Originally a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei series, the Persona franchise has evolved into a major force in the world of modern RPGs. With its expansive 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 available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, sparking curiosity among new players about the best entry point into the series. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to every Persona game and spin-off, including the ideal starting point for newcomers, as well as 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?

In total, there are currently twenty Persona games. This count includes expanded versions of the mainline entries, such as re-releases with new story content or remakes. We'll highlight every alternate version of each game in the lists below, excluding direct ports and remasters.

Which Persona Game Should You Play First?

For newcomers, 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 accessible on PC and most major consoles (except for Persona 3 Reload, which is not yet available on Nintendo Switch). Each game offers a unique story with new characters, making them perfect entry points for those new to the series. To help decide, consider watching gameplay videos and exploring the social links in each game to see what resonates with you.

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 success of Shin Megami Tensei: If…, another high-school-themed spin-off. This game introduced the full dungeon-crawling RPG experience centered around a group of high school students combating a supernatural uprising in Mikage-cho. Players harness the power of Personas to battle shadows, explore dungeons, and develop their party over time. Revelations: Persona laid the groundwork for the franchise, introducing key elements like Persona combat, the Velvet Room, and a teenage cast.

2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)

The second entry, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, launched in 1999 and follows a new group of high school students led by Tatsuya Suou. Their mission is to thwart the villainous Joker and his cult, the Masked Circle, amidst a plot where rumors in Sumaru city materialize into reality. The game retains the series' focus on dungeon exploration, Persona combat, and party development. It was directly followed by a sequel, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, released the next year.

Read our review of Persona 2: Innocent Sin.

3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)

Continuing the story of Innocent Sin, Eternal Punishment elevates side character Maya Amano to the protagonist role. Tasked with investigating the Joker Curse, Maya and her team confront a returning enemy. The gameplay remains centered on turn-based combat and dungeon exploration, with players strengthening their party through 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)

Persona 3 marked a significant evolution in the series, introducing a daily calendar system that balanced school life and social interactions with nightly battles against shadows in the mysterious realm of Tartarus. The story follows high school student Makoto Yuki, who discovers the Dark Hour and teams up with classmates to unravel a sinister plot. Persona 3 introduced pivotal mechanics like social links and daily activities, which 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. Persona 3 FES added a new chapter, The Answer, and an alternate campaign with a female protagonist. Persona 3 Portable included the female protagonist but omitted The Answer. Persona 3 Reload is a full remake for modern consoles but does not include The Answer or the female protagonist route.

5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)

A rhythm-based dancing spin-off set during the main campaign of Persona 3, Dancing in Moonlight sees Elizabeth challenge the S.E.E.S. team to a dance-off in the Velvet Room. The events occur in a dream but are canon, featuring the team performing to iconic Persona 3 tracks.

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

Set in the rural town of Inaba, Persona 4 follows Yu Narukami, a high schooler who moves to the countryside and gets entangled in a series of murders linked to a supernatural realm accessed through TV monitors. Players balance school life and social links with dungeon exploration and Persona battles. Persona 4 Golden, released in 2012, added new story content and an additional dungeon, widely regarded as the definitive version of the game.

Read our review of Persona 4 Golden.

Alternate Versions of Persona 4:

Persona 4 Golden is the expanded re-release of the original, offering enhanced gameplay and additional content.

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

A crossover between Persona 3 and 4, Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth occurs during both games' timelines. The S.E.E.S. team and the Investigation Squad find themselves trapped in a distorted version of Yasogami High School, working together to solve the mystery and escape. This spin-off revisits the series' dungeon-crawler roots with an original story.

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

8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)

A narrative continuation of both Persona 3 and 4, Persona 4 Arena introduces a fighting game spin-off where Yu Narukami returns to Inaba and enters a mysterious tournament in the TV world. The game features a roster of beloved Persona characters, including the Shadow Operatives from Persona 3.

Read our review of Persona 4 Arena.

9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)

Following the events of Persona 4 Arena, Ultimax sees the Persona 4 team and the Shadow Operatives return to the TV world to combat a new threat. The game expands the roster with returning characters and enhances the fighting mechanics.

Read our review of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.

10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)

Another rhythm-based spin-off, Dancing All Night follows the Investigation Squad as they perform dance routines to Persona tracks in an alternate dimension called the Midnight Stage. The story is a canon continuation of Persona 4.

Read our review of Persona 4: Dancing All Night.

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

Set in Tokyo, Persona 5 introduces players to Joker, a high school student on probation after being framed. He and his friends discover a supernatural realm where they can change the hearts of corrupt individuals. Known as the Phantom Thieves, they navigate vast story-driven levels and a new dungeon system called Mementos. Persona 5 Royal is an enhanced version with additional content, including a new character, dungeon, and semester.

Read our review of Persona 5 Royal.

Alternate Versions of Persona 5:

Persona 5 Royal is the definitive version of the game, featuring significant additions and enhancements.

12. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)

A sequel to Persona Q, New Cinema Labyrinth brings together characters from Persona 3, 4, and 5, who find themselves trapped in a movie theater. They must enter the films to alter their endings and escape. The game combines elements from all three series and features first-person dungeon exploration.

13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)

Set during the events of Persona 5, Tactica is a strategy-focused spin-off inspired by the XCOM series. The Phantom Thieves find themselves in the Kingdoms, fighting to save their brainwashed allies 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)

The third rhythm-based dancing spin-off, Dancing in Starlight sees Caroline and Justine challenge the Phantom Thieves to a dance-off in the Velvet Room, performing routines to iconic Persona 5 tracks.

15. Persona 5 Strikers (2020)

Set four months after Persona 5, Strikers follows the Phantom Thieves on a summer vacation that turns into a Metaverse adventure. The game introduces real-time combat inspired by the Dynasty Warriors series, featuring battles against hordes of enemies.

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?

Anticipation is also high for Persona 6, the next mainline RPG in the series, although Atlus has yet to officially confirm its development.