The Persona series excels in exploring interpersonal relationships, and *Persona 5 Royal* continues this tradition with its intricate character dynamics. Among the many characters you will meet, each offers a unique storyline and engaging interactions through a mechanic known as Social Links, also referred to as Confidants. Advancing through these social connections not only enriches the narrative experience but also unlocks distinct perks and enhancements for combat.
One intriguing character you will encounter is Yusuke Kitagawa, introduced on June 18. Yusuke is portrayed as a prodigious Japanese artist who harbors a disdain for adults who exploit the talents of others. His rebellious spirit makes his storyline both compelling and relatable.
To fully max out your relationship with Yusuke, you will need to dedicate time to him on certain days and choose the appropriate dialogue options during your encounters.
Confidant Benefits
Yusuke’s narrative is not just captivating; his abilities also provide significant advantages in gameplay. Notably, Yusuke possesses the rare skill of duplicating skill cards, allowing players to utilize the same skill multiple times. Furthermore, he offers a unique retry opportunity if Shadow Negotiation does not succeed, adding strategic depth to your encounters.
Yusuke’s Confidant Abilities
| Rank | Ability | Description |
| 1 | Card Duplication | Grants Yusuke the ability to use Blank Cards to duplicate Skill Cards. |
| 3 | Follow Up | Chance to perform a follow-up attack if Joker’s strike does not down the foe. |
| 4 | Art Talk | Allows for a retry if Shadow Negotiation fails. |
| 5 | Card Creation | Enables Yusuke to create any previously copied Skill Card. |
| 6 | Harrisen Recovery | Provides a chance to heal status ailments affecting party members. |
| 7 | Live Painting | Grants Yusuke the ability to employ Card Duplication and Card Creation instantly. |
| 8 | Endure | Gives a chance to survive a fatal hit with 1 HP remaining. |
| 9 | Protect | Provides a chance to shield Joker from an otherwise deadly strike. |
| Max | Second Awakening | Transcends Yusuke’s Persona into a mythological trickster. |
| Royal | Second Awakening R | Enables fusion with the mythological Trickster, unlocking its true potential. |
Social Link Ranks Overview
Like all Confidants in *Persona 5 Royal*, Yusuke offers 10 ranks to progress through, each accompanied by unique dialogue points. Engaging with Yusuke using the right dialogue selections will earn you points that can increase if you have an Emperor Arcana Persona equipped. This is crucial, as Yusuke represents the Emperor Arcana.
Your interactions with Yusuke can begin on June 18, and he is available for meetings on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the Shibuya Underground Station.
Rank 1
You can initiate Rank 1 with Yusuke as early as June 18. Approach him at the Shibuya Underground Station to commence your Social Link. In this initial rank, Yusuke and Joker venture into Mementos for artistic inspiration, although Yusuke’s gloomy view of the world reflects his recent artistic slump.
| “I have to hold up my end of the deal, so I’ll perform to the best of my ability. You need only ask.” | “I’ll be asking a lot”+3 |
| “I’ll try not to”+2 | |
| “Thanks”+2 |
Rank 2
In Rank 2, Yusuke unveils a draft of his painting, which reflects a unique interpretation of the Mementos realm, echoing the theme of desire. He expresses newfound confidence in his artistic ability, signaling that he has overcome his slump.
| “I would like your honest opinion, if you would.” | “It’s a novel”+2 |
| “I hope you’re right”+3 | |
| “Will people like it?”+0 |
Rank 3
While attending an art exhibit, Yusuke displays his painting but feels disheartened when no one seems interested. This rank explores themes of self-doubt when critics claim his work lacks the essence of desire.
| “My work is…empty?” | “That was harsh”+0 |
| “What a dick”+0 | |
| “Don’t let it bother you”+2 |
Rank 4
This rank features Yusuke and Joker on a canoe, where Yusuke confronts the lack of passion in his earlier work identified as a critical weak point. He decides to draw inspiration from the fervor of romantic relationships for his next painting.
| “Thank you for your assistance today. After all, it would be impossible to sketch while rowing.” | “What are we doing here?”+0 |
| “Why are we in a boat?”+2 | |
| “I should bring a girl here”+2 |
Rank 5
During this phase, Yusuke takes inspiration from the themes of suffering and sacrifice, deciding to paint a piece that highlights the anguish experienced during Christ’s struggles. He seeks out Joker to model for him in this meaningful pursuit.
| “You will have to be my model today.” | “Make me beautiful”+0 |
| “I dunno if I can do it…”+2 | |
| “Do you want me to strip?”+3 |
Rank 6
At this point, Yusuke and Joker visit Yusuke’s childhood home, a run-down building that evokes memories of his past. This significant moment serves as a catalyst for Yusuke to understand the human heart’s portrayal in art.
Before meeting Yusuke, ensure you have achieved a **Proficiency** level of 4 to unlock this rank.
| “This place has not changed in the slightest…” | “It feels nostalgic”+2 |
| “Why are we here again?”+0 | |
| “Are you going in?”+0 |
Rank 7
In this rank, Yusuke and Joker visit a restaurant where an encounter with a mysterious figure reveals the impact of Yusuke’s former mentor on his art. The tension escalates as Yusuke confronts the societal pressures on artists, leading to a powerful discussion about the true essence of art.
| “We’ll sell you as the tragic, handsome, artist.” | “That’s a great name”+0 |
| “What do you mean?”+2 | |
| “Handsome..?”+0 |
Rank 8
Here, Yusuke gathers his friends at a diner to brainstorm ideas for his next painting, expressing a desire to win an art competition and rekindle the passion within himself. It’s an engaging moment as friends rally around him to support his artistic vision.
| “What subject do you think would most capture beauty?” | “Scenery is always nice”+0 |
| “I’d say Morgana”+0 | |
| “It has to be Ann”+2 |
Rank 9
During Rank 9, Yusuke and Joker delve once more into the Mementos realm. This exploration reflects Yusuke’s ongoing journey of self-discovery and artistic growth as he draws inspiration from his family and their legacy, vowing to convey hope through his art.
| “When my mother was painting the Sayuri…what do you think she was thinking about?” | “Her love for her son”+3 |
| “The pain of separation”+3 | |
| “I don’t know”+2 |
Max Rank
In the culmination of Yusuke’s story, he triumphantly wins the art competition, successfully portraying the human heart through his final piece titled “Desire and Hope.”This rank is notably straightforward, as all dialogue choices offer equivalent point values, allowing for flexibility in responses.
To explore more about Yusuke’s journey and tips for maximizing your interactions, visit the guide here.
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