The Fool Social Link has typically been an important one in the Persona games, and Persona 6 could put an interesting new spin on it. Since Social Links are such an important part of the Persona series, Persona 6 is almost certain to bring them back in some form. While Social Links are a core part of the game in general, the Fool Social Link has been notable in different ways in each game, making it one of the more interesting Arcana. With that in mind, Persona 6 could make its Fool Link unique in a new way.
The addition of Social Links in Persona 3 changed the face of the series. Social Links are connections that the protagonist makes with various characters across the game. This can include party members as well as a collection of other NPCs that they can meet around town. Each features rich rewards for players to pursue them, like bonus experience for Persona fusions of the corresponding Arcana, and upon completion, they unlock the ultimate Persona of their Arcana for fusion. Persona 5 took this even further with its Confidants, all of whom had their own unique bonuses as a reward for pursuing them.
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The Protagonist of Persona 6 Could Be Both the Fool Arcana User and Social Link
Persona's Fool Social Link Is Always a Notable One
Since Social Links first debuted, the Fool Link in the Persona games has generally been a particularly notable one. In Persona 3 it was the link for S.E.E.S. as a whole, while in Persona 4 it represented the Investigation Team. This pattern broke in Persona 5 as it instead became a Confidant link with series mainstay Igor. All of these Social Links rank up automatically at certain points in the story, so the player is guaranteed to max each of them out if they reach the game's end. This is just as much a pattern as the protagonist's starting Persona always being a Fool.
Persona 6's Fool Social Link Could Be the Protagonist Themself
The status quo could see a big shift in Persona 6. In addition to Persona 6's protagonist using the Fool Arcana for their Persona, they could end up being the Fool Social Link themselves. Such a Social Link could see the protagonist doing a lot of self-reflection during its events, either thinking about their mission or wondering about themselves. It could act as a way for Atlus to go beyond portraying the protagonist as a mostly blank slate who happens to lead the party through these conversations. The idea of self-reflection could play well into whatever theme Persona 6 and its story end up taking on.
A Personal Social Link in Persona 6 Could Create Stronger Personas
A Social Link focused on oneself would be something entirely new, and it has potential. In addition to the central themes of the Persona series revolving around the psyche and identity, it could also play a mechanical role. As the protagonist's Fool Social Link grows, them coming to understand themselves better could grant boosts for their Persona. After all, if the Persona is a reflection of themselves, then it would make sense for self-reflection to strengthen it. In that sense, the Fool Social Link could act like one of Persona 5's Confidants, further rewarding the player as they delve deeper into it.
The idea of self-reflection could play well into whatever theme Persona 6 and its story end up taking on.
Persona 6's Fool Social Link is probably going to be another important one, but it could also become the most unique. Not to mention, it wouldn't even require Persona 6 to break tradition with the Fool Arcana to do so, because the protagonist has always been a big part of that Arcana to begin with. After all, they always start the game with a Fool Persona. Persona 6 could create one of the series' more fascinating Social Links by offering a more self-reflective approach.
