Persona 3 Portable: New Game Plus Guide

So, you've conquered the Dark Hour, forged unbreakable bonds, and danced your way through Tartarus in Persona 3 Portable. Congrats! But what happens now? The adventure doesn't have to end there, my friend. That's where New Game Plus (NG+) comes in, offering you a chance to relive the experience with a serious power boost. Let's dive into everything you need to know about making the most of your NG+ run in Persona 3 Portable.

What Exactly is New Game Plus?

New Game Plus is a feature in many games, including Persona 3 Portable, that allows you to start a new playthrough after completing the game, carrying over certain elements from your previous save. This means you get to experience the story again, but this time you're equipped with advantages that make the journey smoother, more rewarding, or even allow you to tackle challenges you might have missed the first time around. Think of it as a victory lap, but with extra goodies!

What Carries Over to New Game Plus?

Okay, so you're probably wondering what awesome stuff you get to keep. Here's the breakdown of what carries over to New Game Plus in Persona 3 Portable:

1. Your Persona Compendium

This is huge, guys. Your meticulously crafted Persona Compendium, filled with powerful Personas you've fused and leveled up, comes along for the ride. This means you can summon those high-level Personas right from the start, giving you a significant advantage in battles. Imagine starting the game with a powerful Persona ready to wreak havoc – talk about a head start! This is especially useful for mowing down early-game shadows and leveling up your protagonist even faster.

2. Your Protagonist's Stats

All those hours spent studying, hanging out with friends, and working part-time jobs to boost your social stats? They weren't in vain! Your protagonist's Academics, Charm, and Courage stats carry over to New Game Plus. This opens up social links and dialogue options right from the get-go, allowing you to max out those relationships much earlier in the game. Plus, being a super-smart, charming, and brave protagonist just makes the game more fun, doesn't it?

3. Equipment

Gear up, because your protagonist's equipped weapons, armor, and accessories transfer over. This means you can start the game with some seriously powerful equipment, making those early battles a breeze. Remember that rare weapon you spent hours grinding for? It's all yours from the start. This is a massive time-saver and lets you focus on other aspects of the game, like social links and exploring Tartarus more strategically.

4. Money

Cha-ching! Your hard-earned cash carries over, giving you a financial head start in your NG+ run. This is incredibly useful for buying new equipment, summoning Personas from the Compendium, and generally making your life easier. No more scrounging for yen – you can afford to live the high life, or at least buy some decent gear without selling off all your treasures.

5. Social Link Progress (With Caveats)

While your actual Social Link ranks reset, the items you received from maxing out Social Links carry over. These items allow you to fuse the ultimate Persona of that arcana without having to max out the social link again in your new playthrough. This is a huge time saver, especially for social links that require specific conditions or are only available during certain times of the year. It lets you focus on completing other social links or pursuing different storylines without the pressure of re-maxing everything.

6. Unlocked Costumes

All those cool costumes you unlocked during your first playthrough? You get to keep them! Dress your protagonist up in their favorite outfits from the very beginning, adding a touch of style to your NG+ adventure. This is purely cosmetic, but hey, looking good is half the battle, right?

7. Vision Quest Progress

If you delved into the Vision Quest, any progress you made, such as unlocked floors or defeated bosses, will remain unlocked in your New Game Plus run. This means you can jump straight back into the challenges without having to start from scratch, allowing you to further test your skills and strategies.

What Doesn't Carry Over?

Alright, now that we've covered the goodies, let's talk about what doesn't carry over:

• Story Progression: You'll be starting the story from the beginning, reliving all the major events and plot twists.
• Social Link Ranks: As mentioned earlier, your Social Link ranks reset, although you keep the key items from maxed links.
• Tartarus Progress: You'll have to climb Tartarus again from the first floor.

Why Play New Game Plus?

So, why bother with New Game Plus? Here are a few compelling reasons:

1. Completionist Run

Did you miss any Social Links, Personas, or side quests during your first playthrough? NG+ gives you a chance to complete everything and truly experience all that Persona 3 Portable has to offer. With your boosted stats and Persona Compendium, you'll be able to tackle challenges that might have been too difficult before.

2. Experiment with Different Choices

Persona 3 Portable offers different choices that can affect the story and your relationships with other characters. NG+ allows you to explore these different paths and see how they change the outcome of the game. Maybe you want to romance a different character or make different decisions during key story moments. The possibilities are endless!

3. Challenge Yourself

Even with your advantages, NG+ can still be challenging, especially if you increase the difficulty level. Test your skills and strategies against tougher enemies and bosses, and see if you can conquer the game with an even greater sense of accomplishment.

4. Enjoy the Story Again

Persona 3 Portable has a compelling story and memorable characters. NG+ gives you a chance to relive the experience and appreciate the nuances of the plot and character development. Sometimes, knowing what's coming can make the story even more impactful.

Tips for Your New Game Plus Run

Alright, you're convinced. You're ready to dive into NG+. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:

1. Plan Your Social Links

Since your Social Link ranks reset, plan which Social Links you want to focus on in your NG+ run. Use a guide to optimize your schedule and make sure you don't miss any opportunities to build relationships. Remember, the items you get from maxed social links are still available.

2. Fuse Powerful Personas Early

Take advantage of your Persona Compendium and fuse powerful Personas early in the game. This will give you a significant advantage in battles and make it easier to level up your protagonist and party members.

3. Explore Tartarus Strategically

While you have to climb Tartarus again, you can do so more strategically in NG+. Focus on leveling up your party members and collecting valuable items and equipment. With your knowledge of the dungeon layout, you can efficiently navigate Tartarus and avoid unnecessary battles.

4. Take on the Vision Quest

The Vision Quest offers unique challenges and rewards, so be sure to explore it in your NG+ run. With your upgraded equipment and Personas, you'll be better equipped to tackle the tough battles and puzzles that await you.

5. Increase the Difficulty (Optional)

If you're looking for a greater challenge, consider increasing the difficulty level in your NG+ run. This will make battles more challenging and require you to use more strategic tactics. However, be prepared for a tougher experience!

Final Thoughts

New Game Plus in Persona 3 Portable is a fantastic way to extend your enjoyment of the game. Whether you're looking to complete everything, experiment with different choices, or simply relive the story, NG+ offers a rewarding and engaging experience. So, grab your Persona Compendium, dust off your equipment, and get ready for another unforgettable adventure in the world of Persona 3 Portable!