So, you're diving deep into Persona 5 Royal, and you're wondering about Akechi, huh? Specifically, whether you can still max out his Confidant after Maruki's Palace becomes a thing? It's a burning question for many players, especially since Akechi's confidant is a little different from the others. Let's break it down, step-by-step, to clear up any confusion and make sure you don't miss out on those sweet Akechi perks.
Understanding Akechi's Confidant in Persona 5 Royal
Akechi Goro, the enigmatic detective, is a crucial character in Persona 5 Royal, and his Confidant offers significant benefits. Unlike most Confidants in the game, Akechi's progression is tied to the story. This means that instead of manually spending time with him to level up his Confidant rank, most of his ranks will increase automatically as you advance through the main story. This unique mechanic can be a bit confusing, particularly when you're trying to figure out if you can still max him out after reaching certain points in the game, like after Maruki's Palace becomes accessible.
However, that doesn't mean you have no control over his Confidant. There are specific dates and times when you must hang out with him to advance his Confidant. Missing these opportunities can lock you out of maxing his Confidant, which in turn affects whether you unlock the true ending of Persona 5 Royal. So, understanding the timeline and requirements for Akechi is super important.
Now, regarding Maruki's Palace: this is the new content added in Persona 5 Royal, and it extends the game's storyline. The ability to access this palace and experience the additional content depends on whether you've met certain conditions, including Akechi's Confidant rank. This is where things get tricky, because failing to meet those conditions will lock you out of the new content, including Maruki's Palace itself.
The Deadline: November 17th – Akechi's Confidant
Alright, guys, listen up! Here's the deal: the absolute deadline for getting Akechi's Confidant to rank 8 is November 17th. Yes, you read that right. November 17th is your do-or-die date. If you haven't reached rank 8 with Akechi by this date, you're going to miss out on the new content, including Maruki's Palace. No ifs, ands, or buts.
Why is this date so important? Because reaching rank 8 with Akechi triggers a specific event that is required to unlock the additional story content. This event cannot happen if Akechi is not at the required rank by the deadline. Once November 17th passes, the game moves on, and there's no going back to level up Akechi's Confidant.
So, to reiterate: November 17th is the deadline. Mark it on your calendar, set a reminder on your phone, do whatever you need to do to remember this date. Missing this deadline means you won't get to experience everything Persona 5 Royal has to offer, and that would be a real bummer.
To avoid this scenario, make sure you prioritize spending time with Akechi whenever the game gives you the opportunity. Keep an eye out for text messages or phone calls inviting you to hang out. Don't ignore them! These are your chances to advance his Confidant and get closer to that crucial rank 8.
Maruki's Palace: Unlocking the True Ending
So, what's the big deal about Maruki's Palace anyway? Well, unlocking Maruki's Palace is essential if you want to experience the true ending of Persona 5 Royal. This new palace and the events that unfold within it add significant depth to the game's story, exploring themes of reality, happiness, and personal choice. It's a fantastic addition to the original game, and it's well worth the effort to unlock it.
To unlock Maruki's Palace, you need to meet a couple of specific requirements. First, as we've already discussed, you need to get Akechi's Confidant to rank 8 by November 17th. This is non-negotiable. Second, you need to get the Councillor Confidant (Maruki himself) to rank 9 before November 18th. If you meet these two conditions, you'll unlock the path to the new content and be able to experience Maruki's Palace.
Missing out on Maruki's Palace means you'll be stuck with the original ending of Persona 5, which, while still good, doesn't have the same emotional impact or depth as the true ending. You'll miss out on new story arcs, character development, and challenging battles. Trust me, guys, you don't want to miss this. The additional content adds so much to the overall experience of Persona 5 Royal, and it's what makes the game truly special.
How to Maximize Akechi's Confidant Before It's Too Late
Okay, so you know the importance of Akechi's Confidant and the deadline of November 17th. But how do you actually maximize his Confidant before it's too late? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you out:
- Pay Attention to Opportunities: The game will give you opportunities to hang out with Akechi, usually through text messages or phone calls. Don't ignore these! Prioritize spending time with him whenever you can.
- Choose the Right Dialogue Options: When you're hanging out with Akechi, pay attention to the dialogue options. Choosing the right responses can significantly increase your Confidant points. Consult a guide if you're unsure which options to pick.
- Carry a Justice Persona: Having a Persona of the Justice arcana with you when you hang out with Akechi will give you a boost in Confidant points. This is a simple but effective way to speed up the process.
- Be Mindful of the Story: As mentioned earlier, Akechi's Confidant is tied to the story. Keep an eye on the main storyline, as certain events will automatically advance his Confidant rank. Just make sure you're meeting the minimum requirements by the deadline.
- Don't Procrastinate: This is the most important tip of all. Don't wait until the last minute to start working on Akechi's Confidant. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you'll have to hang out with him and the less stressed you'll be as the deadline approaches.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
So, what happens if you, despite your best efforts, miss the deadline and fail to get Akechi's Confidant to rank 8 by November 17th? Well, unfortunately, you'll be locked out of the new content, including Maruki's Palace. This means you won't be able to experience the true ending of Persona 5 Royal.
The game will proceed as normal, but you'll be on the path to the original ending of Persona 5. This ending is still satisfying, but it lacks the additional depth and emotional impact of the true ending. You'll also miss out on the new story arcs, character development, and challenging battles that are exclusive to the Royal content.
It's definitely a bummer to miss the deadline, especially if you've put a lot of time and effort into the game. But don't let it discourage you! You can always start a new game plus and try again. This time, you'll be armed with the knowledge and experience you need to maximize Akechi's Confidant and unlock the true ending.
Final Thoughts: Akechi and the Path to the True Ending
In conclusion, guys, whether you can still max Akechi's Confidant after Maruki's Palace is a bit of a trick question. You can't "max" him after Maruki's Palace appears because accessing the Palace depends on getting Akechi to rank 8 before November 17th. So, the real question is: can you get Akechi's Confidant to rank 8 before November 17th? And the answer is a resounding yes, but you need to prioritize it and be mindful of the deadlines.
Akechi's Confidant is a key to unlocking the new content and experiencing the true ending of Persona 5 Royal. Don't underestimate the importance of this Confidant, and make sure you prioritize it throughout your playthrough. With a little planning and effort, you'll be able to unlock the path to Maruki's Palace and experience everything Persona 5 Royal has to offer. Happy gaming, and good luck maxing out Akechi's Confidant!
