’s office and is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Every time you hang out with Maruki, Joker will get a 5 SP to increase to his maximum, along with a weak healing item. Maruki represents the Councilor arcana, and bringing a Councilor persona will give you additional points for each correct response.
(All numbers have been adjusted for bringing a Councilor persona)
Rank 2
- Either answer +0
- “Didn’t have much choice” +0 / “We made a deal” +3 / “I’m a little nervous” +3
- Any answer +0
- “But it sounds right” +3 / “Yep” +2 / “Kinda creeping me out here” +0
- Any answer +0
- “Well okay” +3 / “Better make it worth it” +0 / “Why me, though” +0
Rank 3
- “So they have, huh?” +2 / “You worry too much” +0 / “Thanks to your, probably.” +2
- “Of course” +2″ / “Yeah, for our deal” +2 / “I forgot” +0
- Any answer +0
- “That one seems necessary” +2 / We’d be better off without it” +0 / “It’s a seed for new loves” +2
- “Did that help” +2 / “Don’t worry about it” +2
- “Good work over there” +2 / “So you’re actually working?” +0 / “Getting to your research now? +0
Rank 4
- Any answer +0
- “I know, right…?” +3 / “It’s not the worst” +0 / “Talk about a reward” +2
- “That’d be great” +2 / “Is that possible?” +0 / “Is that what you’re researching?” +3
- Either answer +0
- Either answer +2
- “That sounds fun” +3 / “I’m not the “free labor” type” +0 / “Nope” +0
- “I feel completely fine” +2 / “It’s part of our deal, so…” +2 / “I’m struggling, to be honest” +0
Rank 5
- “This looks great!” +3 / “How old do you think I am?” +0 / “I could just take case..” +2
- Any answer +0
- “I never considered that” +0 / “They’re getting played” +2 / “You know, you’re right” +3
- “My sense lied to me! +2 / “Hey, as long as it tasted good.” +2 / “It’s a little scary” +0
- “Not “truth” exactly..” +0 / “I guess so.” +2 / “I don’t know…” +0
- “I really don’t mind” +2 / “Come on, man” +0 / “It was thought-provoking” +2
Rank 6
Rank 6 will unlock on September 20th
- “You wanted to talk?” +0 / “Another cup?” +2 / “We’ve got curry too.” +2
- “I can do that” +3 / “It’s a deal” +2 / “I’m not up for this…” + 0
- Either answer +0
- “So what CAN we do?” +0 / “It’s a hard question…” +0 / “So give up” +2
- Either answer +0
- Any answer +0
- “Calm down.” +2 / “What’s going on?” +2 / “Heavy breathing? Pervert” +0
Rank 7
- “You’re really dedicated” +3 / “Are they even relevant?” +0 / “Are you a fan?” +2
- “No idea” +3 / “As In, removing them?” +3 / “How about you, Maruki?” +0
- “The change of heart…?” +3 / “….” +0
- “I have no clue” +0 / “Sounds pretty far-fetched” +3 / “It’s intriguing” +3
Rank 8
- “I’m good on cookies, thanks” +2 / “What do you mean?” +3 / “Thanks, but I should get going” +0
- “Ooh, really?” +3 / “Can you afford that?” +2 / “Sorry, I prefer sushi” +2
- “Thanks for the food!” +3 / “Self-control much?” +0 / “This is quite the spread” +2
- “I’m his pupil” +2 / “It’s complicated…” +0 / “We’ve made a deal” +3
- Either answer +3
- “I sure do” +3 / “Let’s celebrate.” +3 / “I don’t care who pays” +0
- Any answer +0
- “He’s a good friend” +2 / “Learn some independence” +0 / “You’ll get the tab next time” +0
Rank 9
- Either answer +0
- “Kind of sad…” +3 / “Is our deal over?” +2 / Well… take care of yourself” +2
Completing rank 9 before 11/18 will trigger a unique cutscene where rank 10 is unlocked. This confidant must reach rank 9 before that day to max out the social link and unlock the third semester.
Confidants Rewards
|
Rank Unlocked |
Ability |
Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
2 |
Detox X |
Joker has the chance to recover from ailments immediately. |
|
3 |
Flow |
Chance to start a battle with Charge and Concentrate. |
|
5 |
Mindfulness |
Chance of Joker recovering SP when low. |
|
7 |
Quick Flow |
Increases the chance of Flow happening each battle. |
|
9 |
Detox DX |
Increases the chance of Detox happening when Joker is inflicted with an ailment. |
|
10 |
Wakefulness |
Raises SP recovered from Mindfulness. |
