Social Link Rank Up Requirements

Social Link Rank Up Requirements

Maximizing your Social Links is crucial in Persona 4 for a multitude of reasons: gaining powerful Persona fusion bonuses, unlocking special abilities for your party members, and experiencing the rich character narratives. This section details the specific requirements and optimal choices to efficiently rank up each Social Link. Remember, having a Persona of the corresponding Arcana in your inventory grants a significant bonus to the Social Link points gained, often making the difference between a rank-up and needing an extra interaction.

General Strategies for Efficient Social Link Management

• Always Carry a Matching Persona: Before meeting any Social Link, ensure you have a Persona of their Arcana. This provides a +1 bonus to every point gained, making rank-ups much faster.
• Prioritize Unavailable Social Links: Some Social Links are only available on specific days or during certain periods (e.g., school clubs, part-time jobs). Prioritize these when they are available.
• Utilize Fortune Readings: On days when you can't meet a Social Link directly, visit the Tatsuhime Shrine and pay 100 yen for a Fortune Reading. This can provide a significant point boost without consuming your precious afternoon or evening time slot. Choose the "Pray for good fortune" option.
• Gift Giving: Certain Social Links appreciate specific gifts, which can be purchased from various stores like the Shiroku Store or the General Store. Giving a liked gift provides a large point bonus.
• Social Stats: Many Social Links require a certain level in your Social Stats (Knowledge, Diligence, Courage, Expression, Understanding) before they can be initiated or progress past certain ranks. Always be mindful of these prerequisites.

Specific Social Link Requirements

The Fool (Investigation Team)

This Social Link progresses automatically as you advance through the main story and defeat bosses in the TV World. No specific dialogue choices or actions are needed from the player.

The Magician (Yosuke Hanamura)

• Availability: Weekdays after school.
• Prerequisite: None.
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Choose options that show support for his feelings about Saki.
  • Rank 2-3: Empathize with his struggles.
  • Rank 3-4: Encourage his efforts to improve.
  • Rank 4-5: Offer advice or support regarding his family.
  • Rank 5-6: Reassure him about his role in the team.
  • Rank 6-7: Show understanding of his internal conflicts.
  • Rank 7-8: Agree with his desire to protect the town.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond and commitment to the team.

The Priestess (Yukiko Amagi)

• Availability: Weekdays after school.
• Prerequisite: Max Courage (Rank 5: Heroic).
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Express interest in her future.
  • Rank 2-3: Encourage her to pursue her dreams.
  • Rank 3-4: Show understanding of her family obligations.
  • Rank 4-5: Offer support for her personal growth.
  • Rank 5-6: Agree with her desire for independence.
  • Rank 6-7: Reassure her about her decisions.
  • Rank 7-8: Empathize with her struggles.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your friendship and support.

The Empress (Margaret)

• Availability: Any day, by visiting the Velvet Room.
• Prerequisite: Max Knowledge (Rank 5: Sage) and Max Understanding (Rank 5: Saintly).
• Optimal Choices: This Social Link progresses by showing Margaret specific Personas with certain skills. You do not make dialogue choices.
  1. Rank 1: Show her an Ippon-Datara with Sukukaja. (Ippon-Datara learns Sukukaja at Lv. 17. Fuse with a Persona that has Sukukaja, like a Lv. 14 Obariyon.)
  2. Rank 2: Show her a Matador with Mahama. (Matador learns Mahama at Lv. 27. Fuse with a Persona that has Mahama, like a Lv. 26 Power.)
  3. Rank 3: Show her a Gdon with Rampage. (Gdon learns Rampage at Lv. 33. Fuse with a Persona that has Rampage, like a Lv. 30 Ares.)
  4. Rank 4: Show her a Neko Shogun with Mind Charge. (Neko Shogun learns Mind Charge at Lv. 37. Fuse with a Persona that has Mind Charge, like a Lv. 35 Black Frost.)
  5. Rank 5: Show her a Black Frost with Auto-Sukukaja. (Black Frost learns Auto-Sukukaja at Lv. 38. Fuse with a Persona that has Auto-Sukukaja, like a Lv. 37 King Frost.)
  6. Rank 6: Show her a Yatagarasu with Megidola. (Yatagarasu learns Megidola at Lv. 42. Fuse with a Persona that has Megidola, like a Lv. 40 Seth.)
  7. Rank 7: Show her a Yurlungur with Mediarama. (Yurlungur learns Mediarama at Lv. 50. Fuse with a Persona that has Mediarama, like a Lv. 48 Sarasvati.)
  8. Rank 8: Show her a Nebiros with Ziodyne. (Nebiros learns Ziodyne at Lv. 57. Fuse with a Persona that has Ziodyne, like a Lv. 55 Odin.)
  9. Rank 9: Show her a Cu Chulainn with Power Charge. (Cu Chulainn learns Power Charge at Lv. 60. Fuse with a Persona that has Power Charge, like a Lv. 58 Thor.)
  10. Rank 10: Show her an Ishtar with Insta-Heal. (Ishtar learns Insta-Heal at Lv. 72. Fuse with a Persona that has Insta-Heal, like a Lv. 70 Sraosha.)

