Amidst the murder and mayhem in Danganronpa 2: 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 bonuses in 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 September 23, 2025 by Demaris Oxman: Announced in a recent Nintendo Direct video, Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair game is getting a relaunch sometime next year. However, the upcoming Danganronpa: 2×2 offers much more than a few touchups. Players will have access to a completely new storyline, with new murders to solve and new killers to unmask.
Naturally, this announcement has fans excited, and many are jumping back into the beloved games for a refresher before the new release. For both new players and returning fans, here’s everything you need to know about the gift system, how to make friends on the island, and the skills players can earn by doing so.
Danganronpa: 5 Characters We Loved (& 5 We Wish Died Immediately)
Danganronpa has always thrived at putting together an interesting cats. But some characters overstayed their welcome.
Where & How To Get Presents
There are two different ways to purchase gifts for classmates in Danganronpa 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 2 lets players try their luck in a gashapon-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 students have 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 the Rocketpunch Market on 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.
Possible Masterminds for the Next Danganronpa Game
2020 is the year of Danganronpa’s 10th anniversary making it not out of the question for a new game to be announced before the year ends.
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, simply investigate everything!
Liked vs. Loved Gifts
Hajime should give his friends Liked gifts during his first few conversations with them, up until he has received two or three Hope Fragments with that character. Afterwards, Loved gifts will be necessary to 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 in Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair may 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’s fifth hope fragment will 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 in Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair include the following:
|
Classmate |
Skill |
Effect |
|---|---|---|
|
Akane Owari |
Peach Muscle |
Increases rate of fire for Truth Bullets. |
|
Byakuya Togami |
Sting |
Increases the number of Monocoins earned. |
|
Chiaki Nanami |
Cheat Code |
The time limit in Nonstop Debates does not decrease. |
|
Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu |
Silver Spoon |
When Hajime misses or answers incorrectly, the damage he takes is reduced. |
|
Gundham Tanaka |
Infinity Unlimited Flame |
Shooting down White Noise in Nonstop Debates becomes easier. |
|
Hiyoko Saionji |
Pivot Turn |
During the Closing Argument, any panels that do not fit into the narrative will be erased. |
|
Ibuki Mioda |
Shred Guitar |
Increases acceleration speed during Logic Dive. |
|
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. |
|
Mikan Tsumiki |
Silent Massage |
Increases the Focus Gauge’s recharge rate. |
|
Nagito Komaeda |
Trance |
During Panic Talk Action, lower combos will increase tempo. |
|
Nekomaru Nidai |
Power of Life & Death |
Pushing through an opponent’s statements in a Rebuttal Showdown becomes easier. |
|
Peko Pekoyama |
Lightning Flash |
Counterattacks are more powerful during the Rebuttal Showdown. |
|
Sonia Nevermind |
Envious Influence |
Increases the capacity of the Influence Gauge. |
|
Teruteru Hanamura |
Tasting |
Arguments in the Nonstop Debate and Rebuttal Showdown are limited to three statements or fewer. |
Island Mode
Much like the first game, Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair has a bonus mode that players can unlock after completing the main story. In this mode, Usami defeats Monokuma and carries on with the original plan: living harmoniously on the island while the students get to know each other. Players must manage the class’s daily tasks surrounding island upkeep, but they have plenty of chances to get a little closer with their classmates.
Island Mode isn’t necessary to play, or even canon to the story, but it gives players a chance to catch any Free Time Events they missed during the main game. For achievement hunters, or for players who get a kick out of character development and context, it’s worth amassing gifts in this mode to give to classmates. The game’s characters are surprisingly well-rounded and three-dimensional, and it can be fun getting to know them without the looming threat of the killing game.
Each Character's Preferences
Below, players can find a complete list of each 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.
Loves:
- 008. Prepackaged Orzotto
- 086. Centuri Potpurri
Likes:
- 002. Ramune
- 009. Chocolate Chip Jerky
- 010. Cod Roe Baguette
- 013. Sweet Bun Bag
- 073. Moon Rock
- See the wiki for more
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.
Loves:
- 009. Chocolate Chip Jerky
- 013. Sweet Bun Bag
- 017. Cocoshimi
- 045. Black Rabbit Picture Book
Likes:
- 008. Prepackaged Orzotto
- 011. Gugelhupf Cake
- 012. Hardtack of Hope
- 019. Coconut
- 030. Bvarbi’s Gold
- See the wiki for more
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.
Loves:
- 041. Tips & Tips 2nd Edition
- 062. Power Gauntlet
- 064. Nitro Racer
- 086. Century Potpourri
- 102. Rose In Vitro
- 103. Skullhead Mask
Likes:
- 015. Viva Ice
- 018. Sunflower Seeds
- 033. Hope’s Peak Ring
- 06. Slap Bracelet
- See the wiki for more
9 Best Visual Novels For Beginners, Ranked
For gamers who are curious about dipping their toes into the ever-growing visual novel genre, these games make for the perfect introduction.
