The Persona series, originally a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, has evolved into a major name in modern RPGs. With its expansive universe spanning multiple sequels, remakes, anime adaptations, and even stage plays, Persona has cemented itself as a multimedia powerhouse. The latest addition, Persona 3 Reload, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, marks another exciting chapter. Newcomers to the series might be wondering where to begin. Below, we'll guide you through the entire catalog of Persona games and spin-offs, highlighting the best starting points for new players, 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?

There are currently twenty Persona games in total. These include mainline entries and various expanded versions, such as re-releases with new content or full remakes. We'll list all the alternate versions alongside the main games below, but exclude 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 fantastic choice. These are the most recent iterations of the third, fourth, and fifth mainline entries, available on PC and most major consoles (except Persona 3 Reload, which isn't on Nintendo Switch).

Don't worry about missing out on the story by jumping into these later entries; each game offers a fresh narrative with new characters, making them excellent entry points. To choose the best fit for you, consider watching gameplay videos and exploring the social links to see which game resonates with you the most.

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 descriptions contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story elements.

1. Revelations: Persona (1996)

The inaugural game in the series, Revelations: Persona, was inspired by the positive reception of Shin Megami Tensei: If… and introduced a full dungeon-crawling RPG experience. Set in Mikage-cho, a group of high schoolers battle a supernatural uprising, using their Personas to combat shadows and explore dungeons. This game laid the groundwork for the franchise, introducing key elements like Persona combat, the Velvet Room, and a teenage cast of heroes.

2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)

Following the first game, Persona 2: Innocent Sin introduced a new cast led by Tatsuya Suou. The story centers on battling a villain named Joker and his cult, the Masked Circle, in Sumaru City, where rumors come to life. The game retains the dungeon-crawling and Persona-wielding mechanics, and was followed by a direct sequel, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment.

Read our review of Persona 2: Innocent Sin.

3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)

Continuing from Innocent Sin, Eternal Punishment features Maya Amano as the protagonist, delving into the Joker Curse and facing a returning enemy. The gameplay remains focused on turn-based combat and dungeon exploration, enhancing the story from 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)

A major evolution for the series, Persona 3 introduced a daily calendar system, blending high school life with battling shadows in Tartarus. Protagonist Makoto Yuki navigates the Dark Hour, a mysterious time where a demonic tower appears from his school, uncovering a plot that threatens the world. This entry introduced social links and daily activities, becoming a cornerstone of 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 an alternate campaign with a female protagonist.
• Persona 3 Portable, a handheld version, included the female protagonist but not The Answer.
• Persona 3 Reload, a full remake for modern consoles, does not include The Answer or the female protagonist route.

5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)

A rhythm-based spin-off set during Persona 3's main campaign, Dancing in Moonlight features a dance-off in the Velvet Room. The events occur in a dream but are canon, with the S.E.E.S 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 as he investigates a series of murders linked to an otherworldly realm accessible through TV monitors. The game builds on Persona 3's mechanics, including the calendar system and social links, while exploring vast dungeons with Personas.

Read our review of Persona 4 Golden.

Alternate Versions of Persona 4:

• Persona 4 Golden, released in 2012, added new story content and an additional dungeon, considered the definitive version.

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

A crossover between Persona 3 and 4, set during specific segments of each game. The S.E.E.S team and the Investigation Squad are trapped in a warped version of Yasogami High School, exploring a labyrinth and battling new enemies in a story that honors the series' dungeon-crawler roots.

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

8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)

A fighting game spin-off that continues the narratives of Persona 3 and 4, featuring Yu Narukami in a mysterious tournament in the TV world, battling against allies and the Shadow Operatives from Persona 3.

Read our review of Persona 4 Arena.

9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)

A sequel to Arena, Ultimax expands the roster and follows the aftermath of the first game's tournament, with the Persona 4 squad and Shadow Operatives teaming up against new threats in the TV World.

Read our review of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax.

10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)

A rhythm-based dancing game that continues the Persona 4 storyline, with the Investigation Squad performing in the Midnight Stage, an alternate dimension.

Read our review of Persona 4: Dancing All Night.

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

Set in Tokyo, Persona 5 follows Joker, a high schooler on probation, and his friends as they navigate a supernatural realm to change the hearts of evildoers. The game introduced new mechanics like Mementos and became Atlus's best-selling title, significantly expanding the franchise's fanbase.

Read our review of Persona 5 Royal.

Alternate Versions of Persona 5:

• Persona 5 Royal added a new companion, dungeon, and semester, enhancing the original experience.

12. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)

A sequel to Persona Q, this crossover features characters from Persona 3, 4, and 5 trapped in a movie theater, exploring various movie-themed dungeons to escape.

13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)

A strategy-focused spin-off set during Persona 5, where the Phantom Thieves navigate an alternate realm called the Kingdoms, fighting to save their brainwashed allies and return home.

Read our review of Persona 5 Tactica.

14. Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2018)

Another rhythm-based dancing spin-off, this time featuring the Phantom Thieves in the Velvet Room, performing to Persona 5's iconic 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. 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 project to watch is Persona 5: The Phantom X, a free-to-play mobile game released in several regions in 2024, with a Japanese release imminent and a global launch expected. This game offers an original story within the Persona 5 universe, introducing new characters as Phantom Thieves.

Anticipation also builds for Persona 6, though Atlus has yet to officially confirm its development.