Every Persona Game and Spin-Off in Order

The *Persona* series, initially a *Shin Megami Tensei* spin-off, has blossomed into a major player in the modern RPG landscape. From numerous sequels and remakes to anime and stage productions, *Persona*'s multimedia empire continues to expand. With *Persona 3 Reload* now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, newcomers might wonder where to begin their *Persona* journey. This guide covers every game and spin-off, offering the best starting point for newcomers and detailing both chronological and release order.

**Jump to:**

• How to Play in Order
• How to Play by Release Date
• Upcoming Releases

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How Many Persona Games Are There?

There are currently twenty Persona games. Several are enhanced versions of mainline entries, including re-releases with added content or full remakes. This guide excludes direct ports and remasters, but notes 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 entries, widely available across major platforms (excluding Persona 3 Reload on Nintendo Switch).

Each game features a self-contained narrative with original characters, making them ideal entry points. Watch some gameplay videos and explore social link information to see which game appeals most.

Persona 3 Reload

Available on PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X. See it at Amazon

Persona 4 Golden

Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch See it at Nintendo

Persona 5 Royal

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.)

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. The game established core elements like Persona summoning, the Velvet Room, and a teenage cast.

2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)

Persona 2: Innocent Sin follows Tatsuya Suou and his friends as they confront the villain Joker and the Masked Circle cult in Sumaru, where malicious rumors manifest into reality. The game retains the dungeon-crawling, Persona-based combat of its predecessor.

Read our review of Persona 2: Innocent Sin.

3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)

A direct sequel to Innocent Sin, Eternal Punishment features Maya Amano as the protagonist, investigating the Joker Curse and confronting a returning foe. The gameplay remains consistent with its predecessor.

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 significantly evolved the series, introducing a daily calendar system balancing school life, social interactions, and battles in Tartarus. Makoto Yuki confronts a sinister plot during the "Dark Hour." This entry introduced social links and other mechanics now integral to the series.

Read our review of Persona 3 Reload.

Alternate Versions of Persona 3:

Persona 3 FES added "The Answer" epilogue. Persona 3 Portable featured a female protagonist route but omitted "The Answer." Persona 3 Reload is a remake for modern consoles, excluding "The Answer" and the female protagonist route.

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 in the Velvet Room. The events are canon.

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

Set in rural Inaba, Persona 4 follows Yu Narukami as he investigates a series of murders linked to a mysterious otherworldly realm accessed through TV monitors. The game builds upon Persona 3's mechanics.

Read our review of Persona 4 Golden.

Alternate Versions of Persona 4:

Persona 4 Golden is an enhanced re-release with additional content.

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

A crossover featuring characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4, trapped in a warped version of Yasogami High School. The game features 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, participating in a mysterious tournament in 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 from Persona 4, set in 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 Joker and the Phantom Thieves as they infiltrate palaces in the Metaverse to change the hearts of evil-doers. The game refined and expanded upon previous series mechanics.

Read our review of Persona 5 Royal.

Alternate Versions of Persona 5:

Persona 5 Royal is an enhanced re-release with significant additions.

12. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)

A sequel to Persona Q, featuring characters from Persona 3, 4, and 5, trapped in a movie theater and venturing into the films themselves.

13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)

A strategy spin-off set during Persona 5, where the Phantom Thieves are transported to the Kingdoms and must fight Tyrant Marie's forces.

Read our review of Persona 5 Tactica.

14. Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2018)

A rhythm-based dancing spin-off featuring the Phantom Thieves from Persona 5.

15. Persona 5 Strikers (2020)

A spin-off set after Persona 5, featuring real-time combat inspired by the Dynasty Warriors franchise.

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?