Moon Phase Guide for Persona 3 Reload (P3RE)
Some moon phase system mechanics and effects listed on this guide are currently based on previous versions of Persona 3. This page will be updated with any changes applied to Persona 3 Reload when they are confirmed in the game.
What is the Moon Phase System?
The moon phase system in Persona 3 Reload (P3RE) essentially works as an in-game time indicator for certain major story events and battles happen in the game. The current moon phase is indicated in the upper right corner of the screen during gameplay (to the right of the current date).
Unlike other Shin Megami Tensei games where the moon cycle is constantly progressing in real time through seconds or footsteps taken, Persona 3 Reload’s version changes each day.
Moon Phase Sequence
In sequential order, the moon phase progress as follows: New Moon > Half Moon (Right) > Full Moon > Half Moon (Left) > New Moon (New Cycle Begins).
Types of Moon Phases
| Moon Phase | Details | Major Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Half Moon | Indicated by the moon at half cycle or halfway to a full moon or new moon. | None |
| New Moon | Indicated by the moon completely dark. | Increased damage of Zan-ei, doubled chance of getting Heart Items during Persona fusion. |
| Full Moon | Indicated by the completely lit moon. | Major story boss appears in Tartarus, increased damage of Getsu-ei, party automatically defaults to “Good” status condition, doubled chance of getting Heart Items during Persona fusion. |
Moon Phase Effects
Story boss battles occur during full moon dates (Full Moon Operations).
Story boss battles mostly happen during Full Moon Operations that take place only during a full moon. In this sense, the moon phase is essentially the time limit before the next major story battle happens so spending your days wisely to prepare for it is crucial.
Persona 3 Reload Full Moon Operations Guide
Effectiveness of certain physical skills are increased.
The current moon cycle also affects the effectiveness of the physical skills listed below.
| Skill Name | Effect |
|---|---|
| Zan-ei | Deals medium Slash damage to one target. (Power increases during new moon) |
| Getsu-ei | Deals medium Slash damage to one target. (Power increases during full moon) |
Despite Zan-ei and Getsu-ei being mid-level skills, their damage output can rival those of late-game attacks by benefiting from new moon or full moon cycles. Because of this, do not overlook using them in the game.
Getsu-ei is effective against bosses that appear during a full moon.
Getsu-ei is a particularly strong physical skill to use against strong shadows during Full Moon Operations as the ability will always gain its attack bonus because of the current moon state. Be sure to bring a Persona with Getsu-ei with you during such instances.
You are always in “Good” status during Full Moon Operations.
You automatically default to “Good” status during the day of Full Moon Operations. This means that you can spend the previous day fighting battles without worrying about being tired or sick on the day of the Full Moon.
Persona 3 Reload Status Conditions Guide
The Tired status, instead, will be applied to your party on the day after the Full Moon Operation.
Doubles the chance of getting Heart Items via Conception during Persona fusion.
You are twice as likely to get Heart Items from Personas created via fusion during full moon and new moon days (or a day before and after either moon phase). Because of this, you can try combining Personas on special moon phases if you are aiming to acquire Heart Items alongside getting a new Persona.
Persona 3 Reload Heart Items List and Guide
Persona 3 Reload Recommended Article List
Other Persona 3 Reload (P3R) Guides
Beginner Guides
Basic Information
| Pre-Order Bonuses | Game Editions |
| Game Difficulty | Game Controls |
| Game Differences (from P3 Games) | Gameplay Features (New Features) |
| Permanent Events and Missables | Save Data Rewards |
| PC System Requirements and Specs | Platform and System Differences |
| Cross Save Features | How Long to Beat |
| DLC List and Information | Voice Actor List |
Strategy Guides
Useful Information
Tier List Guides
Social Stats Guides
| Social Stat List and Guide | Social Links Gift List and Guide |
| How to Increase Social Stats | How to Increase Academics |
| How to Increase Courage | How to Increase Charm |
Romance Guides
| Romance Option List and Guide | How to Romance Characters |
| How to Romance Yukari | How to Romance Fuuka |
| How to Romance Mitsuru | How to Romance Aigis |
| How to Romance Chihiro | How to Romance Yuko |
Facility Guides
| Facility List and Locations | Tatsumi Police Station Guide |
| Aohige Pharmacy Guide | Mayoido Antiques Guide |
| Be Blue V Guide | Arcade Guide |
Game Database
Character Weapons
| Protagonist Weapons | Yukari Takeba Weapons |
| Junpei Iori Weapons | Akihiko Sanada Weapons |
| Mitsuru Kirijo Weapons | Aigis Weapons |
| Koromaru Weapons | Ken Amada Weapons |
| Shinjiro Aragaki Weapons | - |
Character Armor and Equipment
| Unisex Armor | Male Armor |
| Female Armor | Shoes and Legs |
| Aigis Armor | Koromaru Armor |
| Accessories | - |
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