The Emperor (Kanji Tatsumi)

• Availability: Weekdays after school, usually at the Practice Building 1F.
• Prerequisite: Max Courage (Rank 5: Heroic).
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Show interest in his hobbies.
  • Rank 2-3: Encourage his unique personality.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with his struggles with self-acceptance.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure him about his identity.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for his creative pursuits.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with his desire to be true to himself.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of his family situation.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your acceptance of him.

The Hierophant (Ryotaro Dojima)

• Availability: Evenings at home.
• Prerequisite: None.
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Be polite and understanding.
  • Rank 2-3: Show concern for Nanako.
  • Rank 3-4: Offer to help around the house.
  • Rank 4-5: Listen to his work troubles.
  • Rank 5-6: Reassure him about his parenting.
  • Rank 6-7: Empathize with his past.
  • Rank 7-8: Offer strong support for his investigation.
  • Rank 8-9: Show understanding of his grief.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond as family.

The Lovers (Rise Kujikawa)

• Availability: Weekdays after school, usually at the Classroom 2-2.
• Prerequisite: Max Expression (Rank 5: Eloquent).
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Show interest in her career.
  • Rank 2-3: Encourage her to be herself.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with her struggles with fame.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure her about her identity.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for her personal growth.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with her desire for a normal life.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of her feelings.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond.

The Chariot (Chie Satonaka)

• Availability: Weekdays after school.
• Prerequisite: None.
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Show interest in her training.
  • Rank 2-3: Encourage her dedication.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with her feelings about Yukiko.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure her about her strength.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for her personal growth.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with her desire to protect others.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of her insecurities.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond.

The Justice (Nanako Dojima)

• Availability: Evenings at home.
• Prerequisite: None.
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Play with her.
  • Rank 2-3: Help her with homework.
  • Rank 3-4: Show interest in her drawings.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure her about her mother.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer comfort and support.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with her innocent wishes.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of her loneliness.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong comfort and reassurance.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond as family.

The Hermit (Fox)

• Availability: Weekdays and holidays, by accepting requests at the Tatsuhime Shrine.
• Prerequisite: Max Diligence (Rank 5: Rock Solid) for some requests.
• Optimal Choices: This Social Link progresses by completing requests posted on the Ema at the Tatsuhime Shrine. Each completed request advances the Social Link.
  • Request 1: "I wish I had a kind older brother." (Speak to the girl at the Shrine.)
  • Request 2: "Please find my lost cat." (Speak to the cat at the Samegawa Flood Plain. Find the owner at the Central Shopping District.)
  • Request 3: "I want to make a friend." (Speak to the boy at the Shrine. Give him a "Prize Sticker" from the Capsule Machine in the Central Shopping District.)
  • Request 4: "I want to be a good big sister." (Speak to the girl at the Shrine. Give her a "Goho-M" item, found in dungeons or purchased.)
  • Request 5: "I want to make a delicious lunch." (Speak to the woman at the Central Shopping District. Give her a "Red Goldfish" caught at the Samegawa Flood Plain.)
  • Request 6: "I want to look good for my date." (Speak to the man at the Central Shopping District. Give him a "Fashionable Glasses" item, found in dungeons or purchased.)
  • Request 7: "I want to catch a big fish." (Speak to the old man at the Samegawa Flood Plain. Give him a "Genji Ayu" caught at the Samegawa Flood Plain.)
  • Request 8: "I want to remember my childhood." (Speak to the woman at the Central Shopping District. Give her a "Guardian" fish, caught at the Shichiri Beach after catching a Genji Ayu.)
  • Request 9: "I want to find a rare beetle." (Speak to the boy at the Shrine. Give him a "Inaba Beetle" caught at the Shrine at night.)
  • Request 10: "I want to thank the Fox." (Speak to the Fox at the Shrine after completing all other requests.)

The Fortune (Naoto Shirogane)

• Availability: Weekdays after school, usually at the Classroom 1-1.
• Prerequisite: Max Knowledge (Rank 5: Sage) and Max Expression (Rank 5: Eloquent).
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Show interest in their detective work.
  • Rank 2-3: Encourage their pursuit of truth.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with their identity struggles.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure them about their true self.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for their personal growth.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with their desire for acceptance.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of their past.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond.

The Strength (Daisuke Nagase / Kou Ichijo)

• Availability: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays after school (Basketball Club: Daisuke) or Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays after school (Soccer Club: Kou).
• Prerequisite: Join either the Basketball or Soccer Club.
• Optimal Choices (Daisuke - Basketball):
  • Rank 1-2: Show interest in basketball.
  • Rank 2-3: Encourage his dedication.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with his struggles.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure him about his future.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for his personal growth.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with his desire to improve.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of his family issues.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond.
• Optimal Choices (Kou - Soccer):
  • Rank 1-2: Show interest in soccer.
  • Rank 2-3: Encourage his dedication.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with his struggles.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure him about his future.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for his personal growth.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with his desire to improve.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of his family issues.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond.

