In the world of modern role-playing games, character relationships play a huge role in shaping the player experience. One of the most memorable examples comes from Persona 5, developed by Atlus, where social links—known as Confidants—define how players interact with the story and characters.
Among these relationships, the Makot Confidant stands out as one of the most popular and important social links in the game. Known for her intelligence, discipline, and strong sense of justice, Makoto Niijima is a key character whose Confidant storyline offers both emotional depth and valuable gameplay benefits.
This complete guide explores everything about the Makoto Confidant, including how to unlock it, rank-up choices, abilities, romance route, and tips for maximizing your relationship.
Who Is Makoto Niijima?
Before diving into the Makot Confidant system, it’s important to understand the character herself.
Makoto Niijima is a high-achieving student and the student council president at Shujin Academy. At first, she appears strict, serious, and focused on rules, but as the story progresses, players discover her deeper motivations and emotional struggles.
She is also known by her Persona name:
- Persona: Johanna (later Cybele in evolved form)
Makoto plays a major role in the main story of Persona 5, making her Confidant route especially meaningful.
How to Unlock the Makoto Confidant
To begin the Makoto Confidant, players must first progress through the main story.
Unlock Requirements
You will unlock Makoto Niijima as a Confidant after:
- Reaching a certain story progression point (around June in-game)
- Completing the Kaneshiro Palace arc
Once unlocked, her Confidant becomes available under the Priestess Arcana.
Makoto Confidant Arcana: Priestess
Makoto represents the Priestess Arcana, which symbolizes:
- Wisdom
- Introspection
- Knowledge
- Moral balance
In gameplay terms, this Arcana is associated with support abilities and analytical skills that help the team in various ways.
Overview of the Makoto Confidant Storyline
The Makoto Confidant storyline focuses on her journey of self-discovery and independence.
Early Stages
At the beginning of the Makoto Confidant, she is:
- Strict and rule-focused
- Pressured by expectations
- Unsure about her own identity
She initially views the Phantom Thieves with skepticism.
Mid Progression
As the Confidant develops:
- Makoto begins questioning authority
- She learns to think independently
- She starts trusting the protagonist
This stage marks a major emotional shift in her character.
Late Stages
At higher ranks:
- Makoto becomes more confident
- She embraces her ideals of justice
- She fully supports the Phantom Thieves
Her character development is one of the strongest in Persona 5.
How to Increase Makoto Confidant Rank
To progress the Makoto Confidant, players must spend time with her and make correct dialogue choices.
General Tips
- Choose dialogue options that show understanding
- Bring Persona of Priestess Arcana for bonus points
- Spend time with her whenever available
Best Dialogue Choices for Makoto Confidant
Choosing the right responses is essential for fast progression.
Early Ranks (1–3)
Focus on:
- Encouraging her independence
- Showing respect for her intelligence
- Supporting her curiosity
Mid Ranks (4–7)
Best responses include:
- Agreeing with her moral concerns
- Supporting her decisions
- Showing empathy toward her struggles
Late Ranks (8–10)
At higher levels:
- Be honest and supportive
- Express trust in her abilities
- Strengthen emotional connection
Makoto Confidant Abilities and Benefits
One of the main reasons players prioritize the Makoto Confidant is the powerful gameplay bonuses.
Rank 1 Ability: Shadow Calculus
Allows players to:
- See enemy weaknesses in battle
This is extremely useful for combat strategy in Persona 5.
Rank 3 Ability: Baton Pass Upgrade
Improves:
- Damage boost when passing turns
- Team synergy in battles
Rank 5 Ability: Shadow Factor Analysis
Helps identify:
- Enemy skills
- Weakness patterns
Rank 7 Ability: Follow-Up Attack
Makoto may:
- Perform follow-up attacks during combat
Rank 9 Ability: Protect Ability
Makoto can:
- Save the protagonist from fatal attacks
Max Rank Ability: Nuclear Expertise Boost
Enhances:
- Nuclear damage skills
- Combat effectiveness
Makoto Confidant Romance Route
One of the most popular aspects of the Makoto Confidant is the romance option.
How to Romance Makoto
To enter the romance route:
- Reach Rank 9
- Choose romantic dialogue options
- Express personal feelings
Romance Outcomes
If you choose to romance her:
- Unique romantic scenes are unlocked
- Special dialogue is added
- Valentine’s Day event changes
Makoto becomes one of the most emotionally grounded romance options in the game.
Friendship Route vs Romance Route
Players can choose two paths:
Friendship Route
- Strong platonic bond
- Focus on trust and respect
- No romantic scenes
Romance Route
- Emotional relationship
- Additional story content
- Special interactions
Both routes are meaningful in their own way.
Makoto Confidant and Story Importance
Makoto is not just a side character. She plays a major role in:
- Main story progression
- Team leadership decisions
- Moral conflict resolution
Her Confidant enhances understanding of her role in the story.
Personality Development Through Confidant
The Makoto Confidant shows a deep transformation:
Before Awakening
- Obedient
- Pressured
- Emotionally restricted
After Growth
- Independent thinker
- Confident leader
- Emotionally open
This transformation is one of the highlights of Persona 5.
Best Time to Work on Makoto Confidant
To maximize efficiency:
- Focus on her after school hours
- Avoid overlapping with palace deadlines
- Prioritize rainy days or free time slots
Planning is essential for completing all Confidants in one playthrough.
Common Mistakes in Makoto Confidant
1. Ignoring Arcana Matching
Not using Priestess Persona slows progress.
2. Random Dialogue Choices
Incorrect responses can delay rank-ups.
3. Poor Time Management
Missing opportunities can delay completion.
Why Makoto Confidant Is So Popular
The Makoto Confidant is widely loved because:
- Strong character development
- Balanced personality
- Useful gameplay abilities
- Emotional depth
She represents intelligence combined with emotional growth.
Makoto Confidant vs Other Confidants
Compared to other Confidants in Persona 5:
- More story-focused than many characters
- Strong gameplay utility
- Highly impactful romance arc
Advanced Tips for Maximizing Makoto Confidant
1. Always Carry Priestess Persona
This increases social link gains.
2. Prioritize Free Days
Spend time with her whenever possible.
3. Combine with Story Progress
Sync Confidant progression with main missions.
Emotional Themes in Makoto Confidant
The storyline explores:
- Pressure from expectations
- Search for identity
- Moral responsibility
- Emotional freedom
These themes make her Confidant one of the most meaningful arcs.
Final Thoughts on Makoto Confidant
The Makoto Confidant in Persona 5 is more than just a gameplay mechanic—it is a deeply emotional journey of self-discovery, trust, and growth.
Through her relationship with the protagonist, Makoto Niijima evolves from a rigid rule-following student into a confident and independent individual.
Whether you pursue friendship or romance, the Makoto Confidant remains one of the most rewarding and impactful social links in the entire game.
