Persona 5 Royal brings a litany of new characters and story beats that make it an experience that stands on its own. One such character is Kasumi Yoshizawa. This eloquent and intelligent gymnast comes to Joker’s aid multiple times over the course of the campaign.

Apart from aiding Joker in battle, Kasumi is also a romance option exclusive to Persona 5’s definitive edition. Those keen on keeping Kasumi close will want to take several careful steps to ensure she enters a romantic relationship with the game’s protagonist.

Play the Game Normally Until 5/30

At the beginning of Persona 5 Royal, players get to see a showcase of Kasumi’s character. She aids Joker in battle mere minutes into the game. Though she is one of the earliest playable characters in this rendition of Persona 5, she isn’t available as a Confidant for some time.

Players will want to focus on playing the game as they usually would until 5/30. At this point, Kasumi is introduced as a Confidant via story beat. Because it is a part of the campaign, there’s no need to worry about missing out on her first Social Link rank.

Keep Track of Which Days Kasumi’s Ranks Unlock

Although Kasumi’s first Social Link rank unlocks automatically, others will take some time to become available. Make sure to keep track of which days her ranks open up, as players must complete the following Confidant ranks before finishing the base game’s content:

  • Confidant Rank 2 unlocks on 6/8 Confidant Rank 3 unlocks on 6/29 Confidant Rank 4 unlocks on 7/31 Confidant Rank 5 unlocks on 8/7

Earlier in the game, players can focus on finishing other dungeons and accomplishing the other prerequisites that will enable them to reach the true ending.

Progress Toward the True Ending

To romance Kasumi, players must progress toward the True Ending of Persona 5 Royal. One of the prerequisites for doing so involves reaching certain milestones with another two Confidants whose Social Links are new to Royal — Goro Akechi, whose Justice Arcana must climb to Rank 8, and Takuto Maruki, who must hit Rank 9 with his Councillor Arcana.

Some of these will require higher social stats, so players will want to spend a fair amount of their free time boosting Knowledge and Charm so as to avoid bumping up against any barriers along the way.

Reach Confidant Rank 5 by 12/18

Even though Kasumi’s Confidant Ranks unlock intermittently, there is still a deadline for completing her Arcana. Joker needs to max out her Arcana by 12/18. This is just before the end of the base game. Thankfully, her maximum Confidant Rank is 5 until after this point, meaning there’s plenty of wiggle room.

Just tackle the ranks as they become available, and there will be no need to worry about failing. Slate some time out on the specified days, as it can be easy to get sidetracked with so many activities in Persona 5 Royal.

Reject Igor’s Proposal on 12/24 to Progress to the True Ending

On Christmas Eve, Igor proposes a solution to the tainted hearts of Tokyo’s citizens. He suggests that Joker allow them to remain ignorant while remaining the hero. Though his offer may seem tantalizing, turn it down.

Accepting this offer will instantly trigger one of the game’s bad endings, halting any progress players have made up to this point. This means that even if all the other prerequisites for the true ending have been unlocked along the way, this one mistake will undo everything. Refuse Igor and defeat him. If all necessary steps have been taken, the third semester will begin.

Help Kasumi Face Her Past

One of the first orders of business for Joker and Kasumi in the third semester will be to take on a new palace with a dark secret. Joker will need to be there for Kasumi when she needs him the most, helping her to face a trauma she’s ignored. This portion is part of Persona 5 Royal’s new story beats, so it will occur automatically so long as the aforementioned Christmas Eve ultimatum was rejected.

Only one upcoming narrative option can lead to failure along this route. Help Kasumi find her reason to fight as the pair make their way through the game’s final palace.

Reject Maruki’s Offer on 1/9

There is one last temptation for both Joker and Kasumi that could prevent players from reaching the true ending. This would be an offer that Doctor Maruki gives them both on 1/9.

Just as you ignored Igor’s offer, ignore Maruki’s as well. All the hard work that’s been handled up until 1/9 will be made fruitless; the game will conclude before players ever have a chance to initiate Kasumi’s romance. Turn his offer down and prepare for the final palace.

Pick Up Gifts for Kasumi

As with any romantic partner in Persona 5 Royal, Joker can give Kasumi gifts. Tokyo has a unique set of items that will help boost Kasumi’s Social Link with the protagonist. Grabbing a few of these items can help prevent an unproductive hangout session, as later Arcana ranks can take multiple visits to progress. Grab some of the following to impress the young gymnast:

  • +2 Boost: Flower Basket, Star Mirror, Black Mug, Local Mascot Set, All-purpose Vitamins, Sakura Fan +3 Boost: Heart Ring, Crimson Lipstick, Rose Bouquet, Face Beautifier, Designer Perfume, Mini Cactus

Support Kasumi’s Athletic Journey

The second half of Kasumi’s Arcana focuses on dealing with the insecurities of her past. She’ll need a senpai that’s both supportive and competitive to push her forward. Luckily, Joker will do most of the heavy lifting in these situations, as he is the strong and silent type. Players will, however, need to make a few key interjections of their own.

Be Supportive and Kind in Kasumi’s Bonding Sessions

Whenever Kasumi asks for Joker’s input, use inquisitive and supportive language. When she talks about her past, ask questions, and keep her talking. She feels unheard in life, so spending time talking to her will really boost her self-worth. If she seems to be down, let her know that Joker understands and that he’s had struggles before as well. Starting around Rank 7, Joker will need a fairly high Knowledge stat, so plan accordingly. Kasumi will come to Joker with questions and ask for advice that only a smart senior — or a savvy gamer who charted their Persona 5 Royal calendar in a productive manner — can provide.