What’s Negative Penalty in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

Despite being an extremely welcoming game, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is also quite complex, featuring multiple interwoven mechanics that players need to understand fully to become masters at the game.

Among the many mechanics that do influence matches quite a bit are status ailments based on those seen in the main entries in the series. One of these status ailments isn’t in the Persona games, however, so veterans of the series may feel a little lost when afflicted by it.

Here’s everything you need to know about this status ailment called Negative Penalty.

What’s Negative Penalty in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

The Negative Penalty status ailment may sound new to fans of the Persona series, but it definitely won’t for fans of Guilty Gear and other Arc System Works developed fighting games, as this Persona 4 Arena Ultimax altered status is present in other games created by the Japanese developer.

Any character can be afflicted by the Negative Penalty status ailment during a match if they play too defensively. If you stay away from your opponent for too long, avoid engaging them directly, and backdash way too much, you will get afflicted by this status ailment which will increase the damage you receive for as long as it is active. The only way to cure this status ailment is not only to wait but also to engage the opponent and perform offensive actions.

Anime fighting games are generally known for the high speed of their experiences, and Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is no different. Defensive play is not only not very effective, but not encouraged at all with the Negative Penalty mechanics, so get comfortable with your offensive option, and try to always stay on the offensive to avoid getting hit by this status ailment and make things even harder for yourself.