Makoto Persona 5 Royal Confidant Rank Guide
The Social Link system returns in Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal. This time, they appear as Confidant links. By deepening your bond with each Confidant, you unlock bonuses and a special fusion tied to the Arcana (The Priestess in this case).
Makoto is one of the most liked characters in P5. She is the student council president of Shujin Academy. She is highly intelligent, fiercely determined, and has leadership qualities. As you grow closer to her through her Confidant (Cooperation) route, you’ll unlock new abilities tied to the Priestess Arcana.
Why You Should Max Out Makoto’s Confidant
- Shadow Factorization: At Rank 10, Makoto unlocks the ability to automatically scan enemies for their weaknesses. No more wasting turns testing affinities.
- Follow-Up Attacks: Can perform follow-up attacks to finish off enemies when you down them.
- Endure & Second Awakening: Late Confidant ranks let Makoto survive fatal blows and evolve her Persona into a stronger form.
- Romance: Makoto has one of the most popular romance storylines in the game.
Makoto Niijima Quick Facts
- Arcana: Priestess
- Availability: After 6/25, during the day on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. She is also available day and night on rainy days.
- Location: Shujin Academy (school gates or student council room)
- Recommended Persona: Bring a Priestess Persona for bonus affection points
- Romance Option: Yes, available at Rank 9
- Gifts: Fountain Pen, Mini Cactus, Book Cover, … (full list down below)
Persona 5 Royal Makoto Confidant Rank - Priestess
Below, we have the complete breakdown of every Makoto Confidant rank and what choices you need to make for maximum points. Each dialogue option shows the number of affection points. These contribute to an invisible meter that levels up your Confidant rank. The higher the point total, the faster you progress through her ranks.
Keep in mind that you need to have a Persona of the Priestess Arcana with you to receive maximum points. Phone call follow-ups are exclusive to Persona 5 Royal and provide additional affection points. These will not appear in the original Persona 5.
- After clearing the Bank Palace dungeon, look for Makoto in front of the Student Council Office at school.
- Rank 3 Knowledge needed (Scholarly).
- Unlocks Shadow Calculus ability, allowing you to see the skills and potential drops from enemies.
Rank 1:
I’ve had all kinds of new experiences today… and it’s even been a little fun.
- Option 1: “Let’s go again sometime.” +3
- Option 2: “It’s a new you.” +3
- Option 3: “The red-light district next?” +3
Rank 2:
I heard there were quite a few brothels as well.
- Option 1: “You’re very well informed.” +2
If you hadn’t been there to rescue me, I…
- Option 1: “You should have known better.” +2
- Option 2: “That was dangerous.” +3
Phone Conversation (ROYAL): I guess nothing beats practical experience.
- Option 1: “Couldn’t agree more.” +3
Unlocks Baton Pass ability, letting you pass Makoto’s turn to other Baton Pass users in battle after a 1 More.
Rank 3:
What’s up with that, Miss Prez?
- Option 1: “You have the wrong idea.” +2
She thought I was a robot…
- Option 1: “Don’t let it get to you.” +2
- Option 2: “You can change.” +3
Phone Call (ROYAL): She even has a bunch of Buchimaru-kun emoticons!
- Option 1: “Sounds like you two get along.” +3
Unlocks the Brainiac Talk ability, giving Makoto the chance to step in and rescue a failed demon negotiation.
Rank 4:
So, my class had a practice entrance exam… and my score was significantly lower than last time. I’m concerned…
- Option 1: “That’s unlike you.” +2
I sent her a picture… and it’s apparently the same brand they use in the nurse’s office at school.
- Option 1: “Why do you use it?” +3
- Option 2: “That’s adorable.” +2
I had completely forgotten about that dream, to be honest…
- Option 2: “I like a woman in uniform.” +2
- Option 3: “It’s an amazing goal.” +3
Unlocks the Follow Up ability, Makoto has a chance to attack an enemy after Joker as a follow-up.
Rank 5:
She even sent me a picture of their date at Destinyland.
- Option 2: “That’s annoying.” +2
- Option 3: “He sounds suspicious.” +3
This time, um… you’ll have to play the role of my boyfriend.
- Option 1: “I got this.” +3
- Option 3: “Only if I can take it seriously.” +2
Phone Call (ROYAL): What should we do…?
- Option 3: “Try to reach out to her.” +3
Rank 6:
Requires rank 5 (max) charm to continue this phase of the Makoto confidant link.
Are you seriously datin’?
- Option 1: “We just started.” +2
- Option 3: “Love comes in many forms.” +3
Phone Call (ROYAL): I want to ignore him, but I shouldn’t for Eiko’s sake…
- Option 1: “Tell him you’re on a date.” +2
Unlocks the Harisen Recovery ability, enabling Makoto to occasionally heal status ailments on party members.
Rank 7:
I’m not sure any of that would have happened if not for the incident with my father…
- Option 1: “That’s a horrible story.” +3
- Option 2: “Was it tough without him?” +2
- Option 3: “He was a noble man.” +3
Trying to bring justice and order to the world around him.
- Option 1: “That’s admirable.” +3
- Option 2: “I’m sure he was happy.” +3
And more importantly, how do I want to live…?
- Option 1: “Do you have an answer?” +2
- Option 2: “You can figure that out now.” +2
Wanna have a double wedding?
