The Persona series, initially a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, has evolved into a major player in the world of modern RPGs. With its expansive universe spanning multiple sequels, remakes, anime adaptations, and even stage plays, Persona has become a multimedia phenomenon with no signs of slowing down. The latest entry, Persona 3 Reload, now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, has sparked interest among new players eager to dive into this captivating series. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to every Persona game and spin-off, including the best starting points for newcomers, as well as the chronological and release order of the series.
Jump to:
- How to play in order
- How to play by release date
- Upcoming releases
How Many Persona Games Are There?
In total, there are currently twenty Persona games. These include several expanded versions of the mainline entries, featuring new story content or remakes. We'll detail every alternate version of each game in the lists below, excluding direct ports or remasters.
Which Persona Game Should You Play First?
For newcomers, diving into Persona 3 Reload, Persona 4 Golden, or Persona 5 Royal is a fantastic starting point. These are the latest versions of the third, fourth, and fifth mainline entries, respectively, available on PC and most major consoles (except Persona 3 Reload, which is not on Nintendo Switch).
Each of these games introduces an entirely new story with unique characters, allowing you to jump in without missing any crucial backstory. To decide which one suits you best, consider watching gameplay videos and exploring the social links featured in each game to see what resonates with you.
Persona 3 Reload
54 Available on PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X. See it at Amazon
Persona 4 Golden
42 Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch See it at Nintendo
Persona 5 Royal
103 Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch See it at Amazon
Every Persona Game and Spin-Off in Chronological Order
These blurbs contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.
1. Revelations: Persona (1996)
The first game in the series, Revelations: Persona, was Atlus' response to the positive reception of Shin Megami Tensei: If… This spin-off focused on high-schoolers battling demons, and Revelations: Persona expanded this concept into a full-fledged RPG. Set in Mikage-cho, players control a group of high schoolers using their Personas to battle supernatural forces, laying the groundwork for the series' core elements like the Velvet Room and the teenage heroes.
2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)
Persona 2: Innocent Sin introduced a new cast led by Tatsuya Suou, who battles the villainous Joker and the Masked Circle cult. Set in Sumaru City, the game revolves around battling shadows and exploring dungeons, with rumors turning into reality forming the crux of the plot. It was followed by a direct sequel, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, a year later.
Read our review of Persona 2: Innocent Sin.
3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)
Continuing from Innocent Sin, Eternal Punishment features Maya Amano as the protagonist. Investigating the Joker Curse, Maya and her allies confront a familiar enemy. The game retains the series' signature turn-based combat and dungeon exploration.
Read our review of Persona 2: Eternal Punishment.
4. Persona 3 (2006) / Persona 3 FES (2007) / Persona 3 Portable (2009) / Persona 3 Reload (2024)
Persona 3 revolutionized the series by introducing a daily calendar system, balancing school life with dungeon-crawling in Tartarus. Protagonist Makoto Yuki navigates the mysterious Dark Hour and uncovers a world-threatening plot. This entry introduced social links and day-to-day activities that have become hallmarks of the franchise.
Read our review of Persona 3 Reload.
Alternate Versions of Persona 3:
Persona 3 FES added The Answer chapter and a female protagonist route, Persona 3 Portable included the female protagonist but omitted The Answer, and Persona 3 Reload is a modern remake of the original without The Answer or the female protagonist route.
5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)
This rhythm-based spin-off set during the main campaign sees the S.E.E.S team challenged to a dance-off in the Velvet Room by Elizabeth. The events are part of a dream but remain canon to the story.
6. Persona 4 (2008) / Persona 4 Golden (2012)
Persona 4 takes place in Inaba, where protagonist Yu Narukami investigates a series of murders linked to a supernatural realm accessible through TV monitors. The game refines the mechanics of Persona 3, offering a rich narrative and deep character development.
Read our review of Persona 4 Golden.
Alternate Versions of Persona 4:
Persona 4 Golden, released in 2012, added new story content and an additional dungeon, making it the definitive version of the game.
7. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014)
A crossover between Persona 3 and Persona 4, Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth traps both teams in a warped version of Yasogami High School. They must navigate a labyrinth and uncover an original story, harking back to the series' dungeon-crawler roots.
Read our review of Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth.
8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)
A continuation of both Persona 3 and 4, Persona 4 Arena introduces a fighting game where Yu Narukami returns to Inaba for a mysterious tournament in the TV World. It features characters from both games, including the Shadow Operatives from Persona 3.
Read our review of Persona 4 Arena.
9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)
Following directly after Persona 4 Arena, Ultimax expands the roster and storyline, with the Persona 4 squad and the Shadow Operatives returning to the TV World to confront the tournament's mysterious forces.
Read our review of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.
10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)
This rhythm-based dancing game continues the Persona 4 storyline, with the Investigation Squad performing in the Midnight Stage, an alternate dimension.
Read our review of Persona 4: Dancing All Night.
11. Persona 5 (2016) / Persona 5 Royal (2019)
Persona 5 introduces protagonist Joker, who navigates Tokyo's supernatural palaces to change the hearts of evildoers as part of the Phantom Thieves. The game builds on the mechanics of its predecessors, becoming Atlus' best-selling title and a cultural phenomenon.
Read our review of Persona 5 Royal.
Alternate Versions of Persona 5:
Persona 5 Royal adds new content, including a companion, dungeon, and semester, making it the ultimate version of the game.
12. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)
A sequel to Persona Q, New Cinema Labyrinth features a crossover of characters from Persona 3, 4, and 5. Trapped in a movie theater, they must navigate movie-themed dungeons to escape.
13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)
Set during the events of Persona 5, Persona 5 Tactica introduces a strategy-based gameplay style reminiscent of XCOM. The Phantom Thieves must save their brainwashed allies in the Kingdoms.
Read our review of Persona 5 Tactica.
14. Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2018)
In this rhythm-based dancing game, the Phantom Thieves are challenged to a dance-off in the Velvet Room by Caroline and Justine, performing to Persona 5's iconic tracks.
15. Persona 5 Strikers (2020)
Set four months after Persona 5, Strikers sees the Phantom Thieves reunite for a summer vacation that leads them back into the Metaverse. This spin-off incorporates real-time combat inspired by the Dynasty Warriors series.
Read our review of Persona 5 Strikers.
Every Persona Game and Spin-Off in Release Order
- Revelations: Persona (1996)
- Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)
- Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)
- Persona 3 (2006)
- Persona 3 FES (2007)
- Persona 4 (2008)
- Persona 3 Portable (2009)
- Persona 4 Arena (2012)
- Persona 4 Golden (2012)
- Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)
- Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014)
- Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)
- Persona 5 (2016)
- Persona 3: Dancing in the Moonlight (2018)
- Persona 5: Dancing in the Starlight (2018)
- Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)
- Persona 5 Royal (2019)
- Persona 5 Strikers (2020)
- Persona 5 Tactica (2023)
- Persona 3 Reload (2024)
What's Next for Persona?
In 2024, fans enjoyed the release of Persona 3 Reload and Metaphor: ReFantazio, a new RPG from Atlus's Studio Zero. Metaphor's success has prompted Sega to continue investing in Atlus and the Persona series. The next project to watch is Persona 5: The Phantom X, a free-to-play mobile game released in several Asian regions in 2024, with a Japanese release following a closed beta. A global release is anticipated, though no official date has been announced. This game offers an original story set in the Persona 5 universe with new characters.
Persona 6 is highly anticipated, though Atlus has yet to confirm its development officially.
