Persona 5 Royal Ryuji Confidant Guide (Chariot Arcana)

Ryuji Sakamoto is one of the earliest and most loyal members of the Phantom Thieves in Persona 5 Royal. Representing the Chariot Arcana, Ryuji’s Confidant route is all about redemption, loyalty, and personal growth. As your energetic and hot-headed best bro, Ryuji delivers comic relief and powerful battle skills.

Building a strong bond with Ryuji isn’t just rewarding from a narrative perspective. As you rank up, you unlock combat perks that make him a stronger party member. From Follow-Up Attacks to Endure and his Second Awakening, maxing out his Confidant is a no-brainer for both new players and veterans aiming for 100% completion.

This guide covers every Chariot Confidant rank and the best conversation choices 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 Chariot Persona in your current stock.

Why You Should Max Out Ryuji Sakamoto’s Confidant

Follow-Up Attacks: Ryuji can perform finishing blows when enemies are downed.
Panic Button: Gains Endure, allowing him to survive fatal damage once per battle.
Rescue Chance: Will occasionally save Joker from a fatal attack.
Protect Skills: Will block lethal hits for teammates.
Second Awakening: His Persona evolves at Rank 10, boosting stats and unlocking new skills.
Arcana Boosts: Maxing the Chariot Arcana increases fusion EXP for powerful Personas like Thor, Hecatoncheires, and Chi You.

Ryuji Confidant Quick Facts

Arcana: Chariot Arcana
Available From: Automatically unlocked on 4/12
Location: Shujin Academy (hallways), Yongen-Jaya, or texts
Days Available: Weekdays (after school); weekends vary
Romanceable? No
Best Persona: Equip a Chariot Persona for bonus points

Ryuji Confidant Guide - Chariot

Ryuji has some conversation choices, including 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:

Your cooperation with Ryuji starts on 4/12.

All choices are good here. No difference in points.

Rank 2:

Maybe then I’ll be able to help out a little more.

Option 1: “I’m counting on you.” +3
Option 2: “You seem pretty excited.” +3
Option 3: “…help with what?” +2

……

Option 1: “Do you want to go back?”+2
Option 2: Do you regret it? +2

Phone Call (Royal): I should’ve kept up my running.

Option 1: “You’re already fast enough.” +2
Option 2: “Are your legs okay?” +2
Option 3: “It’s never too late, man.” +2

Unlocks Baton Pass, allowing Ryuji to pass his turn to other users after a 1 More in battle.

Rank 3:

…..

Option 1: “Let’s not fight.” +2

That don’t got anything to do with this…

Option 1: “Calm down, Ryuji.” +3
Option 2: “Just endure it.” +2

Phone Call (Royal): I get pissed off so damn easily. I really gotta work on that.

Option 1: “I can’t exactly blame you.” +2

Unlocks the Follow Up ability, which allows Ryuji to attack an enemy after Joker as a follow-up.

Rank 4:

But for some reason it don’t look like he’s gettin’ along with the others.

Option 2: “Are you worried about him?” +3

I don’t want ’em endin’ up like me.

Option 1: “But you’re doing great.” +3
Option 2: “It’s not so bad.” +2
Option 3: “I know how you feel.” +3

Unlocks the Punk Talk ability. This gives Ryuji the chance to step in and rescue a failed demon negotiation. Also unlocks the Ogikubo Ramen location.

Rank 5:

Oh yeah! You bring your stuff?

Option 2: “Protein powder?” +3
Option 1: “A towel?” +2

…Good for them.

Option 1: “You seem conflicted.” +2
Option 2: “Do you want to rejoin?” +2

But I’m still worried ’bout their advisor, Yamauchi. He’s basically like a mini Kamoshida.

Option 1: “So he’s short?.” +2
Option 2: “So he’s an asshole?” +3

Phone Call (Royal): I ain’t too worried!

Option 1: “Don’t worry. I gotcha.” +2

Rank 6:

You got any ideas?

Option 1: “Let’s stay here.” +2
Option 2: “How about Protein Lovers?” +2
Option 3: “We can train at my place.” +3

That’s a load of bull!

Option 1: “You guys should trust Nakaoka.” +3
Option 2: “There is no time for arguing.” +3

You get what I’m tryin’ to say, yeah?

Option 1: “Absolutely.” +3
Option 2: “More or less.” +3

Phone Call (Royal): He’ll keep his mouth shut whether or not someone’s punchin’ him.

Option 3: “So he should’ve punched back?” +2

Unlocks the Harisen Recovery ability, granting Ryuji the opportunity to heal status ailments affecting party members.

