The Persona series, which began as a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, has evolved into a juggernaut within the modern RPG genre. With its extensive universe spanning multiple sequels, remakes, anime adaptations, and even stage plays, Persona has become a multimedia phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The latest installment, Persona 3 Reload, is now playable on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, sparking interest among new players eager to dive into this rich narrative landscape. Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of every game and spin-off in the series, highlighting the best starting point for newcomers, as well as both 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 various expanded versions of the mainline entries, which may feature new story content or complete remakes. We'll detail every alternate version of each game in the lists below, excluding direct ports and remasters.
Which Persona Game Should You Play First?
For newcomers, jumping into Persona 3 Reload, Persona 4 Golden, or Persona 5 Royal is an excellent starting point. These are the most recent iterations 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 on Nintendo Switch.
If you're worried about missing out on the overarching narrative by starting with a later game, rest assured that each entry in the series—Persona 3, 4, and 5—features a standalone story with unique characters. Thus, they serve as perfect entry points for new players. To help decide, consider watching gameplay videos and exploring the social links of each game to see which one resonates with you the most.
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 of the series, Revelations: Persona, was Atlus's response to the positive reception of Shin Megami Tensei: If… This spin-off introduced a full dungeon-crawling RPG experience centered around high schoolers battling a supernatural uprising in Mikage-cho. Utilizing their awakened Personas, players navigate dungeons, engage in random encounters, and develop their party throughout the game. Revelations: Persona laid the groundwork for the series, introducing iconic elements such as Personas, the Velvet Room, and a teenage cast of heroes.
2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)
The sequel, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, released in 1999, follows protagonist Tatsuya Suou and a new group of high school students combating a mysterious villain named Joker and the Masked Circle cult. The plot revolves around rumors manifesting into reality in Sumaru, with gameplay focusing on dungeon exploration, Persona combat, and party development. A direct sequel, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, was released a year later, continuing the story.
Read our review of Persona 2: Innocent Sin.
3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)
Following Innocent Sin, Eternal Punishment shifts the protagonist role to Maya Amano, who investigates a new phenomenon, the Joker Curse. The game continues the turn-based, dungeon-crawling gameplay, with players building their party and battling shadows 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)
Persona 3 marked a significant evolution in the series, emphasizing its high school setting with a daily calendar system. Players follow Makoto Yuki as he navigates the Dark Hour and explores Tartarus to thwart a sinister plot. This entry introduced social links, daily activities, and many mechanics that became staples of the franchise.
Read our review of Persona 3 Reload.
Alternate Versions of Persona 3:
Persona 3 has been re-released multiple times, with Persona 3 FES adding "The Answer" chapter and an alternate female protagonist route. Persona 3 Portable includes the female protagonist but omits The Answer, while 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)
A rhythm-based dancing spin-off set during the main campaign, Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight features Elizabeth challenging the S.E.E.S team to a dance-off in the Velvet Room. The events occur within a dream but are canon to the story, with the team performing to iconic Persona 3 tracks.
6. Persona 4 (2008) / Persona 4 Golden (2012)
Set in rural Inaba, Persona 4 follows Yu Narukami as he uncovers a series of murders linked to a mysterious realm accessible through TV monitors. The game builds on Persona 3's mechanics, utilizing a calendar system and delving into dungeon exploration and social link development.
Read our review of Persona 4 Golden.
Alternate Versions of Persona 4:
Persona 4 Golden, released in 2012, expanded the original with new story content and an additional dungeon, widely regarded as the definitive version.
7. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014)
A crossover between Persona 3 and 4, Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth occurs simultaneously during specific segments of both games' storylines. The S.E.E.S team and the Investigation Squad are trapped in a warped version of Yasogami High School, exploring a labyrinth and facing new enemies in a nod to the series' traditional dungeon-crawler roots.
Read our review of Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth.
8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)
A fighting game spin-off continuing the narratives of Persona 3 and 4, Persona 4 Arena sees Yu Narukami return to Inaba for a mysterious tournament in the TV world. Players battle iconic Persona characters from both games.
Read our review of Persona 4 Arena.
9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)
Following directly from Persona 4 Arena, Ultimax expands the roster and continues the story, with the Persona 4 squad and Shadow Operatives returning to the TV World.
Read our review of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.
10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)
A rhythm-based dancing game, Persona 4: Dancing All Night, offers a canon continuation of the storyline, with the Investigation Squad entering the Midnight Stage to perform routines to iconic Persona tracks.
Read our review of Persona 4: Dancing All Night.
11. Persona 5 (2016) / Persona 5 Royal (2019)
Set in Tokyo, Persona 5 follows protagonist Joker, who forms the Phantom Thieves to infiltrate mystical palaces and change the hearts of wrongdoers. The game enhances the series' formula with large story-focused levels, the return of negotiation, and a new dungeon system called Mementos. Persona 5 became Atlus' best-selling game, significantly boosting the franchise's popularity.
Read our review of Persona 5 Royal.
Alternate Versions of Persona 5:
Persona 5 Royal, released in 2019, added new features, including a companion, dungeon, and an additional 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 between Persona 3, 4, and 5 characters trapped in a movie theater. They explore movie-themed dungeons to escape and fix the storylines.
13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)
Set during Persona 5, Persona 5 Tactica is a strategy-focused spin-off similar to the XCOM series. The Phantom Thieves navigate the Kingdoms to rescue their brainwashed allies and return home.
Read our review of Persona 5 Tactica.
14. Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2018)
The third dancing spin-off, Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, sees the Phantom Thieves challenged to a dance-off by Caroline and Justine in the Velvet Room, performing routines to Persona 5's catchy tracks.
15. Persona 5 Strikers (2020)
Set four months after Persona 5, Strikers reunites the Phantom Thieves for a summer vacation that leads them back into the Metaverse. This spin-off introduces real-time combat in a style reminiscent of the Dynasty Warriors series.
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 enjoyed two releases from Atlus: Persona 3 Reload and Metaphor: ReFantazio, a new RPG from Studio Zero. Following the success of Metaphor, Sega expressed their commitment to further investing in Atlus and the Persona franchise.The next project to watch is Persona 5: The Phantom X, a free-to-play mobile game already released in several Asian regions in 2024, with a Japanese release planned after a closed beta sign-up in October. A global release is anticipated, though no official date has been announced. The game introduces an original story within the Persona 5 universe, featuring new characters joining the Phantom Thieves.
While not officially confirmed, Persona 6 is eagerly anticipated as the next mainline RPG in the series, promising to continue the legacy of this beloved franchise.
