Who knew that the man who ruined Joker's reputation would also be the man attempting to gain total control over Japan? Finally, after avoiding assassination and being forced into hiding, players of Persona 5 get the chance to stop the unjust megalomaniac who thrust them into this mess in the first place: Masayoshi Shido.
However, Shido's power and influence aren't just felt in the real world: his cognitive Palace holds some of the toughest Shadows in the game, and its sheer length tests the endurance of any player. While it can be completed in a single run-through like almost all the other Palaces, pacing and preparation remain an utmost priority.
10 Find The Five VIPs
In order to gain access to the Main Assembly Hall where Shido's Treasure lies, players must secure five letters of introduction from the innermost circle of Shido's cronies. The first likes to eat at the onboard Restaurant, located through the Central Hall. Shadows patrol this lounge area, however, so sneak around or get the jump on them when given the chance.
Unfortunately, Joker can't just waltz into the restaurant; he needs a membership card first. Backtracking to the Central Hall and eavesdropping on some patrons reveals that somebody lost theirs. Use Joker's Third Eye to retrace their footsteps and nab their membership card at a nearby bar.
9 Grab A Seat At The Restaurant
With the newly-acquired membership card in tow, the restaurant host happily grants the Phantom Thieves entry. Makoto and Ryuji nab a seat near the first VIP's table, but soon get in an altercation when the VIP approaches. Luckily, the following battle is relatively painless (even more so when using Psychic-type attacks). After he is defeated, Joker receives the first of five letters of introduction. The second VIP hangs out by the ship's pool. Head to the elevator on the other side of the restaurant to proceed.
8 Navigate The Hallways
This section introduces players to a new mechanic, one that forces them to take a new and more cautious approach to progress. Certain rooms house statues of Shido that turn the Phantom Thieves into mice, reflecting Shido's views of his opponents as mere rodents. As mice, player's can't open doors or attack enemies, making stealth even more imperative. Luckily, this new form allows players to crawl through air ducts to enter adjoining corridors. Find and interact with lanterns to shut the statues down, and open locked doors to allow backtracking when necessary. The corridors are fairly narrow, so wait to ambush nearby Shadows when they turn a corner.
7 Make A Splash At The Pool
A Safe Room and a treasure chest await players after a short elevator ride to the pool. Otherwise, the second VIP lounges on a poolside beach chair, though he doesn't bother interacting with the Phantom Thieves. Ryuji comes up with a rather brazen plan (one that involves his female team members and swimsuits), but unfortunately, the changing rooms are restricted to non-members. Good thing there's a vent under the stairs Joker can use to infiltrate them! After a quick change and some good old-fashioned role play by Ann, the VIP gives his letter of introduction.
Things go awry pretty quickly afterward, however, which means another battle gets underway! Electric skills help this time around, but be careful not to get brainwashed by the enemy's attacks. Once the dust settles, head to the back of the ship in search of VIP number three.
6 Traverse The Ducts
This next section combines narrow corridors with Shido statues, meaning air ducts are the only way to progress. Avoid Shadows as much as possible in these corridors, or lure them to areas unaffected by the statues. Remember to unlock doors whenever the opportunity arises; some will require traveling through the air ducts as mice before they can get unlocked, so keep that in mind before switching the lanterns on and off.
The next area (the back deck) introduces some tougher enemies, as well as another Safe Room.
5 Take A Gamble At The Entertainment Hall
The third VIP likes to gamble, and it just so happens that an entertainment hall rests at the back end of the ship. A man in a suit (the "cleaner") will send a couple of Shadows after the Phantom Thieves before entering, but Bless attacks will dispose of them quickly. The VIP stands near some slot machines at the base of the grand staircase. Haru provokes him into fighting after he insults her late father. Ice and Electric skills will knock opponents down here, so make sure to use those as soon as possible. Then continue heading through the rest of the ship.
4 Wind Back To The Restaurant
Head back up to the middle floor of the entertainment hall toward a door to the Lower Port Hallway. This is the last section of sprawling corridors and rooms, and players will have to switch the statues on and off several times to make it to the Side Deck. There, the "cleaner" will return with more of the same Shadows (time to bust out those Bless skills). Afterward, reach the Mid Port Hallway for one last run-in with Shido's statues.
An elevator at the end takes the Phantom Thieves back to the Central Hall. Go back to the restaurant to uncover the whereabouts of the next VIP.
3 Unconventional Room Service
A kindly waiter gives out the info on what room the fourth VIP stays in, and fortunately it's just a quick dash from the Safe Room at the Side Deck. Near a fallen life boat, Joker can climb toward the rooms above. One room, conveniently housing the fourth VIP, has its balcony door open. Futaba volunteers to go in and nab the letter of introduction. The VIP is shaken by her sudden appearance, but quickly gets put at ease after seeing her computer skills. The Phantom Thieves still end up fighting him, though...
His minions are weak to Psychic attacks, and the VIP's shadow is weak to Nuclear. Haru and Makoto make short work of this fight.
2 Clean Up The Cleaner
With one last letter to claim, the question becomes: Where is the final VIP, the "cleaner"? The unexplored Engine Room is the group's safest bet, so head back down to the Side Deck and kick open the steaming vent. Be sure to save, as a few tough fights are in store.
After taking out the cleaner's Shadow henchmen, follow him and crawl through a nearby air vent to bypass the locked door. The cleaner is no joke, using strong physical and Curse skills after dropping the party's defenses. Avoid damage by increasing evasion, or equip Personas that resist or nullify Curse damage. Heal right after getting the letter, though, because the real fight begins once the Phantom Thieves head out. Akechi caught on to their plans and dove into Shido's Palace to stop them! He causes a pair of Shadows to go berserk, and while their lowered defenses help deal more damage, their increased attack shouldn't be taken lightly. After they're dealt with, Akechi will battle against the group. He'll then attack a second time with a new Persona, Loki. He is much stronger here and has a new set of skills, including both Tetrakarn and Makarakarn. Fortunately, he also lowers his own defense early on, so increasing the party's attack will keep the fight brief.
1 Fight The Big Bad Himself
The battle against Shido has a total of five phases, each with different yet powerful abilities. The first three phases share the same health bar; Increasing evasion and defenses in the first phase is a good strategy. Don't use Physical or Gun skills here . The second phase focuses on magic skills and resists all elements, so switch to physical attackers like Ryuji and Yusuke. Deal with the third phase as quickly as possible by strengthening party members and unleashing their strongest skills.
Phase four pits the Phantom Thieves against a super-muscular Masayoshi Shido, who has the ability to nullify the party's stat boosts. Continue bruising more than just his ego, and he will succumb momentarily. In his final phase, Shido takes multiple actions and boosts his stats while lowering the party's. Everyone who can should focus on raising stats and health while designated attackers whittle Shido down. Eventually, the Phantom Thieves will come out on top and make their daring escape with Shido's Treasure in tow!