Persona 5 Strikers is finally out in the west, serving as a worthy successor to the original game. The Phantom Thieves return with a direct sequel, one that has them traveling around the country to solve a mystery sweeping Japan. Apart from a new story, several other aspects set this game apart from its predecessor.
Persona 5 Strikers introduces a new hack-and-slash combat system, deviating from the traditional turn-based combat. With the innovative new system comes several benefits. One of these boons is the Master Arts system. Playing with each character unlocks unique moves that make them more effective in battle. With four available to each playable character, it’s important to spend time with each Phantom Thieves member, honing their skills. Each art is helpful, but some are more impactful than others.
9 Joker – Phantom Barrage
Each of the game’s nine characters has unique abilities and Master Arts that serve select purposes. The most impressive in Joker’s catalog is his Phantom Barrage: an art that prevents his secondary attack from consuming ammo.
Additionally, it allows Joker to fire off a trifecta of bullets after certain offensive combos. This makes him quick and effective at range.
8 Ryuji – Sprinter
Ryuji is the team’s heavy hitter. His effectiveness in battle revolves around his ability to charge up attacks for additional damage. This move’s greatest weakness is the buildup period, where Ryuiji is vulnerable.
At first, these attacks take quite a while to stockpile power, but that changes after Sprinter is unlocked. Ryuji’s Sprinter speeds up these attacks’ charge rate, letting him fire them off in a fraction of the time.
7 Morgana – Cyclone Charge
One of the most important ways to bolster combat effectiveness in Persona 5 Strikers is to learn which attacks have elemental affinities. It is possible to spam Persona abilities that damage enemies at SP’s cost, but there are several moves that each character can use without depleting their stamina.
One such move is Morgana’s Cyclone Charge. By ramming into enemies while transformed, he can apply wind affinity to his slam attack, which Morgana can use to strike weaknesses. It also gains an increased attack radius for better crowd control.
6 Ann – Crocodile Tears
While Morgana’s best ability is offensive, Ann’s is centered around debuffing enemies. Her Crocodile Tears move calls her Persona, Carmen, to debuff enemies with Taruna. This move lowers a single enemy’s attack power.
Usually, Ann would have to spend some of her SP to use this ability, but it won’t cost her any stamina and can be used repeatedly in battle because this is a combo attack. It’s an excellent move to use when dealing with difficult opponents.
5 Yusuke – Legendary Thief
Ann’s ability focuses on debuffing the enemy but Yusuke’s Legendary Thief buffs himself and the party. Activating the Legendary Thief ability calls Goemon to cast Sukukaja, a move that bolsters Yusuke’s critical and evasion rates.
This move on its own is powerful, but repeatedly pressing the second combo button will upgrade the move, casting Masukukaja instead. This will raise the entire party’s critical and evasion rates for no SP cost. Utilizing this in combat is a must for those looking to down opponents.
4 Makoto – Nuclear Reaction
The most powerful move at Makoto’s disposal is her Nuclear Reaction. Every time she successfully triggers a 1 More or enacts a follow-up attack, her burst is activated. When Makoto is in her burst mode, her abilities receive a nuclear affinity.
Pairing this power with her previous abilities makes her an offensive powerhouse. Fortified Moxy gives her stronger melee attacks in Burst Mode, and Phantom Star Rider strengthens her special attacks, making for an overwhelming offensive kit.
3 Haru – Ballroom Blitzer
Haru serves as one of the best attackers in the Phantom Thieves. Her mastery of heavy weaponry makes her a force of nature on the battlefield. One move that makes her even more dangerous is her Ballroom Blitzer ability.
This boosts the range and damage with all of Haru’s gun attacks, including those used by her Persona. Her special attacks won’t consume any of her ammo either, allowing her to go on bullet-hail rampages as often as she pleases. She’s the go-to for anyone interested in gun combat.
2 Sophia – Data Sync And Blast Processing
Sophia’s most impressive ability is her Data Sync, a move that rewards those who can time their yo-yo attacks perfectly. Following standard attacks with perfect timing increases her weapons’ damage output by a level. Those who get the hang of this power can stock up attack levels and dish out combos that get stronger with each hit.
Blast Processing builds on this mechanic, increasing damage after a special attack. Pressing triangle repeatedly after specific combos lets Sophia repeatedly attack with her yo-yos after unlocking Blast Processing as well. Mastering both of these attack types is detrimental to those aiming to get the most out of this party member.
1 Zenkichi – Alpha’s Fangs
The newest member of the Phantom Thieves, Zenkichi introduces a mechanic unlike any other party member in Persona 5 Strikers. His moves revolve around effectively managing his Fury ability. While Fury is active, Zenkichi does more damage at the cost of his health. Not only does he do more damage during this mode, but he’ll gain a handful of new attacks thanks to the Alpha’s Fangs.
By holding the special attack button after Wolf’s first combo, Zenkichi can extend his combo. After his longer combo, tapping the special attack button repeatedly unleashes a flurry of shockwave slashes that dole out a large amount of damage while stunning enemies. This playstyle is high-risk but comes with a powerful kit that only grows stronger the more Wolf attacks. Getting the hang of this risky ability is the key to overwhelming enemies.
Manage this ability by swapping out of Fury mode before Wolf’s health depletes too much and keep him healed to ensure he performs at his best throughout the course of a battle.
