by Andrew Apr 10,2025
Originally conceived as a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei series, the Persona franchise has evolved into a powerhouse within the realm of modern RPGs. Its ascent to fame is marked by a series of major sequels, remakes, anime adaptations, and even stage plays, cementing its status as a multimedia juggernaut. The excitement surrounding the franchise shows no signs of waning, especially with the latest release, Persona 3 Reload, now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. For those new to the series, deciding where to begin can be daunting. Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of every game and spin-off, including the best entry point for newcomers, as well as the chronological and release order of the series.
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Currently, there are twenty Persona games in total. This number includes various expanded versions of the mainline entries, such as re-releases with new story content or remakes. While we will not cover direct ports or remasters, we will detail every alternate version of each game in our list below.
For those new to the series, starting with Persona 3 Reload, Persona 4 Golden, or Persona 5 Royal is highly recommended. These are the latest iterations of the third, fourth, and fifth mainline entries, respectively, and are available on PC and most major consoles, with the exception of Persona 3 Reload on the Nintendo Switch.
New players need not worry about missing out on the overarching narrative by jumping into these later entries, as each game features a standalone story with its own cast of characters, making them ideal starting points. To help you decide, consider exploring gameplay videos and social links from each game to see which one resonates with you the most.
54 Available on PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X. See it at Amazon
42 Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch See it at Nintendo
103 Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch See it at Amazon
These descriptions contain mild spoilers regarding characters, settings, and story elements.
The inaugural game in the series, Revelations: Persona, was Atlus's response to the positive feedback for Shin Megami Tensei: If…, another high-school-themed spin-off. Building on the beloved concept, Revelations: Persona offered a full-fledged dungeon-crawling RPG experience, where a group of high school students combat a supernatural uprising in Mikage-cho. Utilizing their awakened Personas, they navigate dungeons, engage in random encounters, and strengthen their party throughout the game. This title laid the groundwork for the series, introducing key elements like Persona combat, the Velvet Room, and a teenage cast of heroes.
The sequel, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, introduced players to a new group of high school students led by Tatsuya Suou, who confront the villainous Joker and the Masked Circle cult. The narrative revolves around sinister rumors materializing in Sumaru, leading to dungeon exploration, Persona battles, and party development. Unlike other series entries, it was followed by a direct sequel, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, which continued the story.
Read our review of Persona 2: Innocent Sin.
In this follow-up to Innocent Sin, Maya Amano steps into the protagonist role, investigating the Joker Curse rumor. The game continues the turn-based, dungeon-crawling gameplay, with players enhancing their party and battling shadows using Personas.
Read our review of Persona 2: Eternal Punishment.
Persona 3 marked a significant evolution in the franchise, emphasizing its high school setting with a daily calendar system. Players manage protagonist Makoto Yuki's life between school, social activities, and nocturnal battles in Tartarus, a supernatural tower. The game introduced social links and daily activities, becoming synonymous with the series.
Alternate Versions of Persona 3:
Persona 3 has seen multiple re-releases. Persona 3 FES expanded the game with The Answer chapter and a female protagonist option. Persona 3 Portable brought the game to handhelds with the female protagonist route, while Persona 3 Reload is a modern remake of the base game, excluding The Answer and the female protagonist.
Read our review of Persona 3 Reload.
A rhythm-based dancing spin-off set within the main campaign of Persona 3, where Elizabeth challenges the S.E.E.S team to a dance-off in the Velvet Room. This dream-like event is canon, featuring the team dancing to iconic Persona 3 tracks.
Set in the rural town of Inaba, Persona 4 follows Yu Narukami, who moves to live with his family and discovers a link between local murders and a mysterious realm accessible through TV screens. The game builds on Persona 3's mechanics, using the calendar system to balance school life and dungeon exploration.
Alternate Versions of Persona 4:
Persona 4 Golden, released in 2012, enhanced the original with new story content and an additional dungeon, widely considered the definitive way to experience the game.
Read our review of Persona 4 Golden.
This crossover event occurs simultaneously during segments of Persona 3 and 4, trapping both teams inside a distorted Yasogami High School. Players explore a labyrinth and engage in an original story, harking back to the series' traditional dungeon-crawler style.
Read our review of Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth.
Following the narratives of Persona 3 and 4, Persona 4 Arena introduces a fighting tournament within the TV world, featuring characters from both games. It's the first major spin-off, offering a robust fighting game experience.
Read our review of Persona 4 Arena.
The sequel to Persona 4 Arena, Ultimax expands the roster and continues the story directly after the first game, bringing back characters from Persona 3 for another TV world adventure.
Read our review of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.
This rhythm-based dancing game continues the Persona 4 storyline, with the Investigation Squad dancing to iconic tracks in an alternate dimension called the Midnight Stage.
Read our review of Persona 4: Dancing All Night.
Persona 5 takes players to Tokyo, where protagonist Joker navigates high school life while secretly infiltrating mystical palaces to reform corrupt hearts as the Phantom Thieves. The game expanded the series' popularity, becoming Atlus's best-selling title.
Alternate Versions of Persona 5:
Persona 5 Royal, released in 2019, added new content including a companion, dungeon, and semester, making it the ultimate version of the game.
Read our review of Persona 5 Royal.
A sequel to Persona Q, New Cinema Labyrinth features another crossover, with the Phantom Thieves teaming up with S.E.E.S and the Investigation Squad in a movie theater, exploring film-based dungeons.
Set during Persona 5, Tactica introduces a strategy-focused spin-off reminiscent of the XCOM series. The Phantom Thieves navigate the Kingdoms, fighting to rescue their brainwashed allies and return home.
Read our review of Persona 5 Tactica.
In this dancing spin-off, Caroline and Justine challenge the Phantom Thieves to a dance-off in the Velvet Room, performing routines to Persona 5's catchy tracks.
Set post-Persona 5, Strikers reunites the Phantom Thieves during a summer vacation turned chaotic by the Metaverse. This spin-off introduces real-time combat inspired by the Dynasty Warriors series, with the team battling hordes of enemies.
Read our review of Persona 5 Strikers.
The next project to keep an eye on is the free-to-play mobile game, Persona 5: The Phantom X, which has already launched in several Asian markets in 2024, with a Japanese release on the horizon after a closed beta sign-up in October. A global release is anticipated, though no official date has been announced. The Phantom X promises an original story within the Persona 5 universe, featuring new characters stepping into the roles of the Phantom Thieves.
Persona 6, the next anticipated mainline entry in the RPG series, remains unconfirmed by Atlus, but fans eagerly await any news of its development.
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