- Option 1: “I’m game if you are.” +2
- Option 2: “Refuse her, please.” +2
Phone Call (ROYAL): Can we keep this up until I can make a call one way or the other?
- Option 1: “Of course.” +2
- Option 3: “It’s the role I always hoped for.” +3
Unlocks the Shadow Factorization ability. This tells you if an attack will be effective or not while targeting.
Rank 8:
So he calls you his special princess… What do you think, Joker?
- Option 1: “He says that to all the girls.” +2
- Option 2: “That’s how he ropes you in.” +2
She needs to realize that. You’re going to help, right?
- Option 1: “Absolutely.” +3
- Option 2: “What are you going to do?” +2
- Option 3: “Eh, she deserves him.” +2
Unlocks the Endure ability, giving Makoto a chance to withstand a blow in combat that would usually kill.
Rank 9:
Here, romance with Makoto becomes available. You need information on the host, Tsukasa, to start this rank. Get this by going to Shinjuku. There is a man outside the bookstore, talk to him twice.
I dare you!
- Option 1: “Get away from her!” +3
- Option 2: “Your fight’s with me.” +3
- Option 3: “I’m calling the cops.” +3
People noticed what happened…
- Option 1: “We should get out of here.” +2
- Option 2: “Follow me.”
I can’t believe I actually hit one of my friends..
- Option 2: “That was the right move.” +2
How did you ever find somewhere like this…? You know so much.
- Option 1: “I’m a regular here.” +3
- Option 2: “It’s a popular meeting spot.” +3
- Option 3: “Not as much as you.” +2
I can’t learn about romance by myself…
- Friendship Option 1: “You’ll find someone someday.” +3
- Romance Option 2: “I’ll be your study partner.”
Do you… like me? (only if “I’ll be your study partner.” selected):
- Romance Option 1: “I do.” +3
- Friendship Option 2: “That’s not what I meant.”
- Phone Call (ROYAL if romanced): “I’d do anything for you.” +2
- Phone Call (ROYAL if not romanced): “No problem at all.” +2
- Phone Call (ROYAL if not romanced):”No big deal.” +2
Unlocks the Protect ability, allowing Ann to shield Joker from a fatal attack.
Rank 10:
- Max rank, choices don’t matter.
- Unlocks Cybele for fusion.
- Unlocks Second Awakening, evolving Makoto’s Persona to Anat.
Gifts for Makoto in Persona 5 Royal
- Book Cover: +3 Boost (P5), +2 Boost (P5R) – Underground Mall, 3000 Yen
- Classical Hits: +2 Boost – Underground Mall, 3000 Yen
- Designer Perfume: +3 Boost – Underground Mall, 7800 Yen (Unique Reaction Makoto)
- All-purpose Vitamins: +2 Boost – Shibuya, 4500 Yen
- Super Noisy Alarm Clock: P5R only, +2 Boost – Shibuya Underground Mall, 12000 Yen
- Black Mug: +2 Boost – Shinjuku, 1800 Yen
- Heart Ring: +3 Boost – Underground Mall, 88,000 Yen (romance only)
- Heart Necklace: +3 Boost – Underground Mall, 68,000 Yen (romance only)
- Flower Basket +3 Boost (P5), +2 Boost (P5R) – Shinuku at Night, 2400 Yen
- Mini Cactus: +3 Boost (P5), +2 Boost (P5R) – Underground Mall, 1600 Yen)
- Fountain Pen: +3 Boost (P5), +2 Boost (P5R) – Shinjuku, 8000 Yen
- Motorbike Figure: +3 Boost, Akihabara, 3600 Yen (Unique Reaction Makoto)
- Rose Bouquet: +3 Boost (P5), +2 Boost (P5R), romance only – Shinjuku at Night, 2400 Yen
Who Is Makoto Niijima
Makoto Niijima is one of the main characters and a core party member in Persona 5 Royal. Known for her intelligence, strong moral compass, and deep sense of responsibility, she serves as the Student Council President of Shujin Academy. Beneath her composed and serious exterior, Makoto is a fiercely loyal friend who constantly struggles with living up to the expectations of those around her. Makoto is immensely popular in Japan.
Makoto is the younger sister of Sae Niijima, a high-ranking prosecutor. She has lived under her sister’s care since the death of their parents. As a result, she often places immense pressure on herself to succeed and uphold a perfect image. Early in the game, she comes off as cold and dutiful, seen by many students as a “robot” who only follows rules.
However, as the story progresses, Makoto’s character evolves dramatically. After learning of the Phantom Thieves and feeling conflicted about the corruption in the school and society, she chooses to rebel against the system she’s been trying so hard to uphold. She awakens her Persona, Johanna, who represents her standing up for what she truly believes in.
Role in the Phantom Thieves
Makoto joins the Phantom Thieves during the third Palace (Kaneshiro’s Bank) and quickly proves to be a valuable strategist and fighter. She’s known as the “brains” of the group, often analyzing situations and formulating plans. This shows in the unique abilities she brings to the Phantom Thieves.
In combat, Makoto fills a hybrid role. She’s a physical striker, nuclear magic user, and team support. Her Persona learns useful healing and support skills like Medidra and Marakukaja, while also dealing heavy damage with nuclear abilities and melee attacks. Makoto is perhaps the strongest party member in P5 and P5R.
This concludes our Persona 5 Royal Makoto Confidant Guide.
Check out our other confidant guides such as: