Persona 4 Golden is a beloved JRPG known for its deep storytelling, memorable characters, and a blend of dungeon crawling and life simulation elements. With the recent release of Persona 4 Golden on modern platforms, many new players are diving in for the first time. To help you get the most out of your experience, we’ve compiled 10 essential tips that every new player should know.

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1. Dungeon Crawling: Beat Them in a Day

Dungeons in Persona 4 Golden are best tackled in one day if possible. This strategy leaves you with more time to manage your social links and improve your character’s stats. Aim to grind around 13–15 levels per dungeon to make boss fights manageable. Prioritize SP management to avoid running out of energy mid-dungeon.

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2. Defeating Wealth Hands

Wealth Hands are elusive enemies that drop valuable loot but have no elemental weaknesses. The best way to defeat them is by using skills with high critical rates to knock them down, enabling All-Out Attacks. If you spot one, focus all your efforts on taking it down for a substantial cash and EXP boost.

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3. The Hermit Social Link (The Fox)

Unlocking and leveling up the Fox’s social link is crucial for dungeon survival. This social link starts automatically on May 5th and allows you to restore HP and SP in the TV world for a fee. The higher the social link level, the cheaper the cost. Best of all, leveling up this link doesn’t consume any in-game time.

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4. Multiple Endings: Choose Wisely

Persona 4 Golden has multiple endings based on your dialogue choices and actions throughout the game. Some content is locked behind specific social links and dialogue options, so it’s wise to talk to everyone and keep a save file before major decisions. For the true ending, pay close attention to late-game choices and keep a guide handy.

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5. Social Link Efficiency

To level up social links faster, carry a Persona of the same arcana as the character you’re spending time with. This grants additional points and makes reaching higher social link levels quicker and easier.

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6. Make the Most of Rainy Days

Rainy days prevent certain social links from progressing. Use these days to visit the Chinese Diner Aiya in the Central Shopping District to boost multiple social stats at once. If your stats are already high, Aiya can offer even greater boosts.

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7. Night Time Activities: Check the Fridge

Back at the Dojima residence, check the fridge at night. Occasionally, you’ll find ingredients that allow you to make lunch for the next day, which you can share with friends to boost social links. Since this doesn’t consume time, it’s a great way to strengthen bonds efficiently.

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8. Mastering Card Shuffle

Card Shuffle occurs after battles and is a key way to acquire new Personas and bonuses. Aim to clear the board to trigger a Sweep Bonus, which grants additional picks in subsequent battles. The more you chain together, the better the rewards.

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9. SP Management and Soda Machines

Managing SP is critical, especially in longer dungeons. Stock up on TaP Sodas from the vending machines in the Central Shopping District. These restock every Monday, so make it a habit to buy them weekly.

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10. Gardening for Free Items

After May 22, you can unlock gardening at the Dojima residence. Use this feature to grow crops that restore SP or unlock chests in dungeons. Since gardening takes time, plan it around days when you have fewer social link options.

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Conclusion

Persona 4 Golden is a massive game with countless activities, but these tips should help streamline your journey. By managing your time wisely, optimizing your social links, and making the most of every day, you’ll uncover everything Inaba has to offer.

Good luck, and may your Personas be ever in your favor!