Persona 5 Royal: Best Ways to Get EXP

Leveling Up Fast in Persona 5 Royal: A Comprehensive Guide

Leveling up is crucial in Persona 5 Royal, especially for tackling challenging late-game bosses. This guide details efficient experience farming methods, leveraging both in-game mechanics and DLC.

Updated January 13, 2025: This guide has been updated to include information on maximizing EXP gain using the Insta-kill ability. While over-leveling can make the game easier, maintaining a level comparable to Palace Rulers is recommended, particularly for new playthroughs.

I. Boosting EXP with Accessories and Confidants:

A. Team Glasses and the Moon Arcana (Mishima Yuuki's Confidant):

Equip the free DLC "Team Glasses" accessory on all party members for a 15% EXP boost. However, remember that backline members receive reduced EXP. Maximize this by ranking up Yuuki Mishima's Confidant. Reaching Rank 3 grants backline members some EXP, and Rank 10 provides them with the same EXP as frontline members. Remember to choose dialogue options Mishima favors and bring a Moon Arcana Persona when spending time with him. His Confidant rank is tied to Mementos missions, so don't neglect them.

II. Mementos: Optimizing EXP Gain:

A. Jose's Cognition System:

Jose, a new character in Persona 5 Royal, allows you to modify Mementos rewards. Collect flowers and stamps scattered throughout Mementos and exchange them with Jose. Boosting Mementos EXP to 110% costs 5 stamps, while maxing it out at 200% requires 12 stamps. There are 165 stamps in total; 85 are needed to maximize EXP. Stamp stations are usually found in dead ends behind breakable walls.

III. Confronting the Reaper:

A. Reaper's Level and Strategies:

The Reaper, a formidable foe, appears in Mementos after prolonged stays on a floor. He's level 85 with high stats, making him a challenge early on. Defeating him yields substantial EXP and money. Aim for level 60 or higher before engaging. Utilize defense-boosting skills and Makarakarn to reflect magic attacks. Alternatively, those with the Izanagi-no-Okami Persona (from DLC) can utilize Concentrate, Heat Riser, and Myriad Truths for significant Almighty damage.

IV. Defeating Treasure Demons:

A. Summoning and Strategies:

Treasure Demons are non-hostile Shadows that flee after a few turns. They are vulnerable to Almighty attacks. Quickly defeat them using Shinya's Rank 1 ability, Down Shot, to trigger an All-Out Attack. Alternatively, a high-crit attack like Morgana's Miracle Punch works if the demon isn't immune to Physical. Increase encounter rates by crafting Treasure Traps (2x Silk Yarn, 3x Plant Balm, 1x Cork Bark).

V. Utilizing Persona EXP Skills:

A. Growth Passive Skill:

Unequipped Personas usually don't earn EXP, unless they possess the Growth skill. Growth 1 grants ¼ EXP, Growth 2 grants ½ EXP, and Growth 3 grants full EXP. Several Personas learn Growth at various levels (see table in original text). In Persona 5 Royal, obtaining Growth 1 Skill Cards is impossible. Growth 2 Skill Cards are obtained by spending time with Caroline and Justine at Miura Beach (September 2nd-29th, after event 6). Growth 3 Skill Cards are obtained from Izanagi Picaro in the Electric Chair.

VI. Unlocking Insta-Kill (Ryuji Sakamoto's Confidant):

Insta-kill instantly defeats Shadows 10 levels below Joker's level. Use Joker's Third Eye to identify susceptible Shadows (green outline). Unlock Insta-kill by reaching Rank 7 in Ryuji's Confidant. This Confidant is relatively easy to max out.

By employing these strategies, you can significantly accelerate your leveling process in Persona 5 Royal and conquer any challenge the game throws your way.