Amidst the murder and mayhem inDanganronpa2: Goodbye Despair, players still have the opportunity to bond with the characters. In the shoes of Hajime Hinata, they can do this by choosing to spend their Free Time with any of their classmates — at least, those who are still alive.
Spending time with classmates and witnessing their Free Time Events can earn the player Hope Fragments, which eventually unlock useful bonusesin class trials. However, Hajime may need more than just his presence and a few words to get the others to open up. By giving the right gifts at the right times, he’ll be able to grow closer to his classmates.
Updated June 30, 2025 by Demaris Oxman:Danganronpa 2:Goodbye Despairis an excellent sequel in a niche but beloved franchise. Though some fans found the third game to be a letdown, the second remains a favorite of many. Its popularity is in no small part thanks to its stellar cast of characters, whom Hajime can befriend during Free Time on the island. With limited time and Monocoins, though, it can be tricky for players to decide who to befriend. With that in mind, this guide has been updated with more information on the benefits of befriending each student, as well as additional details on where to get presents inDanganronpa 2.
RELATED:Danganronpa: Characters We Loved (& Ones We Wish Died Immediately)
Where & How To Get Presents
There are two different ways to purchase gifts for classmates inDanganronpa 2. One has a limited but safe selection; the other has a large selection, but relies on the luck of the draw.
The MonoMono Yachine
Just like its predecessor,Danganronpa 2lets players try their luck in agashapon-style game. By putting in a Monocoin, Hajime will receive a gift to give to one of his classmates.The MonoMono Yachine is located on the first island’s Beach.
Putting in additional coins will decrease the chances of receiving a repeated gift. However, having multiples of the same items isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many studentshave Liked or Loved gifts in common, and characters won’t turn down gifts they’ve received before. Generally, using only one coin will still get the player a gift someone will enjoy, so don’t waste coins.
The Vending Machine
In theRocketpunch Marketon the first island, players can find a vending machine. For a few Monocoins, Hajime can purchase snacks, drinks, and a few other cheap items. Don’t be fooled by the low prices — some of Hajime’s classmates will be more than happy to receive a bottle of ramune or a bag of sunflower seeds.
For a bit of a steeper price at 50 Monocoins, the vending machine also sells items that unlock bonus scenes. However, if the player’s goal is to befriend classmates, don’t spend money on these — they aren’t viable presents.
RELATED:Possible Masterminds For The Next Danganronpa Game
Where to Find Monocoins
Players will earn a number of Monocoins at the end of every class trial, depending on how well they performed during the minigames. The can also find them hidden around the island, by investigating various objects. To find Monocoins, simplyinvestigate everything!
Liked vs. Loved Gifts
Hajime shouldgive his friends Liked gifts during his first few conversationswith them, up until he has received two or three Hope Fragments with that character. Afterwards,Loved gifts will be necessaryto gain the rest of the Hope Fragments.
Other gifts fall into separate categories of Neutral, Disliked, or Hated. Don’t worry too much about these other categories, however. It’s best to avoid giving any character a gift that doesn’t fall on their Liked or Loved lists, as it won’t increase their friendship with Hajime. Thus, the latter are the most important to remember.
Why Give Presents?
At first glance, the purpose behind giving gifts inDanganronpa 2: Goodbye Despairmay not be obvious. As a visual novel with a set script, the protagonist’s relationship to other characters does not affect the storyline. However, building friendships does have a gameplay purpose, in addition to simply fleshing out the world and characters. By collecting the Hope Fragments, Hajime can unlock skills to use in the class trials. Obtaining each student’sfifth hope fragmentwill unlock a special skill, each with a different effect.
Knowing which classmates unlock which skills may help players decide who to spend their limited Free Time with. All of them are useful, but some players may find certain skills more helpful than others, depending on what minigames tend to trip them up in the Class Trials. Skills unlocked by building friendships with classmates inDanganronpa 2: Goodbye Despairinclude the following:
Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu
Silver Spoon
When Hajime misses or answers incorrectly, the damage he takes is reduced.
Hiyoko Saionji
Pivot Turn
During the Closing Argument, any panels that do not fit into the narrative will be erased.
Kazuichi Soda
Handiwork
The player can reload two bullets at once during Panic Talk Action
Mahiru Koizumi
Auto Focus
When concentrating in Nonstop Debates, the player will automatically target the weak spot.
