Originally starting as a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei series, the Persona franchise has evolved into a major force within the realm of modern RPGs. With its extensive lineup of sequels, remakes, anime adaptations, and even stage plays, Persona has become a beloved multimedia phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The latest installment, Persona 3 Reload, is now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, inviting new players to dive into the series. For those looking to explore the world of Persona, we've compiled a comprehensive guide detailing every game and spin-off, along with recommendations on where to start and 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 mainline entries as well as expanded versions and remakes, offering fresh content and enhanced experiences. We'll outline all versions in the lists below, excluding direct ports and remasters.

Which Persona Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers eager to jump into the Persona universe, starting with Persona 3 Reload, Persona 4 Golden, or Persona 5 Royal is highly recommended. 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 isn't on Nintendo Switch).

You won't miss out on the overarching story by starting with these games, as each tells a unique narrative with its own set of characters that stand independently from the others. To help you decide, consider watching gameplay videos and exploring the social links in each game to find which resonates with you the most.

Persona 3 Reload

Available on PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X, Persona 3 Reload brings a fresh take on the beloved third entry in the series. [See it at Amazon](/uploads/54/174224882667d89b7a0738f.jpg)

Persona 4 Golden

Experience the captivating rural setting of Inaba with Persona 4 Golden, available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. [See it at Nintendo](/uploads/42/174224882667d89b7a62b76.jpg)

Persona 5 Royal

Dive into the bustling streets of Tokyo with Persona 5 Royal, which you can play on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. [See it at Amazon](/uploads/103/174224882667d89b7ab063d.jpg)

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 feedback on Shin Megami Tensei: If… This game introduced the concept of high schoolers battling a supernatural uprising in Mikage-cho, using their awakened Personas to combat shadows and explore dungeons. It laid the groundwork for the franchise, introducing key elements like the Velvet Room and the teenage cast of heroes.

2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)

Persona 2: Innocent Sin follows a new group of high school students led by Tatsuya Suou, fighting against the villainous Joker and the Masked Circle cult. The game delves into the consequences of rumors turning into reality in Sumaru City, with familiar gameplay centered around dungeon exploration, Persona combat, and shadow battles. It was followed by a direct sequel, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, released just a year later.

Read our review of Persona 2: Innocent Sin.

3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)

Continuing the story from Innocent Sin, Eternal Punishment shifts the protagonist role to Maya Amano. The game sees her investigating the Joker Curse, leading to a battle against returning adversaries. It retains the series' hallmark turn-based, dungeon-crawling gameplay, focusing on party development and Persona combat.

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, introducing a daily calendar system that balances school life, social interactions, and battling shadows in Tartarus. The story revolves around Makoto Yuki, who navigates the Dark Hour and unravels a sinister plot threatening the world. This entry introduced social links and other 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, each offering different experiences. Persona 3 FES included an additional chapter, The Answer, and an alternate campaign with a female protagonist. Persona 3 Portable featured the female protagonist but omitted The Answer, while Persona 3 Reload is a complete remake for modern consoles, excluding The Answer and the female protagonist route.

5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)

This rhythm-based spin-off sees the S.E.E.S team participating in a dance-off in the Velvet Room, set during a dream but canon to the Persona 3 story. Players can enjoy iconic tracks from the game while performing various dance routines.

6. Persona 4 (2008) / Persona 4 Golden (2012)

Set in the rural town of Inaba, Persona 4 follows Yu Narukami, who moves in with his uncle and cousin. The game intertwines a murder mystery with supernatural elements accessible through TV monitors, building on the calendar system and social links from Persona 3.

Read our review of Persona 4 Golden.

Alternate Versions of Persona 4:

Persona 4 Golden expanded on the original with new story content and an additional dungeon, making it the preferred version for many fans.

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

A crossover set during the timelines of Persona 3 and Persona 4, Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth sees both teams trapped in a warped version of Yasogami High School. Players navigate a labyrinth, facing new enemies and an original story, harking back to the series' dungeon-crawler roots.

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

8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)

This fighting game spin-off continues the narratives of Persona 3 and 4, with Yu Narukami returning to Inaba for a mysterious tournament in the TV world. It features a roster of iconic characters from both games, battling against each other and the Shadow Operatives.

Read our review of Persona 4 Arena.

9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)

Following directly after Persona 4 Arena, Ultimax expands the roster and continues the story, with the Persona 4 squad and the Shadow Operatives teaming up to battle mysterious forces in the TV World.

Read our review of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.

10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)

This rhythm-based dancing game offers a canon continuation of the Persona 4 storyline, with the Investigation Squad performing dance routines in the alternate dimension known as 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 protagonist Joker, who, after being framed for a crime, discovers a supernatural realm called the Metaverse. As the Phantom Thieves, Joker and his friends infiltrate palaces to change the hearts of corrupt individuals. Persona 5 became Atlus's best-selling game, introducing new mechanics like Mementos.

Read our review of Persona 5 Royal.

Alternate Versions of Persona 5:

Persona 5 Royal expanded the original game with new content, including an additional companion, dungeon, and semester, making it the definitive version.

12. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)

A sequel to Persona Q, New Cinema Labyrinth brings together characters from Persona 3, 4, and 5 as they're trapped in a movie theater. They explore dungeons within the movies to find a way out, engaging in turn-based battles.

13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)

Set during Persona 5's events, Tactica is a strategy-focused spin-off where the Phantom Thieves navigate the Kingdoms, fighting to save their brainwashed friends and return home. The game features a tactical grid-based combat system.

Read our review of Persona 5 Tactica.

14. Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2018)

This dancing spin-off challenges the Phantom Thieves to a dance-off in the Velvet Room, featuring routines to Persona 5's iconic tracks.

15. Persona 5 Strikers (2020)

Set four months after Persona 5, Strikers follows the Phantom Thieves as they're drawn back into the Metaverse during a summer vacation. The game introduces real-time combat inspired by the Dynasty Warriors series, focusing on battling hordes of enemies with combos and Persona abilities.

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 new releases from Atlus: Persona 3 Reload and Metaphor: ReFantazio, a new RPG from Studio Zero. Following Metaphor's success and awards, Sega expressed a commitment to further invest in Atlus and the Persona franchise.

The next anticipated Persona project is the free-to-play mobile game, Persona 5: The Phantom X, already released in several Asian markets in 2024, with a Japanese release following a closed beta. While a global release is expected, no official date has been announced. The Phantom X features an original story set in the Persona 5 universe, introducing new characters joining the Phantom Thieves.

Persona 6 is the eagerly awaited next mainline entry in the RPG series, though Atlus has yet to officially confirm its development.