"Persona Games: Complete Chronological List"

The Persona series, initially a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, has evolved into a major name in modern RPGs, expanding into a multimedia phenomenon. With sequels, remakes, anime adaptations, and even stage plays, the series continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The latest installment, Persona 3 Reload, is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, sparking interest among new players on where to begin their journey. Here's a comprehensive guide to every game and spin-off in the series, including the best starting point for newcomers, along with both chronological and release order listings.

Jump to:

• How to play in order
• How to play by release date
• Upcoming releases

There are currently twenty Persona games in total. These include mainline entries and their expanded versions, such as re-releases with new story content or remakes. We'll provide details on each alternate version in the listings below, excluding direct ports and remasters.

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 a great choice. 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 isn't on the Nintendo Switch.

Each of these games offers a standalone story with unique characters, so you won't miss out on any crucial plot points by starting with any of them. To choose the best fit for you, consider watching gameplay videos and exploring the social links in each game to see which one resonates with you the most.

### Persona 3 Reload

54Available on PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X. See it at Amazon### Persona 4 Golden

42Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. See it at Nintendo### Persona 5 Royal

103Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. See it at AmazonEvery Persona Game and Spin-Off in Chronological Order

These summaries contain mild spoilers, including characters, settings, and story beats.

1. Revelations: Persona (1996)

Revelations: Persona, the first in the series, was inspired by the success of Shin Megami Tensei: If… and introduced a full dungeon-crawling RPG experience. Set in Mikage-cho, it follows a group of high schoolers battling supernatural forces, utilizing their Personas to navigate dungeons, engage in random encounters, and level up. This game laid the groundwork for the series, introducing core elements like the Velvet Room and a teenage cast.

2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)

In Persona 2: Innocent Sin, protagonist Tatsuya Suou and his high school friends tackle a sinister plot involving rumors manifesting into reality in Sumaru City. They confront the villainous Joker and the Masked Circle cult, using Personas to explore dungeons and battle shadows. This entry was followed by a direct sequel, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, released the next year.

Read our review of Persona 2: Innocent Sin.

3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)

Eternal Punishment continues the story from Innocent Sin, with Maya Amano as the new protagonist. Tasked with investigating the Joker Curse, Maya and her team face a familiar foe through turn-based combat and dungeon exploration, enhancing the series' narrative continuity.

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 shift in the series by emphasizing the high school setting and introducing a daily calendar system. Protagonist Makoto Yuki explores the Dark Hour, a mysterious time where he battles shadows in the tower of Tartarus. This game introduced social links and other mechanics now iconic to the franchise.

Read our review of Persona 3 Reload.

Alternate Versions of Persona 3:

Persona 3 FES expanded the original with The Answer chapter and a female protagonist option. Persona 3 Portable offered a handheld version with the female protagonist but omitted The Answer. Persona 3 Reload, a full remake for modern consoles, excludes both The Answer and the female protagonist route.

5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)

In this rhythm-based spin-off, the S.E.E.S team participates in a dance-off in the Velvet Room, set during a dream but still part of the main storyline. Players dance to iconic Persona 3 tracks, adding a fun twist to the series.

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 mysterious TV world. Building on Persona 3's mechanics, it features a calendar system, social links, and dungeon exploration.

Read our review of Persona 4 Golden.

Alternate Versions of Persona 4:

Persona 4 Golden, the 2012 re-release, added new story content and an additional dungeon, widely regarded as the definitive version of the game.

7. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014)

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth is a crossover between Persona 3 and 4, set during key events in both games. The S.E.E.S team and Investigation Squad are trapped in a time-bending labyrinth, exploring and battling to return to their timelines.

Read our review of Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth.

8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)

Persona 4 Arena continues the stories of Persona 3 and 4, introducing a fighting game format where Yu Narukami and allies, including the Shadow Operatives from Persona 3, compete in a mysterious tournament in the TV world.

Read our review of Persona 4 Arena.

9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)

Following Persona 4 Arena, Ultimax expands the roster and narrative, with the Persona 4 team and Shadow Operatives teaming up to combat the forces behind the fighting tournament.

Read our review of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.

10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)

This rhythm-based spin-off sees the Investigation Squad dancing to Persona tracks in the Midnight Stage, an alternate dimension, providing a canon continuation of the storyline.

Read our review of Persona 4: Dancing All Night.

11. Persona 5 (2016) / Persona 5 Royal (2019)

Persona 5 introduces players to Tokyo and the protagonist, Joker, on probation. With friends, he forms the Phantom Thieves, infiltrating palaces to change the hearts of corrupt individuals. The game expanded the series' popularity, becoming Atlus' best-seller.

Read our review of Persona 5 Royal.

Alternate Versions of Persona 5:

Persona 5 Royal enhances the original with a new companion, dungeon, and additional semester, considered the ultimate version of the game.

12. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)

In this sequel to Persona Q, characters from Persona 3, 4, and 5 are trapped in a movie theater, navigating through film-inspired dungeons to escape back to their timelines.

13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)

Set during Persona 5, Tactica offers a strategy-focused spin-off where the Phantom Thieves navigate an alternate realm, the Kingdoms, using tactical combat to rescue their brainwashed allies and return home.

Read our review of Persona 5 Tactica.

14. Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2018)

In this rhythm-based game, the Phantom Thieves dance in the Velvet Room to Persona 5 tracks, challenged by Caroline and Justine.

15. Persona 5 Strikers (2020)

Set post-Persona 5, Strikers follows the Phantom Thieves on a summer vacation that turns into a Metaverse adventure. This spin-off introduces real-time combat inspired by 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?

The next Persona project to watch is Persona 5: The Phantom X, a free-to-play mobile game released in several Asian markets in 2024, with a Japanese release following a closed beta sign-up in October. While a global release is anticipated, no official date has been announced. This game introduces a new story within the Persona 5 universe, featuring new characters joining the Phantom Thieves.

Persona 6, the eagerly awaited next mainline RPG, remains unconfirmed by Atlus, but anticipation is high among fans.