Quick Links

While battling Shadows in Tartarus and uncovering the secret of the Dark Hour is a major part of Persona 3 Reload, almost equally important is the social life simulation aspect of the game. Persona 3 Reload rewards players for forming bonds, or Social Links, with those they meet along their journey by allowing them to fuse stronger Personas of their associated arcana to then use in their quest to end the Dark Hour. However, certain Social Links go beyond simply forming a platonic bond with the protagonist and allow players to enter a romantic relationship with these specific characters.

In order to romance one of these characters, players will have to max out their Social Link with them, as well as initiate the romance route with them by selecting a certain response during an earlier Social Link event. In past versions of Persona 3, players who romanced multiple characters were penalized by having their Social Link ranks reversed when these characters found out they were seeing other people. This mechanic is present again in Persona 3 Reload, but players who want to see the romance routes for all options can mend their relationships at Naganaki Shrine.

Elizabeth surfing down a slide in Persona 3 Reload
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S-Tier

Aigis

Aigis is a robot, which makes a traditional relationship with her more complicated than with human romance options. However, she has a unique connection to the protagonist, and the way their destinies are intertwined makes for a particularly special relationship between the two that highlights her development of human emotions and coming to terms with the inevitability of the death of those she cares about. While Aigis' Social Link can't be initiated until January 8 in-game, it's worth the wait needed to unlock this Social Link since Aigis has one of the most unique romance arcs in Persona 3 Reload.

A-Tier

Elizabeth

While Elizabeth doesn't have a Social Link like traditional romance options in Persona 3 Reload, players can still take her on "dates" and explore the world with her outside the Velvet Room. Rather than progressing a Social Link to romance her, players will have to complete a certain number of Elizabeth's requests before they can take her on another date. Dating Elizabeth doesn't take up any time like spending time with Social Links does, and the process of watching Elizabeth learn about the real world and fall in love with the protagonist, despite her duty to serve them in the Velvet Room, is very endearing.

Yukari Takeba

Despite her popularity among her classmates at Gekkoukan High, Yukari harbors a deep sense of isolation that not many get to see until they get to know her. Her Social Link can't be accessed until the player has maxed out their Charm, but starting her Social Link as soon as possible is a great idea since getting close to Yukari reveals a heartbreaking character arc. The loss of her father has left Yukari and her mother with a strained relationship, and working through her trauma as she grows close to the protagonist is worth watching unfold as their relationship is heartwarming and satisfying.

Fuuka Yamagishi

Like Yukari, Fuuka's Social Link can't be accessed until the player has maxed out their Courage, giving them the resolve necessary to try her cooking. Most of her Social Link scenes involve the player watching her struggle with learning to cook, which ends up revealing her insecurity about having the hobby of working with computers, as she worries it is too masculine of an interest. However, it is sweet to watch her relationship with the protagonist grow as Fuuka learns to come out of her shell and overcome her inferiority complex caused by the harsh expectations placed on her by her parents.

B-Tier

Mitsuru Kirijo

While it can be quite intimidating to approach Mitsuru to start her Social Link, requiring the player to have maxed out their Academics, players will get to learn more about a side of Mitsuru that doesn't come across from her elegant yet strict exterior. She is the heiress to the Kirijo Group but confesses to the player that she often dreams of running away from it all, even asking the protagonist to run away with her at one point. However, her loyalty to her father and fellow SEES members wins out, and it can be satisfying to watch her work through the stress put on her by her father's company with the help of the protagonist.

Yuko Nishiwaki

Players can access Yuko's Social Link fairly early in Persona 3 Reload, but they will first need to start the Chariot Social Link with Kazushi Miyamoto. After joining the track team through this Social Link, players can begin spending time with the team manager, Yuko, to unlock her Social Link. It's clear that Yuko has somewhat of a crush on the protagonist early on in her Social Link, and despite her awkwardness around them, her romance arc is very endearing as the two begin coaching a team of elementary school students who make cute remarks about the protagonist being her boyfriend like little kids tend to do.

C-Tier

Chihiro Fushimi

While there is nothing wrong with romancing Chihiro in Persona 3 Reload, her arc is fairly basic and the least interesting out of all the romance options available. It can take a while to even begin her Social Link since she is too shy to talk to the protagonist the first few times they try. However, after her Social Link is started, players will get to see Chihiro grow to become more comfortable interacting with her male classmates and eventually gain the confidence to stand up for herself through the continued support of the protagonist, which showcases the trust and compassion at the heart of their relationship.