Persona 3 Portable: New Game Plus Guide
So, you've finished Persona 3 Portable and are ready for another run? Awesome! New Game Plus (NG+) is where the real fun begins, allowing you to experience the game with a significant head start. But what exactly carries over? Let's dive into everything you need to know to make the most of your NG+ adventure in Persona 3 Portable.
What Carries Over to New Game Plus?
Understanding what carries over in Persona 3 Portable's New Game Plus is crucial for planning your next playthrough. It allows you to strategize and optimize your time, focusing on different social links, tackling challenging content, or simply enjoying the story with your enhanced abilities. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Character Stats and Progression
Your protagonist's level does not carry over. You'll start back at level 1, which might seem like a bummer, but don't worry! Many other elements will make you feel like a powerhouse from the get-go. All of your social stats such as Academics, Charm, and Courage do carry over. This is a huge advantage, as you can immediately access social links that require high social stats without grinding. Think about maxing out those tricky social links like the Empress or Devil early on. You’ll retain all the costumes you’ve unlocked in your previous playthrough. This is a fun cosmetic bonus that allows you to customize your protagonist's appearance from the start.
Persona Compendium
One of the most significant advantages of NG+ is that your Persona Compendium carries over. This means you can summon any Persona you've previously obtained, provided you have the money. Fusing powerful Personas early in the game can give you a massive edge in battles. Experiment with different Persona builds and strategies right from the start. Any skill cards you’ve obtained also carry over, allowing you to customize your Personas with powerful abilities from the get-go. Skill cards can significantly enhance your Personas and make them even more formidable. In short, the Persona Compendium is a game-changer, enabling you to breeze through early battles and focus on other aspects of the game.
Equipment and Items
All the equipment your characters had at the end of your previous playthrough is carried over to the new game plus. This includes weapons, armor, and accessories. Giving your protagonist and party members powerful gear right from the start can make battles much easier. You get to keep almost all items from your previous playthrough, including healing items, stat-boosting items, and materials. However, there are a few exceptions, such as key items related to specific events or quests. Having a stockpile of useful items can be incredibly helpful, especially during challenging boss fights. It's like having a safety net, ensuring you're always prepared for whatever the game throws at you. So, stock up on those valuable items before finishing your first playthrough!
Social Links
While your actual social link progress is reset, there's a significant perk: you receive an item from maxing out certain Social Links. These items allow you to fuse the ultimate Persona of that arcana without having to max out the social link again in your next playthrough. This is incredibly useful for accessing powerful Personas early in the game. Focus on maxing out different social links in each playthrough to collect all the key items. The protagonist's relationship status with any romanceable character is reset. You'll have the opportunity to pursue different romantic interests or deepen existing relationships. Take advantage of this to explore different character interactions and storylines.
Other Perks
You'll retain the money you had at the end of your previous playthrough. This is a huge advantage, as you can immediately summon powerful Personas from the Compendium and purchase high-quality equipment. Spend your money wisely to maximize your early-game power. The exploration rewards that are unlocked after defeating optional bosses throughout Tartarus are carried over. This includes things like increased EXP gain or higher item drop rates. These bonuses can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Any unlocked costumes for your characters will be available from the start. This is a fun way to customize your party's appearance. In short, the accumulation of these extra bonuses gives you a strong edge from the start.
What Doesn't Carry Over?
Okay, so we've covered all the awesome stuff you get to keep. But what doesn't make the cut for your NG+ adventure? Knowing this helps you manage expectations and strategize accordingly.
Story Progression
This one's a no-brainer, but it's worth mentioning. Your story progress is completely reset. You'll start from day one, experiencing the story events and decisions anew. This allows you to make different choices and explore alternative outcomes. You'll have to re-fight all the bosses. However, with your retained stats, Personas, and equipment, these fights should be much easier than the first time around. Consider this an opportunity to test out new strategies and builds.
Character Levels
As mentioned earlier, your character levels are reset to 1. This is to maintain a sense of progression and challenge throughout the game. However, with your powerful Personas and equipment, leveling up should be much faster and easier. You'll quickly regain your strength and surpass your previous level. Think of it as a fresh start with all the tools you need to succeed.
Social Link Progress
While the key items for ultimate Persona fusion carry over, your actual social link progress is reset. You'll need to rebuild your relationships with each character from scratch. This allows you to experience their storylines again and make different choices. However, your high social stats make it much easier to initiate and advance social links. Focus on different characters each playthrough to experience all the unique storylines and rewards.
Tips and Strategies for New Game Plus
Now that you know what carries over, let's talk strategy. How can you make the most of your New Game Plus run?
Focus on Maxing Different Social Links
With your social stats carried over, you can focus on maxing out social links you missed in your first playthrough. Remember, maxing out a social link grants you an item that allows you to fuse the ultimate Persona of that arcana without having to max out the social link again in subsequent playthroughs. This is a huge time-saver and allows you to access powerful Personas early on. Plan your schedule carefully and prioritize the social links you want to complete.
Experiment with Persona Builds
Your Persona Compendium is your greatest asset in NG+. Use it to experiment with different Persona builds and strategies. Fuse powerful Personas early in the game and customize them with skill cards. Try different combinations of skills and abilities to create the ultimate Persona team. Don't be afraid to try new things and have fun!
Optimize Your Tartarus Runs
With your retained equipment and Persona Compendium, you can optimize your Tartarus runs. Focus on reaching the higher floors and defeating challenging bosses. Take advantage of exploration rewards that carry over to boost your EXP gain and item drop rates. Use your powerful Personas to quickly dispatch enemies and conserve your resources. Remember to explore every nook and cranny of Tartarus to find valuable items and equipment.
Enjoy the Story
With your enhanced abilities and resources, you can relax and enjoy the story without worrying too much about grinding or struggling in battles. Make different choices and explore alternative outcomes. Immerse yourself in the world of Persona 3 Portable and experience the story in a new way. Talk to all the NPCs, participate in side quests, and discover hidden secrets. Remember, the game is all about having fun!
Plan Your Playthrough
Before starting your NG+ run, take some time to plan your strategy. Decide which social links you want to focus on, which Personas you want to fuse, and which equipment you want to acquire. Set goals for yourself and track your progress. Having a clear plan will help you stay focused and motivated. Remember to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. The game is full of surprises, so be prepared to adjust your strategy as needed.
Is New Game Plus Worth It?
Absolutely! New Game Plus in Persona 3 Portable adds significant replay value to an already fantastic game. It's a chance to experience the story with a fresh perspective, experiment with different builds, and tackle challenges you might have missed the first time around. Plus, who doesn't love feeling like an overpowered badass right from the start?
So, gear up, summon your favorite Personas, and get ready for another unforgettable journey through Persona 3 Portable! You got this, guys! Have fun exploring all the new possibilities and uncovering every secret the game has to offer. Whether you're aiming for 100% completion or just want to relive the magic, New Game Plus is the perfect way to keep the Persona 3 Portable experience alive.