Born as a *Shin Megami Tensei* spin-off, the *Persona* series has blossomed into a major player in the modern RPG landscape. From numerous sequels and remakes to anime, stage plays, and more, *Persona*'s multimedia empire continues to expand. With *Persona 3 Reload* now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, newcomers might wonder where to begin their *Persona* journey. This guide covers every game and spin-off, highlighting the best starting points and outlining both chronological and release order.
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How Many *Persona* Games Are There?
Currently, there are twenty *Persona* games. Many are enhanced versions—re-releases with extra content or full remakes. This guide excludes simple ports and remasters but notes all alternate versions.
Which *Persona* Game Should You Play First?
For newcomers, *Persona 3 Reload*, *Persona 4 Golden*, or *Persona 5 Royal* are excellent starting points. These are the latest versions of the third, fourth, and fifth mainline entries, widely available across major platforms (except *Persona 3 Reload* lacks a Nintendo Switch release). Each game features a self-contained narrative with unique characters, making them ideal entry points. Watch some gameplay videos and explore social link information to see which game appeals most to you.
Persona 3 Reload
Available on PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X.
See it at Amazon!
Persona 4 Golden
Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch
See it at Nintendo!
Persona 5 Royal
Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch
See it at Amazon
Every *Persona* Game and Spin-Off in Chronological Order
(Mild spoilers ahead regarding characters, settings, and story elements)
1. Revelations: Persona (1996)
The series' inaugural title, *Revelations: Persona*, built upon the success of *Shin Megami Tensei: If…*. It features high school students battling demons in Mikage-cho, utilizing Personas in combat and introducing core series elements like the Velvet Room.
2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)
Following a new group of high schoolers led by Tatsuya Suou, *Persona 2: Innocent Sin* focuses on combating the "Joker" and the Masked Circle cult. Malicious rumors come to life in Sumaru, requiring players to explore dungeons, wield Personas, and battle shadows.
Read our review of *Persona 2: Innocent Sin*.
3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)
A direct sequel featuring Maya Amano as the protagonist, *Eternal Punishment* continues the story of *Innocent Sin*. Maya investigates the "Joker Curse," battling shadows and building her party using Personas.
Read our review of *Persona 2: Eternal Punishment*.
4. Persona 3 (2006) / Persona 3 FES (2007) / Persona 3 Portable (2009) / Persona 3 Reload (2024)
A significant evolution of the *Persona* formula, *Persona 3* introduces a daily calendar system, balancing school life, social interactions, and battling shadows in Tartarus. Makoto Yuki explores the Dark Hour and confronts a world-threatening conspiracy. *Persona 3* is a landmark entry establishing many series staples.
Read our review of *Persona 3 Reload*.
**Alternate Versions of Persona 3:**
*Persona 3 FES* adds "The Answer" epilogue. *Persona 3 Portable* features a female protagonist route but omits "The Answer". *Persona 3 Reload* is a modern remake of the base game.
5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)
A rhythm-based spin-off set during *Persona 3*'s main story, featuring the S.E.E.S. team in a dance-off within the Velvet Room.
6. Persona 4 (2008) / Persona 4 Golden (2012)
Set in rural Inaba, *Persona 4* follows Yu Narukami as he investigates a series of murders linked to a mysterious otherworldly realm accessed through televisions. The game builds upon *Persona 3*'s mechanics, incorporating the calendar system, social links, and dungeon exploration.
Read our review of *Persona 4 Golden*.
**Alternate Versions of Persona 4:**
*Persona 4 Golden* is an enhanced re-release with added content.
7. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014)
A crossover featuring characters from *Persona 3* and *Persona 4*, the game sees both teams trapped in a warped version of Yasogami High School, exploring a labyrinth and uncovering an original story.
Read our review of *Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth*.
8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)
A fighting game spin-off featuring characters from *Persona 3* and *Persona 4*, centered around a mysterious fighting tournament in the TV world.
Read our review of *Persona 4 Arena*.
9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)
A sequel to *Persona 4 Arena*, expanding the roster and continuing the story.
Read our review of *Persona 4 Arena Ultimax*.
10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)
A rhythm-based dancing game featuring the Investigation Team from *Persona 4*, set in the Midnight Stage.
Read our review of *Persona 4: Dancing All Night*.
11. Persona 5 (2016) / Persona 5 Royal (2019)
Set in Tokyo, *Persona 5* follows Joker, a probationary student who joins the Phantom Thieves to infiltrate palaces and reform the hearts of evil individuals. The game features a new dungeon system, Mementos, and builds upon previous *Persona* mechanics.
Read our review of *Persona 5 Royal*.
**Alternate Versions of Persona 5:**
*Persona 5 Royal* is an enhanced version with new content.
12. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)
Another crossover featuring characters from *Persona 3*, *Persona 4*, and *Persona 5*, trapped in a movie theater and exploring movie-based dungeons.
13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)
A strategy spin-off set during the events of *Persona 5*, featuring tactical grid-based combat.
Read our review of *Persona 5 Tactica*.
14. Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2018)
A rhythm-based dancing game featuring the Phantom Thieves from *Persona 5*.
15. Persona 5 Strikers (2020)
A spin-off set after *Persona 5*, featuring real-time combat and a new adventure for the Phantom Thieves.
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 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*?
2024 saw the releases of *Persona 3 Reload* and *Metaphor: ReFantazio*. Following *Metaphor*'s success, Sega expressed continued investment in Atlus and the *Persona* IP. *Persona 5: The Phantom X*, a free-to-play mobile game, is slated for release in Japan, with a global launch anticipated. *Persona 6* remains unconfirmed but highly anticipated.
