Yusuke in Persona 5: The Phantom X is a unique character. His main strength lies in his ability to react quickly, rather than taking the initiative. Unlike many characters who focus on offense, Yusuke relies heavily on his defenses. When he has high defense, some shields, and the right weapon, he can become a powerful force on any team.
To make the most of Yusuke’s abilities, you’ll need to set up a few things first. Even if your options aren’t perfect, you can still build a solid setup with what you have.
Best Weapons for Yusuke
Yusuke has three weapon options, but which one is best depends on how much you’re willing to spend. It’s recommended to try for his four-star weapon, as it’s good enough to get started. You don’t need to go for the five-star unless you want the absolute best build.
| Weapon | Rating | Base Stats | Forge Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katana | ★★★ | HP: 99, Attack: 21, Defense: 21 | Increases your Defense by 17% |
| Jagato | ★★★★ | HP: 158, Attack: 34, Defense: 34 | Raises Defense by 18%. Each counterattack increases Ice damage by 7.4% for two turns, stacking twice. |
| Shadowkiller | ★★★★★ | HP: 198, Attack: 43, Defense: 42 | Starts with Defense at 45% and counterattack damage 30% higher. Gains a Blade Spirit stack after shielding, boosting counterattack damage 2% per stack, up to 30%. |
Yusuke’s best weapon is Shadowkiller because it significantly boosts his defense and damage potential. While the other weapons increase defense, Shadowkiller does more: it unleashes higher damage at the start of combat and stacks defenses to empower him. Since Yusuke’s damage depends on his defense, having this weapon will allow him to hit harder when targeted. You should prioritize Shadowkiller unless you’re saving for a specific other weapon.
If you’re saving up, Jagato is a decent fallback. It offers better defense stats along with some extra Ice damage from the stacked effect, stacking up to about 14% more damage over time. But overall, Shadowkiller is the top choice for maximizing Yusuke’s off-hand damage from enemy hits.
Yusuke’s Skill Rotation
Yusuke’s move set is straightforward. Focus on maintaining a stable rotation to maximize his damage output and resource use.
| Skill | Type | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keen Eye | Support | 24 SP | Turns his next Inspiration into Imagination, guarantees a multi-target counterattack, and boosts damage based on defense. Also grants a shield, increases fire resistance, and taunts enemies to attack him. |
| Bone-Chilling Cold | Multi-target Ice Damage | 20 SP | Deals five hits of Ice damage based on defense. When shielded, damage increases by 30%. Hits prioritize new targets, with damage dropping if hitting the same target multiple times. |
| Frozen Presence | Multi-target Ice Damage | 20 SP | Similar to Bone-Chilling Cold but slightly less effective. Usually less useful. |
| Painter’s Focus | Talent | N/A | When Yusuke gains a shield, his damage output and pierce rate increase for two turns. |
| Artist’s Intuition | Talent | N/A | Each time Yusuke gains a shield, his pierce rate rises for one turn. |
Start your turn with Keen Eye — it guarantees that Yusuke will counterattack and boosts his damage. Then, use Bone-Chilling Cold for high damage, especially while shielded. You can double up with Keen Eye to keep his counterattack consistent and build defense stacks for more damage. Rotate between these skills, managing cooldowns, and keep him shielded with support characters like Yukimi or Miyu, who can grant shields and boost defenses.
Rotation Tip: Use Keen Eye, then Bone-Chilling Cold, followed by Keen Eye again to keep a steady cycle. This approach maximizes damage, especially when his defense is stacked. Manage your resources carefully to maintain this rhythm and ensure Yusuke remains alive to dish out damage.
Team Composition Suggestions
Yusuke benefits most when paired with shield-providers. Characters like Yukimi or Miyu can grant shields that allow Yusuke to maximize his damage potential by stacking defenses and increasing pierce rates. As he excels when targeted, having support characters that keep him protected helps him perform at his best.
In higher levels or with advanced setups, other Personas capable of shielding Yusuke can be added to enhance his damage output further. Building an Ice team with Shun, Kotone, or Minami can also work well by providing additional synergy and support.
Ideal Support Characters
- Yukimi or Miyu to provide shields and boost defense.
- Additional Personas or characters that grant shields or increase defenses, amplifying Yusuke’s counterattack strength and survivability.
Best Revelation Cards for Yusuke
Focus on cards that boost Crit rate, Speed, and damage. Two good options are Meditation and Growth cards. Enhancing Crit rate and Speed allows Yusuke to act before enemies and hit harder.
Prioritize substats that increase Speed so Yusuke can often act first, ensuring he gets off his counterattacks early and frequently. While damage and defense are essential, Speed plays a key role in establishing control over the battle.
Summary: Focus on equipping Shadowkiller, maximize his defense stacking, and use his skills in a rotation that leverages his counterattack potential. Pair him with shielders, prioritize fast action, and tailor your team around sustaining him and boosting his damage through defense and shield effects.