The Hanged Man (Naoki Konishi)

• Availability: Weekdays after school, usually at the Classroom 1-1.
• Prerequisite: Max Understanding (Rank 5: Saintly).
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Show sympathy for his situation.
  • Rank 2-3: Encourage him to open up.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with his grief.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure him about his feelings.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for his healing process.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with his desire to move on.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of his family's pain.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond.

The Death (Hisano Kuroda)

• Availability: Sundays and holidays at the Samegawa Flood Plain.
• Prerequisite: Accept the "Please find my lost pet" request from the Tatsuhime Shrine (Hermit Rank 2).
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Listen patiently to her stories.
  • Rank 2-3: Show empathy for her loss.
  • Rank 3-4: Offer comfort and understanding.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure her about her husband.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for her emotional journey.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with her reflections on life and death.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of her complex feelings.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong comfort and companionship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond and respect.

The Temperance (Eri Minami)

• Availability: Weekdays after school, by working at the Daycare Center (part-time job).
• Prerequisite: Accept the "Daycare Assistant" part-time job from the Town Bulletin Board. Max Understanding (Rank 5: Saintly) helps.
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Show dedication to the job.
  • Rank 2-3: Offer help with the children.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with her struggles as a stepmother.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure her about her efforts.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for her family life.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with her desire to connect with Yuuta.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of her past.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and advice.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond and respect.

The Devil (Sayoko Uehara)

• Availability: Evenings, by working at the Hospital (part-time job).
• Prerequisite: Accept the "Hospital Janitor" part-time job from the Town Bulletin Board. Max Diligence (Rank 5: Rock Solid) and Max Courage (Rank 5: Heroic) help.
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Be professional and polite.
  • Rank 2-3: Listen to her complaints.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with her loneliness.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure her about her worth.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for her emotional state.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with her desire for connection.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of her past mistakes.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond and respect.

The Tower (Shu Nakajima)

• Availability: Evenings, by working as a Tutor (part-time job).
• Prerequisite: Accept the "Tutor" part-time job from the Town Bulletin Board. Max Knowledge (Rank 5: Sage) and Max Expression (Rank 5: Eloquent) help.
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Be patient and encouraging.
  • Rank 2-3: Offer advice on studying.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with his academic pressure.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure him about his abilities.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for his personal interests.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with his desire for independence.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of his family expectations.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and guidance.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond and respect.

The Star (Teddie)

This Social Link progresses automatically as you advance through the main story and Teddie grows as a character. No specific dialogue choices or actions are needed from the player.

The Moon (Ai Ebihara)

• Availability: Weekdays after school, by joining the Sports Club (Basketball or Soccer).
• Prerequisite: Join a Sports Club. Max Courage (Rank 5: Heroic) for initiation.
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Be confident and assertive.
  • Rank 2-3: Flirt playfully.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with her insecurities.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure her about her true self.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for her emotional growth.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with her desire for genuine connection.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of her past.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and honesty.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond (can lead to a romantic relationship).

The Sun (Yumi Ozawa / Ayane Matsunaga)

• Availability: Weekdays after school, by joining the Drama Club (Yumi) or the Music Club (Ayane).
• Prerequisite: Join either the Drama or Music Club.
• Optimal Choices (Yumi - Drama Club):
  • Rank 1-2: Show interest in drama.
  • Rank 2-3: Encourage her passion.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with her family issues.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure her about her choices.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for her personal growth.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with her desire to express herself.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of her grief.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond.
• Optimal Choices (Ayane - Music Club):
  • Rank 1-2: Show interest in music.
  • Rank 2-3: Encourage her talent.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with her shyness.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure her about her abilities.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for her confidence.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with her desire to improve.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of her struggles.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond.

The Judgement (Investigation Team)

This Social Link progresses automatically during the final stages of the main story, particularly in December and January. No specific dialogue choices or actions are needed from the player.

The Aeon (Marie) - Persona 4 Golden Exclusive

• Availability: Weekdays and holidays, usually at the Central Shopping District or the Velvet Room.
• Prerequisite: None.
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Show interest in her poetry.
  • Rank 2-3: Encourage her to explore.
  • Rank 3-4: Empathize with her confusion about her past.
  • Rank 4-5: Reassure her about her identity.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer support for her emotional journey.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with her desire to understand herself.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of her unique existence.
  • Rank 8-9: Offer strong encouragement and friendship.
  • Rank 9-10: Confirm your bond (can lead to a romantic relationship).

The Jester/Hunger (Tohru Adachi) - Persona 4 Golden Exclusive

• Availability: Various days and times, often at Junes or the Central Shopping District.
• Prerequisite: None.
• Optimal Choices:
  • Rank 1-2: Be friendly and casual.
  • Rank 2-3: Listen to his complaints.
  • Rank 3-4: Go along with his jokes.
  • Rank 4-5: Show understanding of his boredom.
  • Rank 5-6: Offer to hang out.
  • Rank 6-7: Agree with his cynical observations.
  • Rank 7-8: Show understanding of his frustrations.
  • Rank 8-9: Continue to be a good listener.
  • Rank 9-10: This Social Link automatically changes to the Accomplice ending if you make certain choices in December. To avoid this, you must choose to protect your friends and expose Adachi.