Born as a *Shin Megami Tensei* spin-off, the *Persona* series has blossomed into a standalone powerhouse, a major player in the modern RPG landscape. From numerous sequels and remakes to anime, stage plays, and beyond, *Persona* is a multimedia phenomenon showing no signs of slowing down. 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 for newcomers and detailing both chronological and release order.
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How Many *Persona* Games Are There?
Currently, there are twenty *Persona* games. Several are enhanced versions—re-releases with added 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 iterations of the third, fourth, and fifth mainline entries, widely available on PC and major consoles (*Persona 3 Reload* lacks a Nintendo Switch version). Each game features a self-contained story with original characters, making them ideal entry points. Watch some gameplay videos and explore social link information to find the best fit for your preferences.
Persona 3 Reload
Available on PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X.
Persona 4 Golden
Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch
Persona 5 Royal
Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch
Every *Persona* Game and Spin-off in Chronological Order
(Note: The following blurbs contain mild spoilers.)
1. *Revelations: Persona* (1996)
The series' inaugural title, *Revelations: Persona*, built upon the success of *Shin Megami Tensei: If…*, focusing on high school students battling demons in Mikage-cho. It established core franchise elements: Personas in combat, the Velvet Room, and a teenage cast.
2. *Persona 2: Innocent Sin* (1999)
Protagonist Tatsuya Suou and his friends confront the villain Joker and the Masked Circle cult in Sumaru, where malicious rumors manifest into reality. The game retains the dungeon-crawling, Persona-wielding gameplay.
3. *Persona 2: Eternal Punishment* (2000)
A direct sequel featuring Maya Amano as the protagonist, investigating the Joker Curse and facing a returning foe. It maintains the core gameplay of its predecessor.
4. *Persona 3* (2006) / *Persona 3 FES* (2007) / *Persona 3 Portable* (2009) / *Persona 3 Reload* (2024)
A significant evolution, *Persona 3* introduced a daily calendar system, balancing school life, friendships, and battles in the Dark Hour and Tartarus. Makoto Yuki confronts a threat to the world. This entry solidified many series staples.
Alternate Versions of *Persona 3*: *Persona 3 FES* added "The Answer," while *Persona 3 Portable* featured a female protagonist route (but not "The Answer"). *Persona 3 Reload* is a remake.
5. *Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight* (2018)
A rhythm game spin-off set within *Persona 3*'s main story, featuring the S.E.E.S. team in a dance competition within the Velvet Room.
6. *Persona 4* (2008) / *Persona 4 Golden* (2012)
In Inaba, Yu Narukami investigates murders linked to a world accessed through TVs. It builds upon *Persona 3*'s mechanics, including the calendar system and social links.
Alternate Versions of *Persona 4*: *Persona 4 Golden* is an enhanced version with added content.
7. *Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth* (2014)
A crossover featuring the casts of *Persona 3* and *Persona 4*, trapped in a distorted school and working together to escape.
8. *Persona 4 Arena* (2012)
A fighting game spin-off featuring characters from *Persona 3* and *Persona 4*, participating in a mysterious tournament within the TV world.
9. *Persona 4 Arena Ultimax* (2013)
A sequel to *Persona 4 Arena*, expanding the roster and continuing the story.
10. *Persona 4: Dancing All Night* (2015)
A rhythm game spin-off where the Investigation Team performs to *Persona 4* music in the Midnight Stage.
11. *Persona 5* (2016) / *Persona 5 Royal* (2019)
Joker and the Phantom Thieves infiltrate Palaces in Tokyo, reforming the hearts of evil-doers. The game builds on previous entries' mechanics, introducing Mementos.
Alternate Versions of *Persona 5*: *Persona 5 Royal* is an expanded edition with new content.
12. *Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth* (2018)
A sequel to *Persona Q*, this crossover features characters from *Persona 3*, *Persona 4*, and *Persona 5*, trapped in a movie theater and venturing into the films themselves.
13. *Persona 5 Tactica* (2023)
A strategy RPG spin-off set during the events of *Persona 5*, featuring tactical grid-based combat in the Kingdoms.
14. *Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight* (2018)
A rhythm game spin-off featuring the Phantom Thieves in a dance competition within the Velvet Room.
15. *Persona 5 Strikers* (2020)
A real-time action spin-off set after *Persona 5*, where the Phantom Thieves investigate a new mystery in the Metaverse.
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 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*?
Following the release of *Persona 3 Reload* and *Metaphor: ReFantazio* in 2024, Sega expressed continued investment in Atlus and the *Persona* franchise. The free-to-play mobile game *Persona 5: The Phantom X* is anticipated for global release following its launch in parts of Asia. *Persona 6* remains unconfirmed but highly anticipated.
