Munehisa Iwai, the Hanged Man Confidant in Persona 5 and Royal, is more than just the guy who upgrades your guns in Shibuya’s back alleys. Behind the intimidating exterior of this ex-yakuza lies a complex character with a compelling story of redemption, fatherhood, and the struggle to break free from the past. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to maximize your relationship with Iwai, unlocking powerful weapon customizations, valuable discounts, and a deeper understanding of the game’s narrative.
Forging a Bond with the Ex-Yakuza
Connecting with Iwai isn’t as simple as walking into his shop, Untouchable. Several prerequisites must be met first. To learn more about other aspects of the game, such as how many chapters in mk1 or even the stylish industrial blue dunks, follow these links. But for now, let’s focus on Iwai.
Unlocking the Hanged Man Confidant
- Timing is Key: While Iwai is accessible in Shibuya’s Underground Mall starting May 6th, his Confidant storyline won’t unlock until later.
- Prerequisites: You’ll need to progress the main story enough to unlock Mementos, the Phantom Thieves’ cognitive dungeon. Additionally, you’ll need to raise your Guts social stat to Rank 4 (Dauntless). Activities like studying, taking part-time jobs, and selecting confident dialogue choices can boost your Guts.
- Initiating the Bond: After meeting the requirements, you’ll encounter Iwai in Mementos. A short interaction here will trigger the start of his Confidant storyline. Don’t miss this crucial event – it’s your gateway to unlocking his services.
Building a Meaningful Connection
Like any relationship, building a bond with Iwai takes time and effort.
- Regular Visits: Stop by Untouchable frequently to chat with him. Even seemingly casual conversations can strengthen your connection.
- Meaningful Dialogue: Choose dialogue options that reflect genuine interest in Iwai’s story and struggles. Acknowledging his past and demonstrating empathy will resonate with him and accelerate your Confidant rank progression. Specific guides, such as those found on RPGSite, may offer detailed optimal dialogue choices for each rank-up event.
- Patience is a Virtue: Iwai doesn’t open up easily. He’s a guarded individual with a lot of baggage. Be patient, and you’ll be rewarded with his trust and a deeper understanding of his motivations.
Reaping the Rewards: Iwai’s Confidant Perks
Investing time in Iwai yields substantial benefits, both in gameplay and narrative depth.
Weapon Customization and Combat Advantages
Iwai’s expertise as a gunsmith is invaluable to the Phantom Thieves.
- Custom Upgrades: As your bond deepens, Iwai offers increasingly powerful weapon customizations. These upgrades can significantly enhance damage, reload speed, and even add special abilities like “Cover Fire” or a chance for an “Insta-Kill.” This personalized arsenal can be a game-changer, particularly during challenging boss fights. In Persona 5 Royal, you can even acquire a modified Tkachev gun with the Shock element early on, even before officially unlocking the Confidant.
- Exclusive Firearms: Iwai crafts unique firearms unavailable elsewhere. These custom-made weapons can grant a significant edge in combat.
- Status Ailments: Iwai can modify firearms to inflict status ailments like Shock, Freeze, or Burn. This tactical advantage adds a layer of depth to combat, allowing you to exploit enemy weaknesses and control the flow of battle. Some experts believe that leveraging status ailments through gun customization can significantly reduce reliance on Persona skills, conserving valuable SP.
Discounts and Financial Benefits
Beyond weapon upgrades, Iwai’s friendship offers financial perks.
- Discounts Galore: As your Confidant rank increases, Iwai provides steeper discounts on his merchandise and services. This allows more frequent upgrades and access to top-tier modifications without depleting your funds. The “On the House” ability, unlocked at a certain rank, offers free gun repairs and upgrades, further enhancing your resource management.
- Strategic Spending: The savings from Iwai’s discounts can be reinvested in other essential Phantom Thief gear and activities.
Narrative Enrichment and Character Development
Iwai’s Confidant storyline offers more than just gameplay advantages.
- A Deeper Story: Iwai’s past as a yakuza member, his complex relationship with his adopted son Kaoru, and his yearning for redemption add emotional depth to Persona 5’s narrative. His story explores themes of second chances, the complexities of family, and the struggle to escape a dark past.
- The Hanged Man Archetype: Iwai’s interpretation of the Hanged Man archetype, a recurring symbol in the Persona series, offers unique insights into themes of sacrifice, growth, and transformation. Comparing Iwai’s portrayal to other Hanged Man Confidants across the series reveals interesting perspectives on how this archetype evolves and adapts to different narratives.
Iwai in Persona 5 Royal: Enhanced Experience
Persona 5 Royal expands on Iwai’s Confidant experience with subtle yet impactful additions.
- Early Gun Acquisition: The modified Tkachev gun, obtainable early in Royal, offers a significant early-game advantage. This weapon, with its inherent Shock element, can prove invaluable in early Mementos explorations and battles. Furthermore, the interaction with Iwai to receive the gun also provides a boost to your Proficiency stat, accelerating your progress towards unlocking other Confidants.
- Expanded Story Elements: While not drastically different, Royal may include additional dialogue and scenes within Iwai’s Confidant storyline, potentially deepening the player’s connection with his character.
By understanding Iwai’s complexities and investing in his Confidant relationship, you gain far more than just a powerful arsenal. You gain a valuable ally, a compelling story, and a richer understanding of the human heart beneath the mask of an ex-yakuza gunsmith. This makes mastering Iwai’s Confidant a crucial element for any player looking to maximize their Persona 5 and Royal experience.
