Summary
Atlus has confirmed thatPersona 3 Reloadwill allow players to pet the dog party member, Koromaru. ThePersona 3remake is becoming one of the developer’s most anticipated titles for 2024, with plenty of information being steadily provided throughout 2023. This includes some of the new features in the game, the changes from the original PS2 title, and some of the quality-of-lifeimprovements that makePersona 3more likePersona 5.
One of the ways the remake builds upon the original is the way it handles socializing with the players' teammates in SEES. There are more opportunities to bond with them, from new social events to a variety of specialLink Episodes inPersona 3 Reloadfor characters that didn’t have them in the original. This includes not only the male party members like Akihiko Sanada and Junpei Iori, but even the villainous Strega faction, which expands on their characters further. Players can also spend time with the party’s trusty dog companion, Koromaru, with Atlus confirming the adorable feature of being able to pet him.
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This is demonstrated in a brief clip ofPersona 3 Reloadthat was posted to Atlus' official Twitter account. In the Iwatodai Dormitory, the home base of SEES' operations, Koromaru can be seen in the corner near the entryway. When the player talks to him, he will bark a few times, followed by the protagonist giving affectionate pets across his body, along with shaking his paw. The fan base was ecstatic at being able to pet the dog party member, since being able to pet dogs has become a popular feature implemented in tons of modern games.
Besides being able to pet Koromaru, players can also brush his fur, as seen in aPersona 3 Reloadtrailer featuring the SEES members. In theFESandPortablere-releases of the original game, players can take Koromaru out on walks, which can lead to the protagonist meeting other characters from various social links and get some social points, find an item, or a humorous cutscene like the protagonist trying to sneak them into a movie theater. ThePortablere-release gives Koromaru a dedicated social link for the female protagonist, where he represents the Strength Arcana.
Despite Koromaru usually being a rather situational and underused party member in the original, fans love the dog whenever he appears. Theability to pet the dog in-gameis one that many fans wanted to see in the remake, unironically or otherwise. WithPersona 3 Reloadhaving dedicated Link Episodes for characters that don’t have social links, fans might get to spend time with Koromaru in a special sidestory that incorporates some of his interactions from past entries.
Persona 3 Reloadlaunches July 13, 2025, on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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