Every Persona Game and Spin-Off in Order

Born as a *Shin Megami Tensei* spin-off, the *Persona* series has blossomed into a major player in the modern RPG landscape. From numerous sequels and remakes to anime, stage plays, and more, *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 points for newcomers, and detailing both chronological and release order.

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How Many *Persona* Games Are There?

There are currently twenty *Persona* games. Many are enhanced versions of mainline entries, including re-releases with added content or full remakes. This guide excludes simple ports and remasters, but notes all 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 on PC and major consoles (*Persona 3 Reload* excludes Nintendo Switch). Each game features a self-contained story with original characters, making them ideal entry points. Watch some gameplay videos and explore social link information to determine which game appeals most to you.

Persona 3 Reload

Available on PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X.

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Persona 4 Golden

Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch

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Persona 5 Royal

Available on PC, Xbox, PS5, and Nintendo Switch

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Every *Persona* Game and Spin-Off in Chronological Order

(Mild spoilers ahead regarding characters, settings, and story elements.)

1. Revelations: Persona (1996)

The inaugural *Persona* game, *Revelations: Persona*, built upon the success of *Shin Megami Tensei: If…*. It features high school students battling a supernatural threat in Mikage-cho, utilizing Personas in combat and exploring dungeons. This game established core franchise elements, including the Velvet Room and a teenage cast.

2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)

Following a new group of high school students led by Tatsuya Suou, *Persona 2: Innocent Sin* pits them against the mysterious Joker and the Masked Circle cult. Malicious rumors come to life in the town of Sumaru, leading to dungeon exploration, Persona wielding, and shadow battles. This game is notable for its direct sequel.

3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)

A direct continuation of *Innocent Sin*, *Eternal Punishment* features Maya Amano as the protagonist. Investigating the "Joker Curse," Maya and her allies confront a returning foe, engaging in familiar turn-based combat and Persona usage.

4. Persona 3 (2006) / Persona 3 FES (2007) / Persona 3 Portable (2009) / Persona 3 Reload (2024)

*Persona 3* significantly evolved the series. It incorporates a daily calendar, balancing school life, friendships, and battles in Tartarus. Makoto Yuki experiences the "Dark Hour," uncovering a sinister plot. This entry introduced social links and daily activities, becoming a landmark for the franchise.

**Alternate Versions of Persona 3:**

*Persona 3 FES* expanded the game with "The Answer." *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 campaign, where Elizabeth challenges the S.E.E.S. team to a dance-off. The events are canon and feature dance routines to iconic *Persona 3* music.

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

Set in rural Inaba, *Persona 4* follows Yu Narukami, who investigates a series of murders linked to a mysterious otherworldly realm accessed through TV monitors. The game retains the calendar system and social links while expanding dungeon exploration and Persona battles.

**Alternate Versions of Persona 4:**

*Persona 4 Golden* is an enhanced re-release with new content and a dungeon.

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

A crossover between *Persona 3* and *Persona 4*, this game features the S.E.E.S. team and the Investigation Team trapped in a warped version of Yasogami High School. It features a new story and returns to the series' traditional dungeon-crawler roots.

8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)

A fighting game spin-off featuring characters from *Persona 3* and *4*. Yu Narukami participates in a mysterious fighting tournament, battling allies and the Shadow Operatives.

9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)

A sequel to *Persona 4 Arena*, featuring expanded roster and continuing the story from the first game.

10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)

A rhythm-based dancing game featuring the Investigation Team, set in a canon continuation of the *Persona 4* storyline.

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

Set in Tokyo, *Persona 5* follows Joker, a probationer who joins a group of friends to infiltrate mystical palaces and change the hearts of evil-doers. This game significantly expanded the franchise's popularity, featuring a month-long story structure, negotiation systems, and the Mementos dungeon.

**Alternate Versions of Persona 5:**

*Persona 5 Royal* is an enhanced re-release with new content.

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 and venturing into the movies themselves.

13. Persona 5 Tactica (2023)

A strategy spin-off set during *Persona 5*, featuring tactical grid-based combat.

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 and a new adventure for the Phantom Thieves.

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 release of *Persona 3 Reload* and *Metaphor: ReFantazio*, Sega's continued investment in Atlus and the *Persona* franchise is evident. The free-to-play mobile game, *Persona 5: The Phantom X*, is anticipated for global release following its release in select Asian regions and a Japanese closed beta. This game features an original story and new characters within the *Persona 5* world. While unconfirmed, *Persona 6* is highly anticipated by fans.