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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsYes. In Persona 5 Royal, you can reach Rank 10 with a Confidant without dating them: choose the friendship option at the relevant Rank 9 decision. Romance is optional, not a requirement for maximum rank. The scheduling advice below is specific to Royal; the original Persona 5 has different schedules and requirements.
How the friendship route reaches Rank 10
For Confidants whose Rank 9 event offers a choice between romance and friendship, the friendship choice keeps the relationship on track to Rank 10. You do not need to start a romance to complete that Confidant. A detailed Persona 5 Royal walkthrough describes both choices and their separate outcomes.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Persona 5 The Royal - Nintendo Switch | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Persona 5 - PlayStation Hits - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition | $10.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Persona 5 Royal (Switch) - EU Version Region Free | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Romance and rank completion are distinct. The walkthrough notes that route choices can affect endgame gifts, but those bonuses are separate from eligibility to reach the maximum rank. Pick friendship if you want to avoid dating a character; you do not need to pursue a romance with anyone to max the Confidants.
What to prioritize in Persona 5 Royal
Reach Maruki’s required rank for the third semester
If you want access to Royal’s third semester, a Royal-specific guide states that Councillor Confidant Maruki must reach Rank 9 by November 17 in-game. This is a deadline for that content, not a universal deadline for every Confidant. Maruki’s progression has its own timing conditions, so use a Royal-specific schedule if you are following an exact route.
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Make hangouts count
- Before meeting a Confidant, carry a Persona of the same Arcana when practical. It does not have to be equipped; the walkthrough says the matching Persona adds a point to responses that normally award Confidant points.
- Use Fortune’s affinity reading when available if a hangout would not yet trigger a rank-up. The reading can improve the relationship without consuming a time slot, though it costs money.
- Batch Mementos requests where possible. Some Confidant progress is gated by completing requests, so combining trips can preserve calendar time.
- Check each character’s availability and personal prerequisites. Missed requests or deadlines can leave a relationship short of the next rank.
Not every Confidant uses ordinary hangouts
Confidants do not all advance through the same routine. The walkthrough notes that Strength ranks progress through fusion requests, while several story-linked Confidants rank automatically. Check the relevant character’s requirements rather than assuming every rank needs a scheduled hangout.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Persona 5 Royal versus the original Persona 5
This answer’s specific deadline and planning advice apply to Persona 5 Royal. The two versions have different schedules and requirements, so do not carry Royal’s third-semester deadline or route advice over to the original game without checking a guide for that edition. ATLUS identifies Persona 5 Royal as a distinct product with physical and digital editions across platforms; its product page does not document the Confidant mechanics.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Base game and over 40 items of previously released downloadable content
- Explore Tokyo, unlock Personas, customize your own personal Thieves Den, experience alternate endings, and more
- Become the ultimate Phantom Thief and defy conventions, discover the power within, and fight for justice in the definitive version of Personal 5 Royal
- Choose between Japanese and English VO
Rank #2
- The 5th numbered game in the series, created by renowned developers! The core development team of the recent Persona titles unites again for this upcoming game.
- A deep and engaging storyline - The thrilling story of a team of defiant teenagers, growing through every trial they face, begins now. Each case will take you one step closer to the truth veiled in darkness...What awaits our heroes: glory or ruin?
- Unique and interesting dungeons with various tricks and traps await - Overcome various obstacles with graceful Phantom Thief action. The simple-to-learn, but hard-to-master controls will be enjoyed by newcomers and veteran Persona players alike.
- Language - A stable of talented voice actors have provided English voice-overs while ATLUS’ celebrated localization team offers an English script that provides a faithful and engaging play experience.
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