How To Fuse Red Rider Persona 5 Royal

Okay, so picture this: I’m staring blankly at the Velvet Room’s fusion menu for, like, the umpteenth time. Igor's cryptic pronouncements aren't helping. The twins are, well, being the twins. And I'm just trying to get this one specific Persona – Red Rider. Why? Because min-maxing is a lifestyle, people! Plus, I heard Red Rider looks kinda cool. Anyway, after enough trial and error to make Edison blush, I finally cracked it. And now, I’m sharing my wisdom (acquired through sheer frustration, admittedly) with you.

So, you want a Red Rider, huh? Excellent choice. But before we dive in, let's get one thing straight: Persona fusion can feel like advanced alchemy sometimes. It’s a mix of art, science, and a whole lotta hoping you don’t accidentally create a Slime when you were aiming for something way more powerful. (Trust me, it happens.)

What is Red Rider Anyway?

Red Rider is a Fool Arcana Persona. He’s got a distinct look – think skeletal biker dude, which is pretty metal, if you ask me. He’s not going to be your endgame powerhouse, but he's a solid early-to-mid game option. Plus, having a Persona that knows Tarukaja early on is a blessing.

Tarukaja, for those not in the know, is a buff that increases attack power. Essential for those boss fights where you just need to unleash a flurry of pain! You'll also find that Red Rider has a resistance to Ice, making him valuable when you are fighting Shadows that rely on Ice.

The Fusion Dance: How to Get Your Own Red Rider

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. There are a few ways to fuse Red Rider in Persona 5 Royal. I'm going to give you a good, reliable recipe, but remember, fusion is a fickle mistress. There might be slight variations depending on your Persona levels and any DLC you might have installed. (Always check a fusion calculator if you’re really stuck!)

Here's one pretty straightforward recipe that worked for me:

• Ippon-Datara (Strength Arcana) + Nekomata (Magician Arcana)

Yep, it's that simple. But, a few considerations:

• Level Requirements: Make sure your Ippon-Datara and Nekomata are at a high enough level. Generally, if you're around level 10-12 with Joker, you shouldn’t have any problems.
• Accidents Happen: Sometimes, the Velvet Room gets glitchy (or that's my excuse, anyway) and you end up with a different Persona than expected. This is a “Fusion Accident.” It's rare, but it happens. If it does, just reload your save and try again. Save often, friends, save often!
• DLC Personas: If you have DLC Personas, they might interfere with the fusion results. If you're finding that the above recipe isn't working, try checking if one of your DLC Personas is messing things up.

Hunting Down Ippon-Datara and Nekomata

Okay, so now you know what Personas you need to fuse. But where do you find them? Time for a little Persona hunting! (Think of it as Pokemon, but with existential dread and stylish masks.)

Finding Ippon-Datara

Ippon-Datara is a Strength Arcana Persona, and you can find them relatively early in the game, specifically in the Madarame's Palace. They look like, well, one-legged blacksmiths. Not exactly subtle.

• Negotiation: The best way to get an Ippon-Datara is to negotiate with them during battle. Weaken them first, then choose the conversation options that seem to appeal to their personality (usually something about strength or craftsmanship).
• Shadow Weakness: Ippon-Datara are weak to Wind attacks. So, bring Personas that know skills like Garu or Mazio.
• Fusion Ingredient: You can also fuse Ippon-Datara if you already have some Personas in your stock. This is useful if you accidentally let yours go.

Finding Nekomata

Nekomata is a Magician Arcana Persona. You can find them in the same palace as Ippon-Datara: Madarame's Palace. They look like cute kitties with two tails, but don't let the looks deceive you!

• Negotiation: Just like Ippon-Datara, the best way to acquire a Nekomata is through negotiation. Try to appeal to their catlike nature (flattery usually works).
• Shadow Weakness: Nekomata are weak to Psychic attacks, so plan your team accordingly.
• Fusion Ingredient: Again, if you already have some Personas, you can fuse a Nekomata.

Leveling Up Your Personas

Before you start the fusion process, it's a good idea to level up both Ippon-Datara and Nekomata a little bit. This will ensure that the resulting Red Rider has slightly better stats and possibly inherits some useful skills.

• Mementos: Mementos is your best friend for grinding. Run through a few floors, fighting Shadows and leveling up your Personas.
• Training: The Velvet Room offers Training to increase your Persona's level.
• Gallows: You can also use the Gallows to strengthen your Personas by sacrificing other Persona. Careful here; this will get rid of the sacrifices!

Inheriting Skills: The Key to a Powerful Red Rider

Okay, this is where things get interesting. When you fuse Personas, you get to choose which skills the resulting Persona inherits. This is crucial for creating a Red Rider that's actually useful.

When you are fusing, you will see the window that tells you the outcome. Before you finalize the fusion, the game will ask you which skills to inherit. Pay very close attention here! Choose your inherited skills carefully, because this affects the outcome of your final Persona!

Here's what I recommend for Red Rider:

• Tarukaja: This is a must-have. It’s one of the main reasons you're getting Red Rider in the first place!
• Other Physical Skills: Consider any other physical skills that Ippon-Datara or Nekomata have. Something like Cleave or Rakunda can be a nice addition.
• Resistances: If possible, inherit any skills that grant resistances to certain elements. This will make Red Rider more durable in battle.

Pro Tip: Think about the skills Joker currently has and the Personas in your current roster! You want a Red Rider that fills a gap in your arsenal, not one that has skills already covered!

Why Bother with Red Rider at All?

You might be thinking, "Okay, this is a lot of effort for just one Persona. Is Red Rider even worth it?" That's a fair question. Red Rider isn't going to carry you through the entire game, but he can be a valuable asset in the early to mid-game. Here's why:

• Early Access to Tarukaja: As I've mentioned a million times, having Tarukaja early on is a game-changer. It significantly boosts your damage output, making those early boss fights much easier.
• Ice Resistance: Red Rider is resistant to Ice attacks, which can be useful against certain Shadows and bosses.
• Fusion Material: Even if you don't use Red Rider for long, he can be a valuable fusion ingredient for creating more powerful Personas later on.
• Completionist Value: If you're a completionist like me, you'll want to collect every Persona in the game! Adding Red Rider to your compendium is one step closer to that goal.

Alternative Fusion Recipes (Just in Case)

Okay, so the Ippon-Datara + Nekomata recipe didn't work for you? Don't panic! Here are a couple of other options you can try:

• Slime (Fool) + Berith (Hierophant)
• Obariyon (Fool) + Incubus (Devil)

Remember to adjust your Persona levels accordingly, and check a fusion calculator if you're still having trouble. There are some great resources online that can help you find the perfect fusion recipe.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Fusion Chaos!

Fusing Personas in Persona 5 Royal can be a bit daunting at first, but it's also one of the most rewarding aspects of the game. Experiment with different combinations, try new skills, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. That's how you learn and discover new strategies.

And hey, if you accidentally create a bunch of Slimes along the way, at least you'll have a good story to tell. Happy fusing!