Kasumi is the newest playable character, and newest romance option, in Persona 5 Royal. She’s a late-game Phantom Thief that appears in the story as part of your usual progression through the plot. However, she also comes with a lot of strange caveats that make her hard to recruit — much less romance. You’re going to need to jump through some hoops if you want to start a relationship with the equally nimble gymnast. Luckily, we have a Persona 5 Kasumi romance guide for your enjoyment! That way you don’t have to miss out on the new story and dialogue available only in Persona 5 Royal. Let’s take a look!
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Before we get too deep in our feelings, it’s important to note that the Kasumi romance is available only very late in Royal. You need to first recruit her as a Confidant (of the Faith Arcana). Then you need to rank up your relationship with her normally for a good long while.
That’s where things get pretty tricky. See, Kasumi is a bit of a time-limited character. You can only proceed with her full quest line if you reach the right ranks with her before certain deadlines in-game. That’s right: deadlines plural. There are a couple of hidden gates that might block you. Make sure you pay attention (and maybe take notes) so you know when those dates are.
When Do You Unlock Kasumi in Persona 5 Royal?
Luckily, this one is pretty easy. You make contact with Kasumi in Royal as part of the natural progression of the story. It happens during one of many new scenes added to the game with this remake. The specific date is May 30, or 5/30 in the game’s calendar. You will make a contract with Kasumi during the trash pickup event that the Shujin Academy students are forced to participate in.
When & Where is Kasumi Available?
From this point forward, Kasumi is mostly available to speak with on Wednesdays. Though there are a few special events when she’ll call you. She mostly hangs out around Kichijoji: a new zone added in Persona 5 Royal. Like Shinjuku, this requires a modest travel fee each time you go there. However, if Kasumi or anyone else in the area specifically texts you, you can say yes to their request for a free visit. Any trip back will still cost you if you decide not to spend time there, though!
What Are the Kasumi Romance Deadlines?
As previously mentioned, there are several deadlines involved with the Kasumi Confidant plot. The first occurs on Dec. 22 (a.k.a. 12/22) during your first year. You must reach Rank 4 with Kasumi before this time to romance her down the line! If you don’t, you’ll be locked out of her entire quest line and the relationship.
The second deadline is 1/13, or Jan. 13 of the second year. In this case, you must reach Rank 5 with Kasumi to advance the romance (or friendship if you prefer).
You might also notice this is as far as you can go with the new Confidant. Unlike most other characters, her rank tops out at just five stars. That’s true… for a time. Once you hit 1/13 of year two, assuming you met the previous two requirements, the Kasumi storyline will continue. And you’ll get a whole lot more content on top of that besides! We won’t go into too much detail, but this is definitely where the meat of the new stuff in Persona 5 Royal begins. You should have lots of time to unlock it, too.
Reach Rank 9 With the Kasumi Confidant
From Rank 5 through Rank 8, you’re pretty much set! Kasumi works like any other Confidant or member of the Phantom Thieves. To help get you there (and through all the other dialogue options up to that point) here’s a link to our full Kasumi Confidant choices guide.
Now if you want to romance her, you need to make sure you go all the way to Rank 9. This leads to the conversation where you can choose to remain friends or enter a relationship. The question itself is pretty obvious. As are the answers. But just to be safe, here are the choices that let you romance Kasumi or not.
- Friend Path: “Let’s stay friends, okay?”
- Romance Path: “I love you too.”
From that point forward, your dialogue and choices will start to diverge. Refer back to the choices guide for further help on leveling Kasumi up to Rank 10 — whether you opt into the romance or not! Besides that, though, you’re all set. Congratulations! You’ve just entered into the new relationship in Persona 5 Royal.
