Persona 5 The Phantom X

Persona 5 The Phantom X Ann: Character Story and Skills

Persona 5 The Phantom X Artwork 21

Ann Takamaki, better known as Panther, brings explosive firepower, captivating style, and a complex backstory to Persona 5 The Phantom X. If you want to get the most out of this iconic Phantom Thief, whether you’re new or a veteran, here’s Ann’s story, gameplay role, and skill tips as of October 2025.

Ann’s Story in Persona 5 The Phantom X

Ann Takamaki is a returning fan-favorite from the mainline Persona 5 universe, rejoining Wonder and the new Phantom Thieves with her signature charisma. In The Phantom X, she is an outgoing, loyal main character with deep ties to the central plot. Her code name, Panther, reflects her fierce determination, especially during Metaverse missions (Megami Tensei Wiki).

Ann stands out for her compassion, challenges with friendships, and moments of vulnerability. New players experience exclusive story events as Ann battles inner demons, aids classmates, and develops impactful bonds with the party (Game8 Character Guide).

Panther’s Role & Skills: Fire Sweeper

Ann’s combat specialty is as a Fire Sweeper, an AoE damage expert. Her Persona, Carmen, provides powerful fire-aligned skills capable of burning entire enemy teams. Her passive mechanic, Passion stacks, allows her to build up charges with each Fire move, eventually entering the La Vie en Rose state for a huge attack buff and extra effects (Gamerant Build Guide).

Skill Highlights:

  • Crimson Rose: Multi-target Fire attack, buffs Ann’s attack, and, under La Vie en Rose, weakens enemy offense.
  • Falling Sun: AoE Fire with a 30% chance to burn, heavy damage under La Vie en Rose.
  • Trifire: Single-target Fire, high burn chance, deals bonus damage when enemy HP is below 50%.
  • Thief Tactics: Boosts all Fire skill damage and enables powerful multi-hits.
  • Hidden Abilities: Includes Rising Tension (extra Fire damage), Carrot and Stick (team healing), and enhanced skill power at increased awareness levels.

Her playstyle revolves around building and spending Passion stacks, timing La Vie en Rose activations for the highest impact. In boss fights or wave clears, pair Ann with team buffs and supports for devastating effect (DBLTAP build guide).

Best Weapons & Team Synergy

  • Top Weapon: Rosethorn (5★) – Massive fire damage bonus, burn infliction, and synergy with La Vie en Rose (Times of India Weapon Guide).
  • Strong Teams: Fire-based compositions with Key (DPS boost), Cattle (Healing/Buffs), or party-wide supports (Chord, Wind).
  • Skill Order: Level up Trifire/Falling Sun first for burst potential, then Crimson Rose for buffs (Game8 skill priority).

Ann Takamaki Tips for New Players

  • Aim for mono Fire teams to maximize Ann’s abilities.
  • Use Crimson Rose to build La Vie en Rose, then unleash Trifire or Falling Sun when bosses or tough enemies drop below half HP.
  • For F2P, focus on leveling key skills and acquiring 4★ Masquerade Ribbon for solid damage boosts if Rosethorn isn’t available (Game8 starting guide).

Ann Takamaki (Panther) is one of the most powerful Thieves in Persona 5 The Phantom X, boasting game-changing fire skills and a dynamic story presence. Build her right, and you’ll have a top sweeper and a legendary teammate throughout the Metaverse.

Everything you need for Ann’s skill setup, gear, and playstyle in P5X.

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Jake Skudder

Jake is an SEO-minded Football, Combat Sports, Gaming and Pro Wrestling writer and successful Editor in Chief. Most importantly, he is a Gacha players who specialises in Genshin Impact. On top of that, Jake has more than ten years of experience covering mixed martial arts, pro wrestling, football and gaming across a number of publications, starting at SEScoops in 2012 under the name Jake Jeremy. His work has also been featured on Sportskeeda, Pro Sports Extra, Wrestling Headlines, NoobFeed, Wrestlingnewsco and Keen Gamer, again under the name Jake Jeremy. Previously, he worked as the Editor in Chief of 24Wrestling, building the site profile with a view to selling the domain, which was accomplished in 2019. Jake was previously the Editor in Chief for Fight Fans, a combat sports and pro wrestling site that was launched in January 2021 and broke into millions of pageviews within the first two years. He previously worked for Snack Media and their GiveMeSport site, creating Evergreen and Trending content that would deliver pageviews via Google as the UFC and MMA SEO Lead. Jake managed to take an area of GiveMeSport that had zero traction on Organic and push it to audiences across the globe. Jake also has a record of long-term video and written interview content with the likes of the Professional Fighters League, ONE and Cage Warriors, working directly with the brands to promote bouts, fighters and special events. Jake also previously worked for the biggest independent wrestling company in the UK, PROGRESS Wrestling, as PR Head and Head of Media across the social channels of the company.

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