Books & Reading List
Reading books in Persona 5 Royal is a vital activity for boosting Joker's stats, particularly Knowledge and Guts, and can even unlock new dialogue options or progress certain Confidant relationships. The game features a diverse library of books, each offering different benefits and requiring varying amounts of time to read. Strategically choosing which books to read and when can sificantly impact your overall progress and efficiency throughout the game.
Books can be acquired from various sources: the school library, bookstores in Shibuya and other districts, and sometimes as rewards for completing quests or hanging out with Confidants. Once obtained, books can be read during free time, on the train (if a seat is available), or at Leblanc. Each book has a specific stat bonus associated with it, and some books are required to advance certain Confidant ranks or to unlock new activities. For example, reading 'The Great Thief' is essential for progressing through the early game and boosting Knowledge.
To maximize the benefits of reading, prioritize books that al with their current goals. If you need to increase Knowledge for exams or certain dialogue options, focus on books that provide Knowledge boosts. Similarly, books that increase Guts are crucial for certain social interactions and challenges. Keeping track of which books you've read and which ones are still needed for Confidant progression is recommended. Some books can even be read multiple times, offering cumulative stat gains.
| Book Title | Primary Stat Boost | How to Obtain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Great Thief | Knowledge | School Library, Shibuya Bookstore | Essential early-game book. |
| Pirate Legend | Knowledge | School Library | Can be read on the train. |
| Master Swordsman | Guts | Shibuya Bookstore | Helps with certain dialogue choices. |
| The Art of Speed Reading | Knowledge | Shibuya Bookstore | Increases reading speed for subsequent books. |
| Remote Planet | Knowledge | Shibuya Bookstore | Sci-fi novel. |
| A History of Japanese Castles | Knowledge | Shibuya Bookstore | Informative read. |
| The Trumpeter | Guts | Shibuya Bookstore | Dark and philosophical. |
| The Final Lesson | Guts | Shibuya Bookstore | Focuses on life and death. |
| Essence of Fishing | Proficiency | Shinjuku Bookstore | Required for fishing. |
| Batting Science | Proficiency | Shinjuku Bookstore | Helps with batting cages. |