Nekomaru Nidai
Power of Life & Death
Pushing through an opponent’s statements in a Rebuttal Showdown becomes easier.
Teruteru Hanamura
Tasting
Arguments in the Nonstop Debate and Rebuttal Showdown are limited to three statements or fewer.
Each Character’s Preferences
Below, players can find acomplete list ofeach character’s Loved gifts— ones they should keep on hand when trying to complete that character’s last few Free Time Events. Since many characters have several dozen gifts on their Liked lists, a few are listed here, while players can find links to comprehensive lists on each player’s wiki page.
Akane Owari
With her endless appetite, hotheaded gymnast Akane will rarely turn down a snack. Almost any food item from the Vending Machine or MonoMono Yachine will win her over, but the following are some of her favorites.
Likes:
Byakuya Togami
Like Akane, Byakuya isn’t one to turn down a snack. However, his tastes aren’t identical, as players can see below. Additionally, as someone from a wealthy background (or rather —spoiler— as someone pretending to be from a wealthy background), he has an appreciation for the finer things in life.
Chiaki Nanami
Everyone’s favorite gamer girl is among the easier of Hajime’s classmates to please. With a fairly substantial list of Loves and several other Likes, it’s not too hard to find something she’ll like. Predictably, she’ll be happy to receive anything to do with video games, as well as other cool trinkets and knickknacks.
RELATED:Persona 5 Royal: The Best Gifts You Can Give Takemi
Fuyuhiko is one of the harder characters to befriend, partially because he’s only available to talk to after Chapter 3. What’s more, his list of Loves is incredibly short — although he does have plenty of Liked gifts. Food isn’t the way to his heart, but he seems to enjoy quirky collectibles.
Gundham Tanaka
Gundham is an eccentric character, and his preferred gifts reflect that. This endearingly odd animal lover will appreciate anything to do with the occult or the strange. Additionally, snacks for his Four Dark Devas (i.e., sunflower seeds) rank high on his list.
For players willing to put up with Hiyoko’s nasty attitude, be on the lookout for dainty, feminine items. Her preferred gifts reflect her outward appearance more than her personality; most are childish or girly.
Ibuki Mioda
Similar to Chiaki, Ibuki is likely the easiest person to befriend. Her list of Loves is longer than most, and her Likes include dozens of items. Keeping in line with her talent, most are music-themed; however, she likes snacks and fun toys as well.
Danganronpa 2’sresident gearhead loves to receive gadgets and gizmos as presents. A few also have descriptions claiming to help people who are unlucky in love — after all, Kazuichi always has Sonia on his mind.
Not many available gifts inDanganronpa 2relate to Mahiru’s photography talent; however, there are a few presents that highlight her proclivity for organization, propriety, and taking care of others. Like other female students, she also won’t turn down pretty trinkets.
Mikan Tsumiki
Many of Mikan’s best presents relate to her talents as a nurse, but there’s still a wide variety present in her list. Vending machine snacks and drinks aren’t really the way to go, but Mikan does seem to like useful and pretty things.
Nagito Komaeda
Many fans believe it’s impossible to truly understand Nagito, and his best presents don’t offer much more insight. Like Nagito himself, these items and their descriptions range from uplifting to strangely ominous. It’s also worth noting that he has the smallest number of Liked gifts, at only eight.
RELATED:Persona 5 Royal: The Best Gifts You Can Give Kasumi
Ever-enthusiastic Nekomaru’s best gifts are highly varied. A few are, naturally, sports-related; however, others seem a bit out of left field. It seems the Ultimate Team Leader’s interests go beyond his talent.
Peko Pekoyama
Serious, intense Peko takes awhile to soften up, but the following presents should help Hajime get to know her. As much as she loves anything related to swordsmanship and martial arts, she has a feminine side, as some of her best gifts show.
Sonia Nevermind
The Princess of Novoselic lives up to her high status, as the best gifts for her are rather classy. Yet, she can’t resist presents that cater to her darker fascinations, such as occult happenings or bloody historical battles.
Danganronpa 2’stoken creep is defined just as much by his lustful nature as he is by his passion for cooking. Unsurprisingly, many of his best gifts have sexual connotations; however, a few others highlight his talents as a chef.
