Sae - Judgement
Sae Niijima's Confidant, the Judgement Arcana, is unique in that it progresses automatically as the main story unfolds. You do not need to spend time with Sae outside of the narrative to rank her up. This makes her Confidant a guaranteed progression, but it's important to understand its implications for your overall playthrough, especially if you're aiming for a 100% completion or the true ending.
Judgement Arcana Progression:
- Automatic Ranks: Unlike other Confidants, Sae's ranks are tied directly to key story events. As you progress through the narrative, particularly during the events leading up to and within her Palace, her Confidant will naturally increase.
- No Time Investment Required: Because her progression is story-driven, you don't need to allocate precious free time to hang out with Sae. This frees up your schedule to focus on other Confidants or stat-building activities.
- Persona Fusion Bonus: While her Confidant ranks up automatically, having a Judgement Persona in your inventory when certain story events occur can still provide minor benefits or dialogue variations, though it's not strictly necessary for progression.
- Impact on Gameplay: Sae's Confidant ranks often coincide with major plot revelations and shifts in the Phantom Thieves' objectives. Understanding these story beats is crucial for grasping the narrative's progression.
- Endgame Sificance: The Judgement Arcana plays a pivotal role in the game's climax and the path to the true ending. Its automatic progression ensures that you are always on track to experience the full narrative arc.
- No Missable Ranks: Since her Confidant is tied to the story, there are no opportunities to miss ranking up Sae. This removes a potential point of stress for players aiming for completion.
While you don't actively manage Sae's Confidant, its automatic progression is a fundamental part of Persona 5 Royal's narrative structure, ensuring you experience the full weight of the story's developments.