Persona 5 Tactica is introducing the skill tree mechanic to the series, and Persona 6 could make its own interpretation of the idea. As a spin-off, it's not a surprise that Persona 5 Tactica is going to territory that has yet to be touched by the main series. At the same time, these experiments could lead to ideas that could be worked into the series, potentially to great success. The skill trees of Persona 5 Tactica have the chance to be one such feature. If it works well in Tactica, a Persona 6 incarnation may not be far behind.

Persona 5 Tactics sees a new genre for a Persona spin-off, being a tactical role-playing game rather than the turn-based RPG Persona titles usually are. Trailers have shown how this new direction will affect the game, and the new gameplay style could draw in fans of Fire Emblem and similar games to give the series a chance. Likewise, there's an appeal to seeing how Personas will be incorporated in a new format, similar to the gameplay shift in Persona 5 Strikers. It's also worth noting that a radically different gameplay style ensures a fresh experience even for those who have already beaten Persona 5.

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Persona 5 Tactica's Skill Trees Could Make it to the Main Series

One major new addition to the formula is Persona 5 Tactica's skill trees. As the player progresses through the game, they will be able to give their characters additional perks through the use of the skill tree system. Each character will have three trees to upgrade through, each having to do with a different part of their skillset. By progressing through the trees, players will be able to unlock more powerful bonuses, and even new usable skills for the Phantom Thieves to employ in their adventure. The new level of customization provided by the skill trees promises to add another strategic layer to Persona 5 Tactica.

The skill trees probably have the best chance out of any of Persona 5 Tactica's new features to come into Persona 6. Historically, the Persona series' party members have been far less versatile compared to the wild card-wielding protagonists. By incorporating skill trees, each character could have an extra degree of strategy added to their skillset. Depending on the options provided, these perks could range from empowering certain abilities to providing workarounds for their Persona's main weaknesses. While the Persona games haven't dabbled in this area before, Persona 5 Tactica could be a solid proof of concept for introducing skill trees to the main games.

As a concept, Persona 5 Tactica's skill trees have a real argument to be a handy mechanic in Persona 6. The best part is, it's pretty easy to see a way to implement them. While the methods of conducting battle are different, Persona 5 Tactica is an RPG at heart, just like the main Persona games. Some skill ideas, such as stat boosts or affinity changes, could be incorporated into both games with minimal difficulty. The real difficulty would be in making perks that are effective, but not overpowered. Hopefully Persona 5 Tactica's skill trees can provide a good example to follow.

Skill trees are a new idea with a lot of potential, and they could be Persona 5 Tactica's secret weapon. Persona 6 has to go big in some way, whether it be through gameplay or story. The series has kept a reputation for high quality, and it can't afford to rest on its laurels. While Persona 5 Tactica's tactical RPG gameplay may not be the move that will transform the series, but that doesn't mean it won't have an impact. Persona 5 Tactica's skill trees may be a first look at something that could carry over to Persona 6.

Persona 5 Tactica releases on November 17 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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