Exploring the Bad Endings of Persona 5: How to Trigger Them

Personae 5, regarded by many as a masterpiece of modern RPGs, presents a world of complex choices and destinies. This guide delves into exploring the bad endings of Persona 5, examining how to trigger them and understanding the implications of your actions on the game's plot.

What are the Bad Endings in Persona 5?

Bad endings in Persona 5 are the consequence of player decisions that fail to meet the game's criteria for a good ending. These decisions not only impact the overall story but can also affect the relationships and fates of the characters within the game's world.

1. Missing the Deadline

A significant portion of bad endings in Persona 5 are triggered when you fail to complete your tasks before a specified date. This is known as the 'smash timing' or 'missed mission' scenario. Typically, if you choose not to complete your missions, you will face these characters in conflict, leading to adverse outcomes.

How to Trigger It

Avoid completing your missions on time or quicker than the deadline. Interact with events that result in the game escalating into confrontations. Opt for other actions that lead to missed deadlines or conflicts with your team members.

When you reach the end of the game, missing the deadline will lead to a bad ending where some characters may not survive.

2. Selling Out Your Friends

Another type of bad ending involves betrayal. If you decide to sell out one of your team members, it triggers a negative path where their fate is adversely affected. The character and the circumstances leading to this betrayal are crucial to understanding the impact.

How to Trigger It

Accept a proposal that involves betraying one of your team members. Mislead or betray a friend during critical situations in the game. Choose actions that weaken the trust and support of your team members.

By selling out a friend, you can trigger a bad ending where the betrayed character leaves the group, potentially leading to their demise.

3. Accepting the Phantom Thief Proposal

A less common but still significant bad ending is triggered if you accept the offer from a specific character to create a 'glorious world' through manipulation. This path introduces a darker and more controversial route, impacting both the game's protagonist and the other characters.

How to Trigger It

Engage with a character who suggests a mission that involves manipulation and deception. Choose options that reflect your desire for control and power over others. Complete missions that involve eliminating rivals or altering the game's balance.

Accepting the proposal will lead to a bad ending where the game's protagonist and their friends face significant challenges and unethical dilemmas.

Impact of Bad Endings on the Story and Characters

The bad endings in Persona 5 are not just about the final scenes; they carry forward the consequences of each player's choices throughout the game. Characters who survive these events often face lasting changes in their personalities, relationships with the protagonist, and even their fates.

Character Development and Outcomes

Each bad ending typically results in a new character development story where the affected character must undergo a profound transformation. For example, a character who betrays a team member may develop a deep sense of remorse and seek redemption, whereas a character who is left behind due to missed deadlines might struggle with isolation and regret.

Reflection on Morality and Choices

These endings serve as a reflection on the moral choices players make within the game. They highlight the consequences of prioritizing personal gain over the bonds of friendship, and the ethical implications of betraying others, even for a greater cause.

Exploring All Possibilities

Persona 5 is designed to encourage players to explore all possibilities within the game. By allowing multiple endings, the developers challenge players to re-evaluate their choices and consider different strategies to achieve success. Delving into the bad endings offers a deeper understanding of the game's themes and the importance of making meaningful decisions.

Conclusion

The bad endings in Persona 5 not only serve as a crucial part of the narrative but also encourage players to reflect on the weight of their choices. Whether it's through missing deadlines, betraying friends, or accepting a manipulation proposal, each decision leads to a unique and memorable conclusion. Engaging with these bad endings can be as impactful as experiencing the good, offering a comprehensive perspective on the game's complex and dynamic world.

Final Thoughts

The exploration of the bad endings in Persona 5 is an opportunity to appreciate the depth of the game's storytelling and the significance of player choices. These endings are more than just alternatives; they are the embodiment of the game's exploration of morality and the human condition.