The *Persona* series, initially a *Shin Megami Tensei* spin-off, has blossomed into a major RPG franchise, encompassing sequels, remakes, anime, and even stage plays. Its enduring popularity shows no signs of waning, especially with the recent release of *Persona 3 Reload* on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Newcomers might wonder where to begin, so let's explore the entire series, highlighting the best starting points and outlining both chronological and release order.
**Jump to**: 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. Several are enhanced versions of mainline entries, including re-releases with added content or full remakes. We'll exclude simple ports and remasters but note 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 versions of the third, fourth, and fifth mainline games, widely available on PC and major consoles (*Persona 3 Reload* excludes Nintendo Switch). Each game features a self-contained story with unique characters, making them ideal entry points. To help you choose, consider watching gameplay videos and researching the social links in each game 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: These descriptions may contain minor spoilers.)
1. Revelations: Persona (1996)
The inaugural *Persona* game, *Revelations: Persona*, built upon the success of *Shin Megami Tensei: If…*, focusing on high school students 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 City, a new group of high schoolers, led by Tatsuya Suou, confronts the mysterious Joker and the Masked Circle cult, battling the manifestations of malicious rumors. This game and its direct sequel feature dungeon crawling and Persona-based combat.
Read our review of Persona 2: Innocent Sin.
3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)
A direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, featuring Maya Amano as the protagonist investigating the "Joker Curse." It continues the dungeon-crawling gameplay and Persona battles.
Read our review of Persona 2: Eternal Punishment.
4. Persona 3 (2006) / Persona 3 FES (2007) / Persona 3 Portable (2009) / Persona 3 Reload (2024)
A significant evolution, *Persona 3* introduced a daily life calendar, balancing school, social interactions, and battles in the Dark Hour within Tartarus. Makoto Yuki explores the tower, uncovering a threat to the world. This game established many series staples, including social links and daily activities.
Alternate Versions of Persona 3: *Persona 3 FES* added "The Answer," while *Persona 3 Portable* offered a female protagonist route (but not "The Answer"). *Persona 3 Reload* is a remake for modern consoles (excluding "The Answer" and the female protagonist route).
Read our review of Persona 3 Reload.
5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)
A rhythm-based spin-off set during *Persona 3*'s main story, featuring the S.E.E.S. team in a dance-off within the Velvet Room.
6. Persona 4 (2008) / Persona 4 Golden (2012)
In Inaba, Yu Narukami investigates a series of murders linked to a mysterious world accessed through TV screens. This game expands on *Persona 3*'s mechanics, including the calendar system and social links.
Alternate Versions of Persona 4: *Persona 4 Golden* is an enhanced re-release with additional content.
Read our review of Persona 4 Golden.
7. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014)
A crossover between *Persona 3* and *Persona 4*, featuring both teams trapped in a warped version of Yasogami High School, exploring a labyrinth and uncovering an original story.
Read our review of Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth.
8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)
A fighting game spin-off featuring characters from *Persona 3* and *Persona 4*, set within the TV world.
Read our review of Persona 4 Arena.
9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)
A sequel to *Persona 4 Arena*, expanding the roster and continuing the story.
Read our review of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.
10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)
A rhythm-based dancing game featuring the Investigation Team, continuing the *Persona 4* storyline within the Midnight Stage.
Read our review of Persona 4: Dancing All Night.
11. Persona 5 (2016) / Persona 5 Royal (2019)
In Tokyo, the player takes on the role of Joker, a probationary student who leads the Phantom Thieves, infiltrating Palaces and changing the hearts of evil-doers. This game significantly expanded the series' popularity.
Alternate Versions of Persona 5: *Persona 5 Royal* is an expanded version with new content.
Read our review of Persona 5 Royal.
12. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)
Another crossover, this time trapping the Phantom Thieves, the S.E.E.S. team, and the Investigation Team in a movie theater, exploring movie-themed dungeons.
13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)
A strategy RPG spin-off set during *Persona 5*, where the Phantom Thieves are transported to an alternate realm and must fight to save their allies.
Read our review of Persona 5 Tactica.
14. Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2018)
A rhythm-based dancing game featuring the Phantom Thieves.
15. Persona 5 Strikers (2020)
A spin-off set after *Persona 5*, featuring real-time combat as the Phantom Thieves investigate a new mystery within the Metaverse.
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 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 releases of *Persona 3 Reload* and *Metaphor: ReFantazio* in 2024, Sega has expressed continued investment in the *Persona* IP. The free-to-play mobile game, *Persona 5: The Phantom X*, is anticipated for global release following its launch in select Asian regions and a closed beta. *Persona 6* remains unconfirmed but highly anticipated.