Rank 7:

Ryuji will text you to start this rank. You need to wait for his message to proceed with the Ryuji confidant. The text can arrive on specific dates each in-game month, which are:

May 25th
June 22nd
August 12th
September 21st
October 2nd
November 2nd, 4th, and 11th
December 2nd and 7th

If we don’t do something quick, Yamauchi’s gonna get rid of Takeishi too… God dammit!

Option 2: “Let’s talk to Takeishi.” +3

I know that ain’t the coolest thing to say, but it’s how I feel.

Option 1: “I think it’s cool, Ryuji.” +3
Option 2: “Wait, what?” +2

Provides the Insta-kill ability, allowing Ryuji the opportunity to automatically win a battle after an ambush. The likelihood increases with weaker enemies.

Rank 8:

You saw that, right? That was some serious violence!

Option 1: “Things turned out for the best.” +3
Option 2: “You deserved it.” +3

Thanks.

Option 1: “All I did was watch.” +3
Option 2: “Are you gonna pay me back?” +2

It’s kinda like I was doin’ a sprint… and you were runnin’ next to me.

Option 1: “But I was just standing here…” +2
Option 2: “You weren’t cool though.” +3

Phone Call (Royal): Seein’ them havin’ a real heart-to-heart talk… They got a good team.

Option 2: “So. Case closed?” +2

Unlocks the Endure ability, allowing Ryuji to survive a hit in combat that would normally be fatal.

Rank 9:

Looks like they’re finally walkin’ their own path.

Option 1: “Are you satisfied now?” +3
Option 2: “Not running?” +2

They asked me to come back to the team.

Option 1: “What did you say?” +2
Option 2: “Do you have any time for that?” +2
Option 3: “Don’t do it.” +3

Wherever you decide to be, that’s where you belong.

Option 1: “You’re right.” +3
Option 2: “I never realized that.” +3

I’m just glad I found it.

Option 1: “I agree.” +2

Phone Call (Royal): Sounds like they got him under control.

Option 1: “Congratulations.” +2
Option 3: “Better watch out for them.” +2

Unlocks the Protect ability, giving Ryuji the ability to shield Joker from an attack that would be fatal.

Rank 10:

Any choices you make will be irrelevant, since this is the max rank.
Unlocks Chi You for fusion.
Unlocks Second Awakening, evolving Ryuji’s Persona to its final form, Seiten Taisei.

Best Gifts for Ryuji in Persona 5 Royal

In Persona 5 Royal, giving gifts is an effective way to strengthen your confidant link with Ryuji. 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

Ryuji Story and Background

Ryuji Sakamoto is one of the first allies Joker encounters and a core member of the Phantom Thieves in Persona 5 Royal. Initially introduced as a delinquent and outcast at Shujin Academy, his rough exterior and rebellious attitude quickly become apparent.

However, beneath the brashness lies a fiercely loyal and compassionate individual driven by a deep sense of justice and a desire to protect his friends. His personal journey, and the development of his Chariot Confidant in Persona 5 Royal, is central to understanding his character.

A Troubled Past: The Track Team Incident

Ryuji’s troubled reputation at Shujin Academy stems from a pivotal incident involving the school’s track team. Once a promising athlete and the team’s star runner, Ryuji was a victim of the abusive and manipulative coach, Suguru Kamoshida. Kamoshida’s relentless physical and verbal abuse pushed Ryuji to his breaking point, leading to a violent outburst against the coach.

This act resulted in the track team being disbanded, Ryuji suffering a career-ending leg injury, and his subsequent ostracization by many of his peers and teachers. This event left him with deep scars, a sense of helplessness, and a burning resentment towards authority figures like Kamoshida who abused their power.

The Spark of Rebellion

When Joker transfers to Shujin Academy, he and Ryuji quickly bond over their shared experiences as outcasts and their mutual disdain for Kamoshida. Their accidental discovery of Kamoshida’s Palace, a manifestation of his distorted desires, ignites a partnership between the two. Witnessing Kamoshida’s true monstrous form and the suffering he inflicted, Ryuji awakens to his Persona, Captain Kidd, representing his rebellious spirit and desire for freedom.

The Chariot Confidant

Throughout Persona 5 Royal, Ryuji’s story continues to unfold through his Chariot Confidant arc. This storyline delves deeper into his past, as he grapples with the lingering pain of his injury, the shattered dreams of his track career, and his strained relationships with his former teammates. As Joker helps him navigate these challenges, Ryuji learns to confront his anger, find new purpose beyond running, and ultimately reconcile with his past. He strives to support his friends and find new ways to “run” forward, even without his physical ability.

By understanding Ryuji’s compelling background and the evolution of his character through his Chariot Confidant in Persona 5 Royal, players can fully appreciate his contributions to the Phantom Thieves and optimize their playthroughs.

This concludes our Persona 5 Royal Ryuji Confidant Guide tutorial.

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