Whether you’re fresh off the global launch or knee-deep into Persona 5: The Phantom X’s harder content, one thing is clear: team comps matter. A lot. If you’ve been staring at your roster wondering, “Why is my team getting rolled?” or “What the hell do I do with all these shiny new units?”. Well, same. I was right there at launch, fumbling around with random picks and no idea what synergy meant (besides sounding cool). That’s why I put this guide together: a clean and beginner-friendly (but still detailed) roadmap for building teams that that actually hold up, no gacha PhD required.
Team Building Guide
Unlike most gacha games, Persona 5: The Phantom X gives you some real flexibility. Between the Navigator system, your customizable Wonder (MC), and units with multi-functional kits, you’re not stuck in the usual DPS/Healer/Support triangle.
Instead, team comp success is all about:
- Building around your main damage dealer
- Supporting them with the right buffs, debuffs, and sustain
- Leveraging navigators and Personas to patch holes
Team Comp Basics
So, you just pulled a bunch of cool characters. Now what?
First, keep these two priorities in mind:
- Your sanity (Lol)
- Your main DPS units
You’ll generally want at least:
- One AoE DPS (e.g. Joker or Ann)
- One Single-target DPS (e.g. Fleuret or Closer)
That way, you’re covered no matter what the stage throws at you, whether it’s waves of mobs or a chunky boss fight. It’s a good idea to build at least one AoE team and one single-target team, that way, you’re prepared for whatever content the game throws at you.
Building Around Your DPS
The golden rule? Everything starts with your damage dealer. Whether you’re running Ann (AoE burn queen) or Fleuret (precision single-target), your support units should exist to boost that DPS’s effectiveness, either by enabling status effects, providing buffs, or keeping them alive long enough to wipe the field.
Sample Beginner Team (Featuring Ann)
Here’s a sample build to make things click:
- DPS: Ann (AoE)
- Support/Healer: Lufel
- Heals?
- Burn application?
- ATK buff (via “Starfire”)?
- Wonder (MC): Your flexible slot, add healing, burn, buffs, or debuffs depending on need
With Lufel in the lineup, you’re already covering three team roles in one character. That frees up your third slot for either:
- A Defender (for survivability)
- A Buffer (like Leon for ATK/Crit)
- A Debuffer (to shred enemy defenses)
Filling the Final Slot: Your Flex Pick
Your third on-field unit is where things get fun (and strategic). Some choices:
- Leon – Buffs ATK and crit; excellent for pure offensive builds
- Shun – Taunts, heals, buffs max HP, great for tough fights
- Soy – Debuffs enemy DEF while offering tankiness
Let your content decide:
- Going for speed and big damage? Leon’s your guy.
- Struggling to stay alive? Shun or Soy brings the sustain.
Understanding Navigators & the MC (Wonder)
- Navigators: Think of Navigators as your passive support unit. You’ve got:
- Kayo (Offensive) – Adds burst potential and more raw damage
- Miyu (Defensive) – Great for shield-heavy comps
- MC (Wonder): You can’t remove the MC, but you can tailor their role using different Personas and weapons. That gives you a lot of flexibility as you move into mid to late-game content.
- Want to skip a healer? Slap a healing Persona like Angel on your MC.
- Need more fire coverage? Equip a burn-dealing Persona.
You can craft some great synergy by mixing Navigator + MC Persona with your active team.
Strong, Flexible Units to Consider
Let’s go over a few top picks, especially for newer players or F2P folks.
- Leon (S-tier Support): Basically, Leo fits into any team and brings a bit of everything: healing, buffs, and survivability. If you have him, you’re set.
- Skill 3 buffs an ally’s attack and grants Power of Friendship stacks.
- His ultimate maxes out those stacks instantly, restores HP if the target is under 60%, and increases attack by 15% of Leo’s own ATK.
- He even brings a shield with more friendship stacks.
- Scales well into late game
- Shun (Free but High-Value): His ultimate also heals and increases max HP again. He’s especially useful for tough content like Mementos bosses or SOS fights.
- Increases party max HP
- Heals the team
- Taunts enemies so he soaks up the damage
- Great tank for early-to-mid content
- Morgana (Your Go-To Healer): Perfect for early-game players or anyone who needs a reliable healer. If you’re dying a lot, she’s your safety net.
- Solid direct heals
- Follow-up heals after attacks
- Cleanse for elemental debuffs (Burn, Freeze, Shock, etc.)
- Revives a teammate with her ultimate
- Tomoko (Great Leon Alternative): If you’re lacking top-tier buffers, she’s a solid pick. And if you don’t want to invest heavily, she’s easier to obtain.
- Boosts ATK and elemental accuracy
- Easier to pull than limited units
- Haruna (Perfect in Shield Teams): She’s especially useful if you want a more defensive or sustain-heavy playstyle. Just don’t overinvest if you’re worried about long-term scaling.
- Boosts shield/heal received
- ATK and damage boost from Skill 3
- Best paired with Miyu and Morgana
TL;DR – Simple Team Formula
Not sure where to start? Try this structure:
- Choose your DPS – AoE or single-target
- Add:
- A Buffer (Leon, Tomoko, Leful)
- A Sustain Unit (Morgana, Shun, or use a healing Persona on MC)
- Use a Navigator based on what you’re lacking:
- Need damage? Go Kayo
- Need protection? Go Miyu
Swap in flex units based on content, don’t be afraid to experiment. And of course: Read. Your. Units.
Understanding what your units actually do is the foundation of team building.
Wrap-Up: Build Smarter, Not Harder
Team building in Persona 5: The Phantom X is honestly one of the game’s most fun systems. Thanks to customizable Personas, useful Navigators, and versatile kits, there’s no “one best team.” You’ve got options, whether you’re a meta-chaser or someone just trying to make it through Mementos without crying. If you’re still unsure about your comp, check out my guide for the best teams on the launch of Persona 5: The Phantom X, where I break down the best overall picks and walk you through 4 sample team comps you can use as a reference.