By Amy CowleyJan 20, 2025
Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu
Fuyuhiko is one of the harder characters to befriend in the main game mode, 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.
Loves:
- 071. Antique Doll
- 081. Stardust
Likes:
- 007. Non-Alcoholic Wine
- 020. Iroha T-Shirt
- 079. Gold-Coated Sheath
- 110. Secret Wind Sword Book
- See the wiki for more
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.
Loves:
- 018. Sunflower Seeds
- 031. Earring of Crushed Evil
- 056. Small Degenerated Reactor
- 108. Angel’s Fruit
Likes:
- 004. Blue Ram
- 023. Falkor’s Muffler
- 034. Spectre Ring
- 097. Jabba The Frog
- See the wiki for more
Hiyoko Saionji
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.
Loves:
- 035. Cloth Wrap Backpack
- 038. Biggest Fantom
- 077. Paper “10th Act Verse”
- 086. Century Potpourri
- 102. Rose In Vitro
Likes:
- 003. Coconut Juice
- 037. Jabbaian Jewelry
- 045. Black Rabbit Picture Book
- 071. Antique Doll
- See the wiki for more
Ibuki Mioda
Similar to Chiaki, Ibuki is one of the easiest characters 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.
Loves:
- 046. 2.5D Headphones
- 060. American Clacker
- 075. Desperation
- 083. Two-Sided Ukulele
- 087. Absolute Tuning Fork
- 101. Lust Setsugekka
Likes:
- 005. Civet Coffee
- 016. Jabba’s Natural Salt
- 025. Queen’s Straitjacket
- 064. Nitro Racer
- See the wiki for more
Kazuichi Soda
Danganronpa 2’s resident 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.
Loves:
- 047. Radiosonde
- 053. Lilienthal’s Wings
- 056. Small Degenerated Reactor
- 070. Old Timey Radio
- 092. Broken Warhead
Likes:
- 043. Men’s Manma
- 050. Razor Ramon
- 058. The Funbox
- 086. Century Potpurri
- See the wiki for more
Mahiru Koizumi
Not many available gifts in Danganronpa 2 relate 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.
Loves:
- 032. Silver Ring
- 054. Kirlian Photography
- 082. Japanese Tea Cup
- 086. Century Potpourri
- 102. Rose In Vitro
- 107. Compact Costume
Likes:
- 039. Ubiquitous Handbook
- 044. Kiss Note
- 071. Antique Doll
- 093. Girl with the Bear Hairpin
- See the wiki for more
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.
Loves:
- 025. Queen’s Straitjacket
- 055. Mr. Stapler
- 109. Bandage Wrap
Likes:
- 028. Safety Half-Shoes
- 029. Passionate Glasses
- 032. Silver Ring
- 042. Ogami Clan Codex
- 051. Infrared Thermometer
- See the wiki for more
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.
Loves:
- 033. Hope’s Peak Ring
- 090. Memory Notebook
- 091. Mukuro’s Knife
Likes:
- 012. Hardtack of Hope
- 036. Another Hope
- 068. Go Stone
- 110. Secret Wind Sword Book
- See the wiki for additional info
12 Best Visual Novels Of The Decade, Ranked
Visual novels became more mainstream during the 2010s, and these games represent the genre at its best.
Nekomaru Nidai
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.
Loves:
- 019. Coconut
- 024. Fresh Bindings
- 042. Ogami Clan Codex
- 089. Sand God’s Storm Horn
Likes:
- 021. Brightly Colored Jeans
- 039. Ubiquitous Handbook
- 078. Marine Snow
- 096. Tissue
- See the wiki for more
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.
Loves:
- 022. Apron Dress
- 071. Antique Doll
- 079. Gold Coated Sheath
- 086. Century Potpourri
- 110. Secret Wind Sword Book
Likes:
- 007. Non-Alcoholic Wine
- 074. Another Battle
- 081. Stardust
- 082. Japanese Tea Cup
- 102. Rose In Vitro
- See the wiki for more
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.
Loves:
- 011. Gugelhupf Cake
- 021. Brightly Colored Jeans
- 074. Another Battle
- 086. Century Potpourri
Likes:
- 006. Cinnamon Tea
- 063. Mesopotamia
- 070. Old Timey Radio
- 100. Occult Photo Frame
- 102. Rose In Vitro
- See the wiki for more
Teruteru Hanamura
Danganronpa 2’s token 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.
Loves:
- 029. Passionate Glasses
- 044. Kiss Note
- 067. Kokeshi Dynamo
Likes:
- 048. Male Cylinder
- 049. Measuring Flask
- 066. Gag Ball
- 093. Girl with the Bear Hairpin
- See the wiki for more