Born as a *Shin Megami Tensei* spin-off, the *Persona* series has blossomed into a multimedia juggernaut, a leading name in modern RPGs. From major sequels and remakes to anime and stage plays, its popularity shows no signs of slowing. With *Persona 3 Reload* now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, newcomers might wonder where to begin. This guide covers every game and spin-off, suggesting the best starting points and outlining both chronological and release order.
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How to Play in Order
How to Play by Release Date
Upcoming Releases
How Many *Persona* Games Are There?
Currently, there are twenty *Persona* games. This includes expanded versions and remakes. We'll note all variations below, excluding simple ports or remasters.
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 on PC and major consoles (*Persona 3 Reload* excluding Nintendo Switch). Each game features a self-contained story with original characters, making them ideal entry points. Consider watching gameplay videos to see which appeals most.
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
(Mild spoilers ahead)
1. Revelations: Persona (1996)
The series' origin, *Revelations: Persona*, features high schoolers battling demons in Mikage-cho. It established core elements like Personas, the Velvet Room, and a teenage cast.
2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)
In Sumaru, Tatsuya Suou and friends combat the Joker and the Masked Circle, facing rumors made real. Classic dungeon crawling and Persona wielding return.
3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)
A direct sequel, following Maya Amano as she investigates the "Joker Curse," continuing *Innocent Sin*'s story and gameplay.
4. Persona 3 (2006) / Persona 3 FES (2007) / Persona 3 Portable (2009) / Persona 3 Reload (2024)
Makoto Yuki confronts the Dark Hour and Tartarus, balancing school life with shadow battles. This landmark entry introduced social links and daily life mechanics.
Alternate Versions of Persona 3: *FES* added "The Answer," *Portable* featured a female protagonist (but not "The Answer"), and *Reload* is a modern remake (excluding "The Answer" and the female protagonist route).
5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)
A rhythm game spin-off set during *Persona 3*, featuring dance battles in the Velvet Room.
6. Persona 4 (2008) / Persona 4 Golden (2012)
Yu Narukami investigates murders linked to a world accessed through TVs in Inaba. It expands on *Persona 3*'s mechanics.
Alternate Versions of Persona 4: *Persona 4 Golden* is an enhanced version with extra content.
7. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014)
A crossover featuring *Persona 3* and *Persona 4* characters trapped in a labyrinth, offering a new story and dungeon crawling.
8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)
A fighting game featuring characters from *Persona 3* and *4*, set within the TV world.
9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)
A sequel to *Persona 4 Arena*, expanding the roster and story.
10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)
A rhythm game spin-off of *Persona 4*, set in the Midnight Stage.
11. Persona 5 (2016) / Persona 5 Royal (2019)
Joker and the Phantom Thieves infiltrate Palaces in Tokyo, balancing school and crime-fighting. A major evolution of the series' formula.
Alternate Versions of Persona 5: *Persona 5 Royal* is an expanded version with new content.
12. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)
Another crossover featuring characters from *Persona 3*, *4*, and *5*, trapped in a movie theater.
13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)
A strategy RPG spin-off set in the Kingdoms, featuring tactical grid-based combat.
14. Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2018)
A rhythm game spin-off of *Persona 5*, featuring dance battles in the Velvet Room.
15. Persona 5 Strikers (2020)
A real-time action RPG spin-off, set after *Persona 5*, featuring the Phantom Thieves in a new adventure.
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*?
Following the release of *Persona 3 Reload* and *Metaphor: ReFantazio*, *Persona 5: The Phantom X* (a free-to-play mobile game) is anticipated. A global release is expected. *Persona 6* is also highly anticipated, though unconfirmed.
