Persona 5 Royal Yusuke Confidant Guide Emperor
Yusuke Kitagawa joins the Phantom Thieves early on. He’s the odd one out in almost any group. Excentric and socially knowing no limits, Yusuke is a great addition to the game. He represents the Emperor Arcana. His unique perspective and dedication to beauty are matched only by his struggle with the mundane realities of life
Yusuke provides the unique ability to duplicate skill cards. He also has the follow-up attack and Endure ability, as all of the other Phantom Thieves party members. At max rank, you unlock the Second Awakening.
This Persona 5 Royal Yusuke Confidant guide covers every Emperor rank and the choices you should make to earn maximum affection points. The +1, +2, and +3 numbers show how many points are added to the stat that controls when your confidant relationship levels up. These totals are only accurate if you have a Persona from the Emperor Arcana with you.
Why You Should Max Out Yusuke’s Confidant
- Card Duplication (Rank 1): This is his most unique and useful ability. Yusuke can duplicate any Skill Card you possess using a Blank Card.
- Follow-Up Attacks (Rank 3): Yusuke can perform finishing blows when enemies are downed.
- Card Creation (Rank 5): He can recreate any Skill Card he has previously copied, even if you no longer have it in your inventory.
- Harisen Recovery (Rank 6): Yusuke gains a chance at the start of his turn to cure a status ailment on a party member.
- Endure (Rank 8): Gives Yusuke a chance to survive an otherwise fatal blow with 1 HP remaining, preventing a party wipe.
- Protect (Rank 9): Grants Yusuke a chance to shield Joker from an otherwise fatal attack, sacrificing himself instead.
Yusuke Confidant Quick Facts
- Arcana: Emperor
- Phantom Thief Codename: Fox
- Location: Shibuya Station Underground Walkway
- Availability: All week in the daytime. He’s also available on rainy days, day and night
- Romanceable? No
- Best Persona: Equip an Emperor Persona for bonus points
- Gifts (only in ROYAL): Watercolor Postcard, Castella, … (complete list further down)
Yusuke Confidant Guide - Emperor
Yusuke has phone calls that are exclusive to Persona 5 Royal. These are marked with (Royal). For the standard edition, the other answers remain the same. Choices not listed here do not impact your relationship, so feel free to choose any you like.
Rank 1:
On 6/18 there will be an event with Yusuke. Talk to him at the train station’s underground passageway afterwards.
I have to hold up my end of the deal, so I’ll perform to the best of my ability. You need only ask.
- Option 1: “Thanks.” +2
- Option 2: “I’ll try not to.” +2
- Option 3: “I’ll be asking a lot.” +3
- Unlocks Novice Duplication, this ability allows Yusuke to produce low-level skill cards for you by using Blank Cards. These can be used to teach your Persona skills.
- You also get a Recarm skill card for completing this rank.
Rank 2:
I would like your honest opinion… if you would.
- Option 1: “It’s novel.” +2
- Option 2: “It’s enigmatic.” +2
More importantly, it shall be the spark that revitalizes my slumbering art career!
- Option 1: “I can’t wait.” +3
- Option 2: “I hope you’re right.” +3
Phone Conversation (ROYAL): I’m on a roll right now. I shall keep up this momentum and apply it to the Phantom Thieves as well!
- Option 1: “You’re already doing enough.” +2
- Unlocks Baton Pass, allowing Yusuke to pass his turn to other users after a 1 More in battle.
Rank 3:
My work is… empty?
- Option 3: “Don’t let it bother you.” +2
What is going to happen to me now…? Without art, what will remain of my being…?
- Option 1: “You’re really giving up?” +2
- Option 2: “This isn’t like you.” +3
But that is all the more reason I must break out of my slump. I must prove my ability to him.
- Option 1: “How exactly? +2
- Option 2: “That’s the spirit.” +2
Phone Conversation (ROYAL): I’m going to have ten pieces finished up by end of today!
- Option 1: “That’s the spirit.” +2
- Unlocks the Follow Upability, giving Yusuke the chance to attack an enemy after Joker as a follow-up.
- Also unlocks the Ueno Museumlocation if you haven’t unlocked it yet.
Rank 4:
Thank you for your assistance today. After all, it would be impossible to sketch while rowing.
- Option 2: “Why are we in a boat?” +2
- Option 3: “I should bring a girl here.” +2
It seems my bias has caused me to overlook the truth of the matter…
- Option 1: “Love comes in all forms.” +3
- Option 2: “Maybe you should train more.” +2
Phone Conversation (ROYAL): Even if I ever do understand it, will I truly be able to draw it…?
- Option 1: “Don’t get discouraged.” +2
- Unlocks the Artist Talk ability, giving Yusuke the chance to step in on a failed demon negotiation.
- Also unlocks the Inokashira Parklocation if you haven’t unlocked it yet.
Rank 5:
You will have to be my model today.
- Option 2: “I dunno if I can do it…” +2
- Option 3: “Do you want me to strip?” +3
Do you think I will be able to capture the truth someday?
- Option 1: “I’m sure you will.” +3
- Option 2: “It doesn’t look like it.” +3
- Option 3: “Do you want to give up?” +2
Phone Conversation (ROYAL): The further I seem to be from understanding the abyss of the heart.
- Option 3: “There’s still hope.” +2
- Unlocks the Adept Duplication skill. This allows Yusuke to create medium-level skill cards.
