Persona 5 Royal: Best Ways to Get EXP

Persona 5 Royal: Level Up Fast – A Comprehensive Guide

Leveling up is crucial in Persona 5 Royal. Failing to keep your team's levels high will significantly hinder progress, especially during late-game boss encounters. This guide details efficient experience farming methods in P5R, leveraging various features and confidant abilities.

Updated January 13, 2025: This guide has been updated to include the Insta-kill strategy for rapid leveling. While over-leveling can make the game too easy, maintaining a level comparable to Palace Rulers is recommended, particularly for new playthroughs.

I. Accessories & The Moon Arcana:

Mishima Yuuki's Confidant

Equip the "Team Glasses" accessory (available as free DLC from the Playstation Store) to boost EXP gain by 15% for each equipped character. Remember that backline Phantom Thieves receive less EXP. Ranking up Yuuki Mishima's Confidant to Rank 3 and 5 increases EXP for backup members, with Rank 10 granting them the same EXP as frontline fighters. Prioritize dialogue choices that resonate with Mishima and bring a Moon Arcana Persona during confidant events. Completing Mishima's Mementos missions is essential for confidant progression.

II. Mementos: Maximizing EXP Gain:

Cognition of Mementos

Jose, a new character in P5R, offers significant gameplay advantages. Collect "flowers" and "Stamp Stations" in Mementos and exchange them with Jose to modify Mementos' Cognition. Boosting EXP gain to 110% costs 5 Stamps, while maximizing it to 200% requires 12 Stamps. While there are 165 Stamps in total, maximizing EXP requires 85. Stamp Stations are located in dead ends behind breakable walls. Jose appears randomly on new Mementos floors.

III. Confronting the Reaper:

What Level is the Reaper?

The Reaper, a formidable foe, appears in Mementos after prolonged stays on a floor. Defeating him yields substantial EXP and money. However, early-game encounters are nearly impossible without a New Game+ file. The Reaper is level 85 with high stats and potent -dyne spells. Aim for level 60 or higher before challenging him, utilizing defense-boosting skills and Makarakarn to reflect magic. Izanagi-no-Okami (Picaro) users can leverage Concentrate, Heat Riser, and Myriad Truths for significant Almighty damage.

IV. Defeating Treasure Demons:

How to Summon Treasure Demons

Treasure Demons, initially encountered in Madarame's Palace, are harmless Shadows that flee after a few turns. They are vulnerable to Almighty attacks. Utilize Shinya's Rank 1 ability, Down Shot, for an All-Out Attack or a high-crit attack like Morgana's Miracle Punch (if Physical isn't nulled). Treasure Demons appear more frequently in Palaces with high security. Crafting the Treasure Trap infiltration tool (2x Silk Yarn, 3x Plant Balm, 1x Cork Bark) increases encounter rates.

V. Leveraging Persona EXP Skills:

How to Get Growth Passive Skill

Unequipped Personas typically don't earn EXP, unless they possess the Growth passive skill. Growth 1 grants ¼ EXP, Growth 2 grants ½ EXP, and Growth 3 grants full EXP when inactive. Several Personas learn Growth upon leveling (see table in original text). The Electric Chair in the Velvet Room allows Persona fusion into Skill Cards; however, Growth 1 and 2 cards are unavailable in P5R. Growth 3 can be obtained from Izanagi Picaro. Growth 2 can be obtained by visiting Caroline and Justine at Miura Beach (September 2nd-29th, post-event 6).

VI. Ryuji Sakamoto's Confidant & Insta-Kill:

How to Unlock Insta-Kill

Insta-kill allows instant Shadow defeat if Joker's level is 10 levels higher (indicated by a green outline using Joker's Third Eye). This grants items, yen, EXP, and potentially a Persona. Unlock Insta-kill by reaching Rank 7 of Ryuji's Confidant (no Social Stat requirements). Prioritize maximizing Ryuji's Confidant early for immediate access to this powerful ability.