Persona 5 was released to critical acclaim in 2017, taking fans of Japanese RPG by storm. It was nominated as a Game of the Year contender thanks to its masterful story and fantastic turn-based combat. After the release of Persona 5 Royal last year, fans were still clamoring for more content set in this universe. Thankfully, Atlus answered the community’s prayers and offered a direct sequel to the base game with Persona 5 Strikers.
With the release of Persona 5 Strikers, players learn more about their favorite Phantom Thieves, including the protagonist, Joker. Because Strikers takes place several months after Persona 5, there are plenty of new details for fans to explore and fawn over. Here are several of the tidbits revealed about Joker in this sequel.
9 He Went Back Home With Morgana After Probation
Once Persona 5 ends, Joker goes back home. With his name cleared and Shido tried thanks to his testimony, he will be accepted back with open arms. His family essentially exiled him because of Shido’s actions, so it’s nice to know he can get a fresh start.
Joker also brings a friend with him when he returns. Morgana asks to accompany Joker to keep an eye on him, to which he agrees. The pair keep each other company for several uneventful months.
8 Life In His Hometown Was Uneventful
One of the first things the Phantom Thieves discuss when they meet up during summer vacation is how life’s been while they’re apart. Joker doesn’t have much to share on the issue, as life at home has been quiet and uneventful.
Ann’s been modeling, Makoto and Haru are studying in college, and Joker is content to take a breather. Aside from attending school, Joker and Morgana haven’t been up to much. After all the strife his enemies put him through, this band of misfits’ leader deserves some time to relax.
7 He Came Back To Shibuya For The Summer
The game opens up with Joker walking into Leblanc, surprised by his fellow Phantom Thieves. The gang has planned a summer trip together, and Joker will be staying with them for the entire summer. They’ve been in contact via group text messages for months, but with life taking over, they haven’t been in contact as much as they want to.
Their road trip is designed to allow the friends to reconnect and share another adventure without the fate of the world hanging in the balance. That was the idea, but some unforeseen circumstances are sure to make their summer vacation unforgettable in more ways than one.
6 He’s On The Path To Ruin Again
Joker and the Phantom Thieves may have planned for a relaxing trip around Japan, but after a surprise visit to the Velvet Room, the protagonist learns that he’s on the path to ruin yet again. Unless his team can find out who is framing them for hearts changing across the country, they’ll be arrested and blamed for these incidents.
The Phantom Thieves return to the Metaverse to unravel another mystery, trying to enjoy their vacation as much as they can on the way.
5 He Retains His Wild Card Abilities
When the Phantom Thieves return to the Metaverse, they’re uncertain of what will change. The team has their Personas back, but they’ve all reverted to their base forms. Not only this, but they’ve got to grind to relearn the bulk of their abilities. Joker does start with his signature Persona, Arsene, but he has retained the ability to assimilate other shadows as Personas.
When an enemy transforms into a mask, Joker can scoop it up at don that Persona’s power on command. He can also visit the Velvet Room to create new Personas as well. As the trump card of the team, this power is integral to the Phantom Thieves’ success.
4 He’s The One Who Frees Sophia
When Joker, Skull, and Mona find their way into the game’s first jail, they find a sealed box in the Metaverse. This box responds to Joker’s touch, releasing Sophia, an artificial intelligence program, and Humanity’s Companion.
The team may not realize it initially, but Sophia becomes one of the most important characters introduced in the game. Her understanding of Jails helps the team navigate this new phenomenon and take down the Monarchs.
3 Only Joker Can Enter The Velvet Room
Despite the Phantom Thieves coming together at the end of Persona 5 in the Velvet Room before the final battle, only Joker can traverse this facility in strikers. When he enters, the other characters see him thinking to himself, insinuating that this realm is only available to Joker.
Joker’s teammates have likely forgotten the Velvet Room entirely, as their leader keeps its existence to himself for the entirety of Strikers.
2 He Distrusts (Almost) All Police
Despite things working out for the best at the end of Persona 5, Joker and his team still despise the police force. They view law enforcement as corrupt and untrustworthy. The team feels so opposed to the police that they immediately show open hostility towards the PubSec officer, Zenkichi Hasegawa, from the moment he introduces himself.
Though Zenkichi does eventually earn the Phantom Thieves’ trust, Joker still isn’t a police fan. He will avoid anyone besides Zenkichi if at all possible.
1 All The Girls Still Love Joker
Even after six months away from Shibuya, Joker still attracts all the ladies in his life. Whether they’re antagonists like Alice Hiiragi or his fellow Phantom Thieves, people can’t seem to resist his charm. At one point in the story, the ladies actually corner Joker and ask him who he would bring with him on a romantic getaway.
Joker plays off this comment and leaves the question open-ended; he’s got his work cut out for him even in the sequel. Anime protagonists are just that irresistible, it seems.
