The Persona series, originally a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, has evolved into a major name in modern RPGs, captivating audiences with its unique blend of dungeon crawling and social simulation. From its inception, the series has expanded across multiple platforms, including major sequels, remakes, anime adaptations, and even stage plays, solidifying its status as a multimedia phenomenon. With the release of Persona 3 Reload on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, new players are eager to dive into this rich universe. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to every game and spin-off, detailing 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?
There are currently twenty Persona games in total. These include expanded versions of the mainline entries, such as re-releases with new story content or remakes. While direct ports and remasters are not included, we will highlight every alternate version of each game in the following sections.
Which Persona Game Should You Play First?
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 versions of the third, fourth, and fifth mainline entries, respectively, and are available on PC and most major consoles, except for Persona 3 Reload, which is not yet on Nintendo Switch. Each of these games introduces a new story with fresh characters, allowing you to jump in without missing crucial plot points from earlier entries. To decide which game suits you best, explore gameplay videos and the social link dynamics of each title to find 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 inaugural game in the series, Revelations: Persona, was inspired by the positive reception of Shin Megami Tensei: If…. It introduced the concept of high school students battling demons in the town of Mikage-cho, utilizing their awakened Personas to navigate dungeons and fight shadows. This game laid the groundwork for the franchise, introducing key elements like the Velvet Room and the teenage hero ensemble.
2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)
In Persona 2: Innocent Sin, players follow a new group of high school students led by Tatsuya Suou as they combat a mysterious villain known as Joker and his cult, the Masked Circle. The game delves into a plot where rumors materialize, requiring the team to explore dungeons and battle shadows. This entry 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, who investigates the Joker Curse. The game maintains the series' focus on dungeon exploration and Persona combat, building upon the established narrative.
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 marked a significant evolution in the series by emphasizing its high school setting and introducing a daily calendar system. The story follows Makoto Yuki, who experiences the Dark Hour and battles shadows in Tartarus. This entry introduced social links and other mechanics that became central to the franchise.
Read our review of Persona 3 Reload.
Alternate Versions of Persona 3:
Persona 3 has been re-released several times. Persona 3 FES added The Answer and an alternate female protagonist campaign. Persona 3 Portable included the female protagonist but not The Answer. Persona 3 Reload is a full remake for modern consoles, excluding The Answer and the female protagonist route.
5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)
This rhythm-based dancing spin-off occurs during the main campaign of Persona 3, where Elizabeth challenges the S.E.E.S team to a dance-off in the Velvet Room. The events are part of a dream but are canon to the story, featuring dance routines to Persona 3 tracks.
6. Persona 4 (2008) / Persona 4 Golden (2012)
Set in the rural town of Inaba, Persona 4 follows Yu Narukami as he investigates a series of murders linked to a supernatural realm accessible through TV monitors. The game builds on Persona 3's mechanics, including the calendar system and social links, while exploring vast dungeons.
Read our review of Persona 4 Golden.
Alternate Versions of Persona 4:
Persona 4 Golden, released in 2012, is an expanded version with additional story content and a new dungeon, considered the definitive way to experience the game.
7. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014)
This crossover game features characters from both Persona 3 and 4 trapped in a warped version of Yasogami High School during specific segments of their respective storylines. Players navigate a labyrinth, facing new enemies and uncovering an original story that pays homage to the series' dungeon-crawler origins.
Read our review of Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth.
8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)
A fighting game that continues the narratives of Persona 3 and 4, Persona 4 Arena features Yu Narukami returning to Inaba and entering a mysterious fighting tournament. Players control iconic Persona characters in battles against allies and the Shadow Operatives from Persona 3.
Read our review of Persona 4 Arena.
9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)
Following Persona 4 Arena, Ultimax expands the roster and continues the story with the Persona 4 squad and Shadow Operatives battling in the TV World. This sequel enhances the fighting game experience with additional characters and content.
Read our review of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.
10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)
This rhythm-based dancing game follows the Investigation Squad as they enter the Midnight Stage, a canon continuation of the Persona 4 storyline. Players perform dance routines to Persona tracks, adding a unique twist to the series.
Read our review of Persona 4: Dancing All Night.
11. Persona 5 (2016) / Persona 5 Royal (2019)
Set in Tokyo, Persona 5 introduces players to Joker, a high school student on probation, who discovers a supernatural realm called Palaces. Alongside his friends, known as the Phantom Thieves, they aim to change the hearts of corrupt individuals. Persona 5 expanded the franchise's popularity, becoming Atlus's best-selling game and gaining a massive fan base.
Read our review of Persona 5 Royal.
Alternate Versions of Persona 5:
Persona 5 Royal, released in 2019, 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 explore movie-based dungeons and battle enemies in a first-person perspective, set during their respective storylines.
13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)
This strategy-focused spin-off, similar to the XCOM series, follows the Phantom Thieves as they navigate an alternate realm called the Kingdoms. After being brainwashed, they must rescue their allies and escape, using a tactical grid-based combat system.
Read our review of Persona 5 Tactica.
14. Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2018)
Another rhythm-based dancing spin-off, Dancing in Starlight features the Phantom Thieves challenged to a dance-off by Caroline and Justine in the Velvet Room, performing routines to Persona 5 tracks.
15. Persona 5 Strikers (2020)
Set four months after Persona 5, Strikers follows the Phantom Thieves on a summer vacation turned adventure in the Metaverse. This spin-off incorporates real-time combat inspired by the Dynasty Warriors series, as players battle hordes of enemies with combos and Personas.
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 of Atlus RPGs were treated to two releases: Persona 3 Reload and Metaphor: ReFantazio, a new RPG from Atlus's Studio Zero. Following the success of Metaphor, Sega has expressed interest in further investing in Atlus and the Persona franchise. The next anticipated project 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 sign-up in October. A global release is expected, though details are yet to be confirmed. The Phantom X features an original story set in the Persona 5 universe with new characters joining the Phantom Thieves. Additionally, Persona 6 is highly anticipated, though Atlus has not officially confirmed its development.
