March
March marks the beginning of a new academic year and the start of Joker's journey as a Phantom Thief in Persona 5 Royal. This month is crucial for establishing foundational Social Stats, meeting key characters, and beginning your first Confidant relationships. It sets the stage for the entire game, so making the most of your time is essential for a successful playthrough, especially if aiming for 100% completion.
The early days of March are heavily story-driven, introducing you to the core cast and the initial conflict. As the story progresses, you'll gain more freedom to explore Tokyo and engage in various activities. Prioritizing stat increases and initiating Confidant ranks during this period will pay dividends later in the game. Remember that many activities consume time, so careful planning is necessary.
Key events and activities in March:
- Story Progression: The initial weeks are dedicated to the main narrative, introducing you to Shujin Academy, Ryuji, Ann, and the first steps towards forming the Phantom Thieves.
- Social Stat Gains: Early opportunities to increase Knowledge (answering questions in class, studying), Guts (certain dialogue choices, reading), and Proficiency (crafting, working part-time).
- First Confidants: You'll have opportunities to begin relationships with Confidants like Morgana (Magician), Ryuji (Chariot), Ann (Lovers), and Tae Takemi (Death).
- Dungeon Crawling: The first Palace is typically tackled in March, requiring dedicated time for exploration and boss battles.
- Leblanc Activities: Utilizing time at Leblanc for studying, reading, or crafting is a consistent way to build stats.
It's highly recommended to follow a structured schedule during March to ensure you don't miss out on crucial early-game opportunities. This includes acquiring necessary items, starting key Confidants, and building a solid base for your Social Stats.
Early March Priorities:
- Complete Tutorial Missions: Follow the game's initial prompts to learn basic mechanics.
- Start Key Confidants: Prioritize building relationships with characters like Ryuji, Ann, and Tae Takemi.
- Increase Knowledge: Pay attention in class and study whenever possible.
- Craft Lockpicks: Essential for opening chests in Palaces.
- Acquire SP Items: Stock up on SP recovery items from vending machines.
By focusing on these elements, you'll lay a strong foundation for the rest of your Persona 5 Royal adventure.