Quick Answer
To unlock Persona 5 Royal’s third semester, raise Takuto Maruki’s Councillor Confidant to Rank 9 by November 17. Rank 10 then happens through the story. Akechi and Yoshizawa are strongly recommended for extra Royal content, but Maruki is the key requirement for the third semester route.
Deadline Table
| Goal | Target timing | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Maruki Rank 9 | By November 17 | Core third semester requirement |
| Maruki Rank 10 | Story event | Automatic after Rank 9 |
| Akechi Rank 8 | Before mid-November | Recommended for extra scenes |
| Yoshizawa Rank 5 | Before late December | Recommended for Royal content |
Calendar Priorities
| Situation | Do this | Avoid this |
|---|---|---|
| Maruki is available | Prioritize him | Delaying him for small stat gains |
| Palace deadline is open | Clear the Palace efficiently | Spending many separate days inside |
| October begins | Check Maruki’s rank often | Assuming November has endless time |
| Early November | Push any missing Maruki ranks | Random low-value activities |
Safe Planning
- Clear Palaces in as few days as comfortably possible.
- When Maruki is available, treat him as the default daytime choice.
- If he will not rank up, prepare stats, gifts, or other key confidants.
- Once October starts, check his rank before spending free time.
- Do not reach November 17 below Rank 9 if you want the third semester.
FAQ
Is Maruki the only requirement?
For the third semester route, Maruki is the central requirement. Akechi and Yoshizawa are recommended because they improve the Royal-specific story experience.
Can I start Maruki late?
Sometimes, but it becomes risky. If his rank is low in November, you may not have enough available days.
Does this ruin max-confidant planning?
Not if you route efficiently. Palace compression, good evening usage, and deadline-aware confidant choices make the schedule much safer.
Related
- Back to the Persona 5 Royal site
- Future pages: full confidant calendar, classroom answers, fusion route, Palace route guides.