A defining feature that sets the Persona series apart from other JRPGs is its social simulation. Players must deepen their characters’ relationships with their friends and other companions to gain various advantages in other aspects of the game, such as combat and Persona fusion. This system was known as “Social Links” in Persona 3 and Persona 4 but underwent a transformation to become Confidants in Persona 5 Royal. Confidants offer superior benefits compared to Social Links, compelling players to prioritize Persona 5 Royal’s social interaction over dungeon-crawling. As Persona 6 looms on the horizon, Atlus stands at a crossroads, needing to determine whether to persist with the enhanced Confidant system, revert to Social Links, or integrate both systems.
Advancing through the Social Link hierarchy grants players new Personas and experience bonuses for Persona Fusion, contingent on the link’s Arcana. Players also gain additional combat abilities when elevating the Social Links of their party members, as seen in Persona 4. Persona 5 takes this further by allowing non-party Confidants to bestow combat abilities. For instance, Mishima, an NPC who does not participate in battles, can provide EXP to allies on standby. Such perks are likely candidates for inclusion in Persona 6, simplifying the leveling-up process. Certain Confidants also offer other tangible in-game benefits, such as:
- Takemi (Death) provides superior healing items as the player enhances their relationship with her
- Sakura (Hierophant) enables the player to use his coffee brewing equipment to create SP recovery items
- Igor (Fool) amplifies the EXP gained from Persona fusion and unlocks the ability to negotiate with Shadows
The Argument for Sustaining the Confidant System in Persona 6
Expanding the Potential of Confidants in Persona 6
The beauty of Persona 5 Royal’s Confidant system lies in its evolution from Social Links, introducing more distinctive features. Each character with whom the player builds a relationship offers specific benefits that enrich the gaming experience, from unlocking new features in the Mementos-like dungeon to providing avenues for obtaining combat items. This approach motivates players to explore and enhance their relationships with each character. In comparison to the perks offered by Social Links in the past, the advantages provided by Confidants are too compelling to overlook. It only seems logical to enhance this system for Persona 6.
How Atlus May Address Confidants Post Persona 5
The term “Confidant” seamlessly fits Persona 5 Royal’s clandestine/heist theme. Confidants are either part of the Phantom Thieves or close allies to the protagonist. After all, a pivotal plot element in the story revolves around Joker’s arrest, necessitating the testimony of those close to him to avoid imprisonment. They are more than mere friends aiding the protagonist in self-improvement; they are allies assisting the Phantom Thieves in seeking justice.
Persona 6 is likely to feature a vastly different motif, as is customary in the Persona series, rendering Confidants obsolete. If this system is to be carried over to the sequel, it should at least undergo rebranding. Alternatively, Atlus might opt to revert to Social Links if it aims to refocus the gameplay on dungeon exploration. Persona 6 could potentially intensify the focus on combat by incorporating more battle-centered abilities, akin to Persona 3 Reload’s new Theurgy system, into Social Links, with elements such as shop upgrades and Shadow negotiation unlocked through story progression instead.
Enhancing both the social simulation and combat poses a formidable challenge for Atlus, necessitating a delicate balance of player priorities. This perennial challenge confronts Atlus with each new Persona game release, and thus far, it has consistently triumphed. Time will reveal whether Persona 6 will surpass the near-perfect gameplay formula of Persona 5 Royal.