Ann Takamaki’s Confidant in Persona 5 Royal
Ann Takamaki is one of the first members you recruit in Persona 5 Royal. She joins the Phantom Thieves when Joker, Ryuji, and Morgana storm in to change the heart of abusive volleyball coach Suguru Kamoshida. Throughout the game you can deepen her Confidant, which not only adds story scenes but also grants powerful battle abilities.
When and Where to Meet Ann
Ann’s Confidant begins on 4/15 after Joker re‑enters Kamoshida’s palace, but you cannot hang out with her until that palace is cleared. She can be found in the Shibuya Underground Mall and is available after school on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, all day on Sunday, and anytime it’s raining.
How to Increase Rank Efficiently
To raise Ann’s rank quickly, keep a Persona with the Lover arcana in your party, since matching the arcana adds one point per answer. Scoring highest on exams multiplies affinity by 1.5, while finishing in the top ten gives a 1.2 multiplier; these stack with the Persona bonus. Reach Level 2 Kindness (earned by reading books or renting DVDs) before you can spend time with her for Rank 2.
Confidant Abilities by Rank
Each rank unlocks a new combat skill:
• Rank 2 – Girl Talk: a second chance if a Shadow negotiation fails.
• Rank 3 – Follow Up: a guaranteed extra attack if Joker’s first hit doesn’t down the enemy.
• Rank 4 – Sexy Technique: steals enemy attention and may cancel their next action.
• Rank 5 – Crocodile Tears: enemies may ask for less during negotiations.
• Rank 6 – Harisen Recovery: automatically cure a party member’s status ailment.
• Rank 8 – Endure: survive an attack that would otherwise be fatal with 1 HP left.
• Rank 9 – Protect: protect Joker from a fatal hit.
• Rank 10 – Second Awakening: transform her first Persona, Carmen, into Hecate.
• Bonus (Royal only) – Third Awakening: fuse Carmen and Hecate into Celestine, unlocking the High‑Energy skill that deals over double damage on the next magical attack.
Additional Hangouts and Bonus Events
Ann offers many optional hangouts that grant extra affinity: studying at the Shibuya Diner (adds rank and +3 Knowledge), praying at Meiji Shrine (requires a Lovers and a Death Persona), watching a movie in Shibuya (+3 Charm), a September Hawaii date (only if you’re dating Ann), and the school‑festival afterparty on 10/26 (dating‑only). Each location has specific dialogue choices that award points; selecting supportive or confident replies usually yields the highest gain.
Third Awakening (Bonus Rank)
If you max Ann’s Confidant before the Royal‑only Maruki content, you may meet her at her home on January 13. This optional meeting lets you choose any response, after which she awakens her true self via the Third Awakening, creating the final Persona Celestine. The awakening must be completed by February 2, and it is unavailable in the original Persona 5.
Conclusion
Ann’s Confidant is a valuable addition to any Phantom Thief team, providing both narrative depth and strong battle skills. By keeping a Lover‑arcana Persona, maintaining high exam scores, and choosing the right dialogue options, you can efficiently raise her rank, unlock her powerful final Persona, and enjoy a variety of fun hangouts that boost your overall stats.
