Here is a list of every romance option available for the protagonist in Persona 4, and how to unlock each one.
One of the most beloved features of the Persona series includes the ability to date various classmates and explore their stories via Social Links.
The dating sim feature in Persona 4 and Persona 4 Golden allows you the chance to date one or more available singles in the town of Inaba. You can meet these ladies at Yasogami High, make friends, and pick a favorite romance option.
Yukiko Amagi
Arcana: Priestess | Romance available at: Rank 9
The gorgeous heiress to the Amagi Inn, a central attraction in the town of Inaba, Yukiko is one of the initial friends Yu makes when he starts attending Yasogami High. The first dungeon in the game is centered around rescuing her from feeling as if she is waiting patiently for a “hot stud.”
When you fight her boss, you snap her out of the spell and help her choose the path for her future. As the player, you get to decide whether Yu becomes the “hut stud” she’s looking for.
Chie Satonaka
Arcana: Chariot | Romance unlocks at: Rank 9
Known for her passion for martial arts, particularly kung fu, Chie is a loyal and tomboyish friend. She values strength and courage and often finds herself torn between societal expectations and her desires.
There is a romance option available through the Social Link for Chie, but it feels more like friendship than love at most times.
Rise Kujikawa
Arcana: Lovers | Romance unlocks at: Rank 7
Rise is the popular and beautiful J-Pop idol seeking a quiet life out of the spotlight upon her return to Inaba. Given how affectionate she is to the protagonist, she seems like the default romance option.
Always calling Yu “senpai”, she becomes more deeply involved with the investigation team over time. Rise grapples with questions of identity and the contrast between her public persona and her true self.
Naoto Shirogane
Arcana: Fortune | Romance unlocks at: Rank 8
Even with the canonical romantic ties to Kanji Tatsumi throughout the game, it’s possible for the protagonist and Naoto to romance.
She also does not trigger until late into the Social Link, which you likely will have little time to progress before the endgame content.
Marie
Arcana: Aeon | Romance unlocks at: Rank 9
Marie is a bonus character added in the remastered Golden release of Persona 4, and her Social Link is tied to the extra dungeon.
She has a lot of inner turmoil and a purpose that cannot be understood by most humans, and it’s quite difficult to look past her intriguing character when you get close to her.
Ai Ebihara
Arcana: Moon | Romance unlocks at: Rank 8
Ai is a difficult character to digest, routinely approaching the protagonist with what feels like disdain and snark. However, Ai’s romance is unique to Persona 4 Golden. At Rank 6, you will have the chance to pretend to date her, and doing so will lock you out of actually dating her until Rank 8.
She wants someone who enjoys her for her, so hold off until you’re able to date her for real.
Ayane Matsunaga
Arcana: Sun | Romance unlocks at: Rank 8
Ayane is portrayed as shy, introverted, and lacking confidence in her trombone-playing abilities. Throughout the Social Link, players have the opportunity to support Ayane in overcoming her insecurities and helping her pursue her passion for music.
Her romance subplot adds a layer of emotional depth to the game, exploring themes of personal development, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of supportive relationships.
Yumi Ozawa
Arcana: Sun | Romance unlocks at: Rank 10
Yumi is a fellow student at Yasogami High School and is involved in the drama club.
Romancing Yumi involves spending time with her, understanding her feelings, and providing support as she navigates her journey. The romance subplot allows players to witness Yumi’s growth, both in her pursuit of acting and in her ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 is a role-playing game developed by ATLUS and initially released in 2008 for PlayStation 2. An enhanced version, Persona 4 Golden, was initially released in 2012 for PlayStation Vita. It was later ported to PC in 2020, then PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in 2023.
