In Persona 3 Reload, you’ll come across a wide range of hard bosses and enemies. Two of those, the Emperor and Empress, can throw you and your squad for a loop if not prepared. Luckily, we can help take these monarchs down a peg.
You’ll meet this armor-clad duo during a cutscene with the S.E.E.S squad in Tartarus on June 8. Yukari is down and Mitsuru is out of commission, so she can’t aid from afar. However, after awakening her Persona, Lucia, Fuuka becomes S.E.E.S’ eyes and ears. You’ll only have yourself, Junpei, and Akihiko in your party, so plan accordingly.
Preparing for The Emperor and Empress
Overall, The Emperor is weak to Magic (Fire, Electricity, Ice, and Wind), while The Empress is weak to Physical (Strike, Pierce, and Slash). Yes, they are opposites of each other. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. The two can use Affinity Shift, which changes their weakness.
It’s important to note that Fuuka will reveal a weakness when using Full Analysis on the target. Use the specified magic attack (singular, not multi-target) on Emperor to stagger him and use the One More to strike Empress. That way, you can use an All-Out Attack and damage them.
The two will continue to use Affinity Shift, so be wary of when that happens. To keep it safe, have Fuuka analyze them whenever it’s your time to attack. If you attack with an element they are immune to, it won’t damage them. Instead of trying random attacks and getting lucky, just block until Fuuka reveals their weaknesses.
Best Personas/Skills to Have + Level
I would have one Ice (like Jack Frost) and one Wind (like Angel), as Akihiko uses Electric and Junpei uses Fire. Still, all the better if you have all bases covered. In terms of Physical, have one that has a Pierce attack like Slime. Akihiko has Strike Attack (regular attack) while Junpei has Slash Attack (regular attack), so use that on Emperor when the weakness matches up. You can use their Persona’s attacks, but since they cost HP, it’s easier to hit them normally.
With skills, make sure you have these attacks: Bufu, Garu, and Single Shot. Any variations or upgrades (outside of multi-target ones like Mabufu or Maguru) will do. As for what your level should be, aim to be around Lv. 16 or higher, though if you have all the skills and magic, you could get away with being a little lower.
If you are having trouble, make sure you have some healing and SP items, as well as Dia/Media. Block if need be and be wary of the Emperor and Empress’ weakness after Affinity Shifts. After you beat the two, you’ll be treated to a cutscene, and you’ll leave Tartarus to regroup alongside Fuuka and Natsuki.
