Mastering Hifumi Togo in Persona 5 Royal transforms standard combat encounters into tactical sweeps. While players often gravitate toward party members for story progression, investing time in the Shogi player at the Kanda church yields some of the most powerful utility skills in the game, including seamless party swapping and instant escape options.
Finding Hifumi and maximizing her social link requires specific stat thresholds, correct dialogue choices, and knowing how to navigate her Mementos request. This guide breaks down every rank, available perks, conversation choices, and requirements to max out the Star confidant.
Unlocking Hifumi Togo: Prerequisites and Schedule
Hifumi is not available immediately, and unlocking her requires meeting specific social stat requirements and advancing the narrative past a certain date.
How to Unlock the Star Confidant
- Earliest Unlock Date: June 25th.
- Location: Kanda Church (available at night on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, provided it isn't raining).
- Prerequisites: You need Rank 3 Charm (Persuasive). Additionally, you must speak to Yusuke Kitagawa in Shibuya Underground Walkway first, as he mentions the famous Shogi player and prompts the rumor that unlocks Kanda as a destination.
Once unlocked, spending time with Hifumi requires having a Star Arcana Persona in your inventory to maximize the social link points gained during conversations.
Hifumi Togo Confidant Ranks and Dialogue Choices
Maximizing Hifumi efficiently means selecting the optimal responses during hangouts. Below are the best dialogue choices for each rank to ensure you level up without wasting valuable time slots.
Rank 1 to Rank 2
- Dialogue Option 1: "It's very theatrical." (+2) or "You seem used to it." (+1)
- Dialogue Option 2: "That sounds tough." (+2) or "I want to watch you play." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 3: "I respect that." (+2)
Rank 2 to Rank 3
- Dialogue Option 1: "You must be exhausted." (+2) or "Is it effective?" (+1)
- Dialogue Option 2: "It's about style." (+2) or "It's about winning." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 3: "You practice really hard." (+2)
Rank 3 to Rank 4
- Dialogue Option 1: "Maybe you should quit?" (+1)
- Dialogue Option 2: "You have my support." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 3: "You really love shogi." (+2)
Rank 4 to Rank 5
- Dialogue Option 1: "That's annoying." (+2) or "That's a lot of pressure." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 2: "Do you want to quit?" (+1)
- Dialogue Option 3: "It's for your mother?" (+2)
Rank 5 to Rank 6
- Dialogue Option 1: "It's impressive." (+2) or "You're very dedicated." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 2: "That's harsh." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 3: "You can't lose to her." (+2)
- Note: Reaching Rank 6 requires Rank 3 Knowledge (Erudite).
Rank 6 to Rank 7
- Dialogue Option 1: "You have a great-looking rival." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 2: "You should stay true to yourself." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 3: "You're worried about her?" (+1)
Rank 7 to Rank 8
- Dialogue Option 1: "You want to run away?" (+1)
- Dialogue Option 2: "Face your mother." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 3: "That's the right choice." (+2)
- Note: During this rank, you will trigger her Mementos request: "Cleaner Abandoned to Crime." You must complete this request in Mementos to progress further.
Rank 8 to Rank 9
- Dialogue Option 1: "You can win." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 2: "Your mother is watching." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 3: "Just focus on shogi." (+2)
Rank 9 to Rank 10 (Max Rank)
- Dialogue Option 1: "She loves you." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 2: "You can't lose now." (+2)
- Dialogue Option 3: "Stand up to her." (+2)
- Final Choice (Romance or Friendship): Choosing romantic options leads to a unique couple path, while platonic paths still grant the ultimate gameplay rewards and item.
Complete List of Hifumi Confidant Abilities
Hifumi’s abilities focus heavily on tactical flexibility during battle, letting you escape unwinnable fights, earn extra money, and swap party members mid-turn.
- Rank 1 - Kosei Beginner: Allows you to swap active party members with reserve members during Joker's turn.
- Rank 3 - Fuko: Gives a chance to earn bonus money when you ambush an enemy and end the battle in a 1-More or All-Out Attack.
- Rank 5 - Kakatogaeshi: Allows you to instantly escape from regular battles, even if you are ambushed.
- Rank 7 - Narikin: Increases money earned from winning battles after executing a successful ambush.
- Rank 9 - Gyakuyuso: Allows reserve party members to step in and substitute for knocked-out active members.
- Rank 10 (Max) - Uchiage-Dome: Unlocks the ability to swap party members during any character's turn, not just Joker's, opening up deep combat strategies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Maximizing Hifumi
Many players stall their progress with Hifumi by overlooking core game mechanics. Keep these pitfalls in mind:
- Neglecting Social Stats: If you attempt to initiate her link without Rank 3 Charm, or stall out at Rank 5 without Rank 3 Knowledge, you'll waste calendar days. Check your stats in the PlayStation player menu before heading to Kanda.
- Forgetting the Persona Match: Always keep a Persona of the Star arcana (such as Futsunushi or Kaiwan) in your active stock when hanging out with Hifumi. This grants extra note points per conversation, saving you multiple calendar days.
- Ignoring Mementos Requests: When her social link stalls around Rank 7, do not wait. Check your phone messages for the Mementos prompt from Mishima or Hifumi regarding her mother's fixer, clear the target, and return to Kanda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I romance Hifumi Togo in Persona 5 Royal?
Yes. At Rank 9, you can choose romantic dialogue options to pursue a relationship with Hifumi. Choosing the platonic route keeps her as a close friend while still granting all late-game battle perks.
What stats do I need for Hifumi?
You need Rank 3 Charm (Persuasive) to start her confidant line, and Rank 3 Knowledge (Erudite) to progress from Rank 5 to Rank 6.
Are Hifumi's abilities worth the time investment?
Her max-rank ability to swap party members on any character's turn is widely considered one of the best combat utilities in Persona 5 Royal. It allows you to adapt elements on the fly without wasting Joker's turn.
Where do I find Hifumi during the daytime?
Hifumi is primarily available at night. If you visit the Kanda church during the day, she won't be there, as she is only available during evening time slots.
