How to Win the Crane Game in Persona 5 Royal

The crane game in Persona 5 Royal is a mini-game that offers a series of collectible dolls to decorate the shelf in Joker’s room. Located in Akihabara, this activity is more than just a game of chance; several factors can be used to influence the outcome. Successfully retrieving a prize also unlocks the Against the Crane trophy, making it a worthwhile pursuit for completionists.

This guide details the steps to unlock the mini-game, the strategies to guarantee a win, and a full list of the prizes available to collect.

Unlocking the Akihabara Arcade

The crane game is not available from the start of the game. Access is tied to story progression. Players must wait until September 1st, when the Akihabara district becomes an accessible location on the Tokyo map. Akihabara is home to several shops and activities, including the Gigolo Arcade.

Once inside the arcade, the crane machine can be found in the bottom right corner of the establishment. Interacting with it allows the player to make an attempt at grabbing one of the dolls on display. Morgana will comment on the activity and will stop the player from making endless attempts in a single day, so each visit to the arcade should be planned carefully.

To avoid wasting in-game time and money, it is highly recommended to save the game before attempting the crane game. A save can be made at the nearby subway station or just outside the arcade. If all attempts for the day fail, the player can simply reload the save file and try again without advancing the calendar.

A Strategy for Success

Winning the crane game is not based on pure luck. The game’s mechanics are influenced by the in-game calendar and the player’s social stats. Combining these elements makes winning a prize a near certainty.

Play on Lucky Days

The single most important factor for winning is the date on the in-game calendar. On any day ending with the number seven—the 7th, 17th, and 27th of each month—the crane’s grip will be significantly stronger. The game will display a message indicating that the machine seems easier to win on these specific days. Attempting to win a prize on any other day is possible but much more difficult and not recommended.

The lucky days available after Akihabara unlocks are:

• September: 7th, 17th, 27th
• October: 7th, 17th, 27th
• November: 7th, 17th, 27th
• December: 7th, 17th, 27th
• January: 7th, 17th, 27th

Planning attempts around these dates is the most effective way to collect all the prizes.

Increase Your Proficiency

The player’s Proficiency social stat also plays a role. A higher Proficiency level increases the chance of success. This stat can be raised through various activities throughout the game. Prioritizing these activities can make the crane game easier when a lucky day arrives.

Methods for increasing Proficiency include:

• Crafting Infiltration Tools: Using the workbench in Joker’s room is a primary method for raising Proficiency.
• Part-Time Jobs: Working at the Beef Bowl Shop in Shibuya or the Crossroads Bar in Shinjuku will occasionally grant Proficiency points.
• Batting Cages: Spending time at the batting cages in Yongen-Jaya improves Proficiency.
• Reading: Certain books, such as “The Craft of Cinema,” will increase the stat.
• Confidants: Spending time with the Tower Confidant, Munehisa Iwai, can raise Proficiency.

The Role of the Luck Stat

A Persona equipped with a high Luck stat may also contribute to a better chance of winning. While the calendar and Proficiency are the most direct influences, having a Persona with a high Luck value equipped when playing the mini-game could provide a minor additional boost.

Crane Game Prize List

There are eight unique dolls to win from the crane game. These prizes are released on specific dates and must be won in a set order. The next doll in the sequence will not appear in the machine until the current one has been successfully claimed. After winning a doll, it will appear on the decorative shelf above Joker’s workbench at Leblanc.

The prizes and their first available dates are as follows:

1. Jack Frost Doll: First available on September 1st. This doll is based on the iconic Atlus mascot, a small, snowman-like demon.
2. Burger-kun Doll: First available on September 22nd. This prize is a miniature version of the Big Bang Burger mascot.
3. Wanna-kun Doll: First available on October 14th. This is a doll of the mascot from the TV show that can be watched in Joker’s room.
4. Lexy Doll: First available on November 3rd. This doll represents a character from the in-game movie “Love Possibly.”
5. Sheep Man Doll: First available on November 25th. This prize is based on the mascot from the TV show “Who Wants to Be a Sheep?”
6. Black Frost Doll: First available on December 15th. A darker, more mischievous version of the Jack Frost doll.
7. Buchimaru Doll: First available on January 13th. This is a small, round panda-like doll that is popular in the world of Persona 5.
8. Jago Doll: First available on January 23rd. This prize is based on the hero from the in-game movie “The Featherman.”