Persona 5 Royal, an enhanced version of the critically acclaimed JRPG Persona 5, takes players on an exciting journey through the hearts of corrupted individuals to reform society. Central to this game’s story are the Palaces, cognitive realms created by the distorted desires of villains. In this guide, we delve into the excellent world of Persona 5 Royal and explore all the Palaces that await our heroes, the Phantom Thieves. Additionally, we will be giving you a general description for each to help you picture out what your’e in for in them.
Kamoshida’s Palace – Castle of Lust
Kamoshida’s Palace serves as the introduction to the twisted realms the Phantom Thieves must infiltrate. It takes the form of a towering medieval castle, thus, reflecting the perverted desires of the cruel gym teacher, Suguru Kamoshida. This Persona 5 Royal Palace is a maze of lavish halls and sports arenas. However, below it are large dungeons that house the Shadow versions of Kamoshida’s victims.
Madarame’s Palace – Museum of Vanity
The second Palace belongs to the renowned artist Ichiryusai Madarame, who hides his true nature behind the façade of a respected art instructor. The Museum of Vanity shows Madarame’s larger than life ego in addition to his knack for plagiarism. The Palace mirrors a vast museum filled with beautiful artwork, deceptive exhibits, as well as complex puzzles.
Kaneshiro’s Palace – Bank of Gluttony
Kaneshiro’s Palace takes the form of a massive, impenetrable bank representing his insatiable greed and corrupt financial practices. The Bank of Gluttony is a confusing maze of vaults and money counters. Also, hidden treasures guarded by shadowy bank employees. The Phantom Thieves must find their way through this fortress of materialism to expose Kaneshiro’s sins.
Futaba’s Palace – Pyramid of Wrath
Futaba Sakura, a brilliant hacker burdened by deep-seated guilt, manifests her Persona 5 Royal Palace as a colossal pyramid buried deep within her subconscious. The Pyramid of Wrath is a treacherous labyrinth filled with riddles, traps, as well as ancient Egyptian-themed obstacles. Overcoming these challenges is crucial to saving Futaba from her self-imposed isolation.
Okumura’s Palace – Spaceport of Greed
Okumura’s Palace embodies the exploitative nature of corporate culture, taking the form of a vast spaceport. The Spaceport of Greed shows a futuristic environment filled with conveyor belts, mechanized enemies, in addition to overwhelming productivity. The Phantom Thieves must race against time to navigate this high-pressure realm in order to expose Okumura’s ruthless methods.
Niijima’s Palace – Casino of Envy
Sae Niijima, a prosecutor driven by envy and ambition, materializes her Palace as a luxurious casino. Although Niijima is a generally good person, her Persona 5 Royal Palace symbolizes her distorted desire for success. The Casino of Envy immerses players in a world of bright lights, roulette tables, and slot machines. The Phantom Thieves must outsmart the rigged games and cunning shadows to confront Sae and reveal her true intentions.
Shido’s Palace – Cruiser of Pride
Shido’s Palace, a grandiose representation of power and ambition, appears as a massive floating cruise ship navigating stormy seas. The Cruiser of Pride is a complex network of opulent suites, treacherous engine rooms, and shadow-infested corridors. The Phantom Thieves must penetrate this nautical fortress in order to challenge the political heavyweight’s distorted desires.
Mementos – Path of Sheriruth
Mementos serves as a collective Palace, representing the cognitive world of society’s general public. It manifests as an ever-expanding subway system, the Path of Sheriruth, filled with numerous tunnels and secret areas. Similarly to other Palaces, the Phantom Thieves venture into Mementos to reform the hearts of minor villains, ultimately unraveling the secrets of the metaverse.
Maruki’s Palace – Laboratory of Sorrow
The new character, Takuto Maruki, has a research lab as a Palace, presenting his desire to overwrite reality with his ideal version of happiness. This particular Palace is exclusive to Persona 5 Royal. To unlock the final Palace, you first have to do several things, which we talked about in-depth in a separate article here. Take note that finishing this Palace is also crucial to get the true ending of Persona 5 Royal.
Conclusion
Persona 5 Royal’s Palaces transport players to immersive, beautifully designed realms that mirror the distorted desires of their corrupt inhabitants. From the medieval Castle of Lust to the futuristic Spaceport of Greed, each Palace offers unique challenges, breathtaking visuals, in addition to intricate puzzles for players to overcome. As the Phantom Thieves infiltrate these cognitive realms, they not only expose the villains’ true selves but also embark on a journey of personal growth and redemption. Persona 5 Royal’s Palaces stand as remarkable achievements in game design, adding depth and meaning to an already captivating narrative.