- Also unlocks the Kanda Church location if it wasn’t already available.
Rank 6:
You need rank 4 (Masterful) Proficiency to begin this rank of the Yusuke social link.
This place has not changed in the slightest…
- Option 1: “It feels nostalgic.” +2
Why do you think Madarame decided to take me in?
- Option 1: “Maybe he was sympathetic.” +3
- Option 2: “He somehow knew you have skill.” +2
- Option 3: “I couldn’t possibly tell you.” +3
Phone Conversation (ROYAL): What’s your impression of him?
- Option 1: “He had a certain dignity.” +2
Unlocks the Harisen Recovery ability, giving Yusuke the chance to step in and heal status ailments on party members.
Rank 7:
We’ll sell you as the ‘tragic, handsome artist.
- Option 2: “What do you mean?” +2
Why is it that all artists talk about is money, money, money!? Has the true meaning of art been lost!?
- Option 1: “The truth is within you.” +3
Phone Conversation (ROYAL): I’m a petty sellout, a slave to the power of money!
- Option 1: “Calm down.” +2
- Option 2: “It’s not a crime to enjoy sushi.” +2
- Unlocks the Master Duplication ability. This allows Yusuke to create skill cards for high-end skills.
Rank 8:
What subject do you think would most capture beauty?
- Option 3: “It has to be Ann.” +2
Is this what pure passion is supposed to look like!? My heart is clouded by worldly desires…!
- Option 1: “What’s wrong with that?” +2
- Option 3: “You’ve really grown, Yusuke.” +3
- Unlocks the Endure ability, Gives Yusuke a chance to survive an otherwise fatal blow.
Rank 9:
When my mother was painting the ‘Sayuri’… what do you think she was thinking about?
- Option 1: “Her love for her son.” +3
- Option 2: “The pain of separation.” +3
- Option 3: “I don’t know.” +2
But that is why I am going to wield my brush again… To give hope to all those who see my paintings.
- Option 1: “You’ve really changed, Yusuke.” +3
- Option 2: “That’s a great idea.” +2
- Unlocks the Protect ability, allowing Yusuke to shield Joker from an attack that would be fatal.
Rank 10:
- Max rank, choices have no impact.
- Unlocks Odin for fusion.
- Unlocks Second Awakening, evolving Yusuke’s Persona to Kamu Susano-o.
Best Gifts for Yusuke in Persona 5 Royal
In Persona 5 Royal, giving gifts is a good way to strengthen your confidant link with Yusuke. This is something they added in P5R, as in the original game, you couldn’t give gifts to boys.
- Dragon Sword Keychain: +3 Boost – Akihabara, 500 Yen
- Cup Noodles Set: +3 Boost – Shibuya Rocinante Discount Store, 3480 Yen
- Wrist Weights: +3 Boost – Underground Mall Sports Shop, 6800 Yen
- Sports Sunglasses: +3 Boost – Underground Mall Sports Shop, 12,000 Yen
- Blaring Alarm Clock: +2 Boost – Akihabara Electronics Store, 12,000 Yen
- Silver Bangle: +3 Boost – Underground Mall Jewelery Store, 78,000 Yen
Yusuke Story and Background
After the Madarame incident, Yusuke faces a profound artistic crisis. The discovery of his mentor’s treachery taints his perception of art, leaving him in an artistic slump. His Confidant arc (the Emperor Arcana) focuses on his journey to redefine his relationship with art and find new, pure inspiration.
Early Ranks (Struggles with Inspiration): Yusuke initially struggles to paint, feeling his integrity as an artist has been corrupted. He attempts to find inspiration in Mementos by observing humanity’s twisted desires, resulting in a dark, twisted painting he calls “Desire.” He later tries to paint “anguish” at a church, even asking Joker to model for him, but discovers that true art is more complex than simply replicating a single emotion. He realizes his art lacks “passion.”
Mid Ranks (Understanding the Human Heart): Through various outings and discussions with Joker, Yusuke begins to understand the multifaceted nature of the human heart. He revisits his childhood home, reflecting on his past and how Madarame’s influence skewed his perception. He grapples with the idea that money and fame can corrupt true art.
Late Ranks (True Inspiration and Connection): Yusuke encounters an art critic, Kawanabe, who offers him mentorship and a spot in a new gallery under a specific, almost exploitative, marketing angle. This forces Yusuke to confront his lingering desire for recognition and whether it aligns with true artistic integrity. Through his interactions with Joker and the Phantom Thieves, he comes to realize that his desire for recognition isn’t inherently corrupt; rather, it’s a natural human desire to connect and communicate with others.
Rank 10 (Second Awakening and Masterpiece): Yusuke finally finds peace and renewed purpose. He understands the dual nature of the human heart, the ugliness and the beauty. He comprehends how his mother’s “Sayuri” painting represents a blend of love, loss, happiness, and sorrow, ultimately conveying hope. With this newfound understanding, he creates his masterpiece, “Desire and Hope,” which wins an art competition.
Kawanabe reveals his earlier offer was a test, and Yusuke declines his formal support, declaring that his friends are his true inspiration. Yusuke’s Persona, Goemon, undergoes a Second Awakening into Kamu Susano-o, reflecting his growth and newfound artistic and personal clarity.
This concludes our Persona 5 Royal Yusuke Confidant Guide tutorial.