JRPGs are well known for their monstrous length and Persona 5 is no different. The vanilla version of the game offers around 100 hours of content while the Royal edition packs in another 30 or so more just for good measure. Given the huge time investment needed, ensuring that time is spent effectively is essential for those hoping to escape the labyrinth that is P5R with their sanity still intact.
Although the game does a fairly good job of explaining its basic mechanics, there are quite a few things that the player is left to figure out for themselves. For series veterans, this shouldn't be too much of an issue. For new players however, it can sometimes be difficult to get a sense of direction. Combine this with the vast array of distractions that are scattered throughout the game and mistakes can easily be made.
10 Skipping Or Ignoring Dialogue
Due to the complexity of the game, there's a rather large tutorial-like section at its beginning, during which, Morgana explains the intricacies of the game's numerous systems. While this can at times be a little tedious, the information provided is incredibly useful for new players and should not be ignored.
While the exposition does ease off as the game progresses, there are still plenty of times when key information is casually dropped into dialogue. This wouldn't be an issue were it not for the allure of the fast-forward button in the bottom right hand corner. Tempting though it may be, players should resist their urges as best they can or risk missing out on something important.
9 Going To Bed Too Early
One of the big changes between the vanilla version of the game and Royal is that the latter doesn't force players to go to bed anywhere near as often. As a result, time that was once wasted can now be used for self improvement and an assortment of other activities.
There are still occasions when Morgana will exert his authority and there are usually some limitations as to what can and can't be be done during this free time. Given how much content is packed into the game though, every moment is valuable and so it's important to use each one as productively as possible.
8 Not Saving Enough
P5R is a game that's full of choices, many of which can have a pretty significant impact on a person's playthrough. While there are times when the right decision is fairly obvious, there are others when it isn't quite so clear. With this in mind, it can be incredibly helpful to have a recent save file to fall back on in the event of a poor choice.
As well as these difficult decisions, there are plenty of deadlines and useful items that can be easily missed. While none of these things will prevent a player from completing the game, they will certainly make doing so a much more formidable task whilst also locking out certain events. Once again, a recent save file can serve as the perfect remedy for this.
7 Reading Before Unlocking The Speed Reading Ability
Many of the books found in P5R require multiple sittings in order to complete. Given that stat increases are only awarded after finishing a book, this makes it a fairly ineffective way to accumulate knowledge points when compared to other activities. Thankfully, there's a way to speed things up a little. Ironically though, players will have to wait a while before they can do this.
There is a book in the school library called Speed Reader. As the title might suggest, reading it will double the speed at which books can be read, making it a much more efficient way to improve stats. Unfortunately, however, while players are able to access the school library from April 18th, the book in question won't be available until July 1st.
6 Failing To Keep A Well Stocked Inventory
Although reading before unlocking the speed reading ability is generally ill-advised, every once in a while there are times during subway rides when reading is the only option. In these rare instances, it pays to have a book handy. Without one, this time is otherwise wasted. Books aren't the only things that players should keep in their inventory though.
Hidden throughout the game are a number of locked chests that can only be opened using a lockpick. Finding such a chest and being unable to open it can be incredibly frustrating. At best, it means having to return at a later time. More often than not though, it's instead a case of having to forego any items inside and spending the rest of the playthrough wondering what might have been.
5 Wasting Time On Pointless Activities
While the huge amount of content in P5R is great for those looking for a game they can while away the days with, the endless options can sometimes be a little overwhelming. Learning which activities are and aren't important is key for those hoping to get everything done in time for November 24th.
While there's a natural tendency to want to try everything at least once, figuring out which pursuits are worthy of one's time is key to a successful and enjoyable playthrough. Some may choose to use guides to ensure that they're using their time as efficiently as possible. For those who don't though, it can sometimes require quite a bit of trial and error.
4 Missing The Third Semester
Although the game does nudge players pretty hard when it comes to interacting with Maruki, it's not something that's ever forced. As a result, it's possible to completely miss the third semester that was added to Royal and with it, the game's true ending.
In order to unlock it, not only will players need to get Maruki's social link to level 9 before the game's ending, but they'll also need Akechi's to be at least level 8 and Kasumi's to be no lower than level 5. If these requirements are met, the third semester will begin immediately after the original game's ending.
3 Leaving Mishima On Read
Mishima can be incredibly annoying with his constant messages. Buried amongst them though, there is often important information about side quests. It may be painful, but reading and replying to his messages is an essential activity for anyone who's hoping to experience all that the game has to offer.
As well as his confidant requests, he also provides a wide range of regular requests throughout the game. Unfortunately, many of these only become available at certain points during the story, meaning that players must interact with Mishima regularly during their playthrough rather than simply completing all of the requests as early as possible.
2 Ignoring NPCs
Mishima isn't the only person in P5R who's not to be ignored. Walking around the streets of Tokyo are countless NPCs, many of whom the player can interact with. While some of these interactions are a little pointless, others are definitely worthy of the player's time.
Hanging around in the back alleys of Kichijoji, players can sometimes encounter Sakai. Despite being a merchant, he's not marked on the map which can make him very easy to miss. He might look a little shady, but his willingness to trade certain items for unique rewards makes him incredibly useful. His trades change regularly too, so it's worth stopping in to see him from time to time.
1 Losing Track Of Deadlines
One of the things that makes the game so engrossing is its impressive simulation of real life schedules. Just as in reality though, this means that there are certain deadlines that simply cannot be missed. Some of these are fairly inconsequential, but others can have a rather drastic impact on a playthrough.
One mistake that many first-timers make is leaving the dungeons until the very last minute. While players are given a reasonable amount of time to complete them, trying to do so on the last day that they're available is next to impossible due to SP constraints. Although the Bookworm trophy is no longer a factor, there also comes a time when the school library is off limits making certain books unobtainable.