Persona 3 Portable: New Game Plus - What Carries Over?

Nov 3, 2025 by Admin 55 views

So, you've finally finished Persona 3 Portable, huh? What an emotional rollercoaster, right? But wait, the journey doesn't have to end there! New Game Plus is calling your name, offering a chance to dive back into the world of Persona 3 with some sweet advantages. But what exactly carries over? Let's break it down, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect when you start your second playthrough. This guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of New Game Plus in Persona 3 Portable, ensuring you're well-prepared to tackle any challenges that come your way.

What Exactly is New Game Plus?

Okay, for those who might be new to the whole "New Game Plus" concept, here’s the lowdown. It's basically a mode you unlock after completing the game once. It allows you to start a fresh game, but with certain elements from your previous playthrough carried over. Think of it as a head start, or a chance to experience the game with all the cool stuff you earned the first time around. It's perfect for those who want to see different social links, max out stats, or simply relive the story with a bit of an edge. Now, let's get into the specifics of what exactly carries over in Persona 3 Portable. Knowing this will help you strategically plan your next playthrough, whether you're aiming for a 100% completion or just want to enjoy the story without the initial grind.

Character Stats and Skills

Alright, let's dive into the meat of it. One of the most exciting things about New Game Plus is the carryover of your character's stats. That's right, all those hours you spent grinding in Tartarus to boost your Courage, Charm, and Academics? They stick with you! This is a massive advantage, especially early in the game. No more struggling with social links or feeling inadequate during exams. You'll be able to breeze through those early challenges and focus on other aspects of the game. But it's not just your social stats that carry over. Your character's level and skills also remain intact. This means you'll start the game with a powerful arsenal of abilities, making battles significantly easier. Imagine facing those early shadows with high-level magic – it's a total game-changer. This carryover allows you to experiment with different strategies and tackle tougher challenges right from the start.

Social Links and Relationships

Now, here's the bittersweet part. While your social stat levels carry over, your actual Social Links do not. I know, I know, it's a bummer. All those heartfelt moments and the effort you put into building those relationships? Gone. But don't despair! The fact that your social stats are maxed out (or at least significantly leveled) makes re-establishing those links much easier. You can quickly rekindle those friendships and romances, and even pursue different social links than you did in your first playthrough. Think of it as a second chance to experience the social aspects of the game in a new way. Plus, knowing what you know from your first playthrough, you can make different choices and see how things unfold. It's a great way to add variety and replayability to the game.

Persona Compendium and Equipment

This is where things get really interesting. Your Persona Compendium carries over in New Game Plus! This means you can summon all those powerful Personas you fused in your previous playthrough right from the start. This is a huge advantage in battles, allowing you to dominate your enemies with ease. Imagine having access to high-level Personas like Orpheus Telos early in the game – you'll be practically unstoppable. But it's not just about power. Having a complete Persona Compendium also allows you to experiment with different Persona combinations and strategies, making the game even more engaging. Additionally, any equipment you had equipped at the end of your previous playthrough, including weapons, armor, and accessories, will also carry over. This gives you a significant edge in battles, allowing you to take on tougher enemies and challenges right from the start. It's a fantastic way to make your second playthrough feel fresh and exciting.

Money and Items

Good news, guys! Your hard-earned money carries over to New Game Plus. This means you can immediately buy powerful equipment, items, and consumables from the shops. No more scrimping and saving in the early game – you'll be able to afford the best gear right from the start. This gives you a significant advantage in battles and allows you to focus on other aspects of the game. As for items, most of the consumable items and materials you had in your inventory will also carry over. This includes healing items, stat-boosting items, and materials for crafting. However, key items and quest-related items will not carry over, as they are tied to specific events and storylines in the game. But overall, the carryover of money and items makes the early game much smoother and more enjoyable.

Unlocked Content and Bonuses

Some of the unlocked content and bonuses you earned in your previous playthrough will also carry over to New Game Plus. This includes things like costumes, music tracks, and any special items you unlocked by completing specific quests or challenges. Having access to these bonuses from the start can add a fun and unique twist to your second playthrough. Imagine playing through the game in a different costume, or listening to your favorite music tracks while exploring Tartarus. It's a great way to customize your experience and make it even more enjoyable. Plus, it's a nice reward for all the effort you put into your first playthrough.

What Doesn't Carry Over?

Okay, so we've covered what does carry over, but it's equally important to know what doesn't. As mentioned earlier, your Social Links do not carry over. You'll have to re-establish those relationships from scratch. Also, any progress you made in the main story will be reset. You'll start from the beginning, experiencing the story events and battles all over again. This is important to keep in mind, as it means you'll still have to go through the main storyline to progress. Additionally, any key items or quest-related items will not carry over, as they are tied to specific events in the game. Finally, any decisions you made in your previous playthrough will not carry over, meaning you'll have the opportunity to make different choices and see how they affect the story.

Tips for Your New Game Plus Playthrough

Alright, so you're ready to jump into New Game Plus. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of it:

Focus on Maxing Social Links: With your social stats already high, you can focus on maxing out all the social links you missed in your first playthrough.
Experiment with Different Personas: Use your Persona Compendium to experiment with different Persona combinations and strategies.
Challenge Yourself: Try playing on a higher difficulty level to make the game more challenging.
Explore Different Story Paths: Make different choices in the story to see how they affect the outcome.
Enjoy the Ride: Relax and enjoy the game with all the advantages you've earned.

Is New Game Plus Worth It?

So, is New Game Plus in Persona 3 Portable worth it? Absolutely! It's a fantastic way to extend the life of the game and experience it in a new way. The carryover of stats, Personas, and equipment gives you a significant advantage, allowing you to focus on different aspects of the game and tackle challenges with ease. Whether you're a completionist looking to max out all the social links and Personas, or simply want to relive the story with a bit of an edge, New Game Plus is definitely worth checking out. So go ahead, dive back into the world of Persona 3 Portable and see what new adventures await you!