Persona Games and Spin-Offs: Chronological Order

The Persona series began its journey as a spin-off of Shin Megami Tensei, but it has since evolved into a powerhouse within the world of modern RPGs. With major sequels, remakes, anime adaptations, and even stage plays, Persona has become a multimedia phenomenon with no signs of slowing down.

Now that Persona 3 Reload is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, many new players are curious about where to begin their journey through the series. Below, you'll find a comprehensive guide covering every mainline game and spin-off, including the best entry points for newcomers, along with both chronological and release order breakdowns.

Quick Navigation:

• How to play in order
• How to play by release date
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Which modern *Persona* game is the best?

Persona 3 ReloadPersona 4 GoldenPersona 5 RoyalOther (Tell us in the comments!)

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How Many Persona Games Are There?

Currently, there are twenty Persona-related games, including expanded re-releases, remakes, and spin-offs. While we won’t include direct ports or remasters, we’ll highlight alternate versions of each title so you know what’s worth playing and why.

Which Persona Game Should You Play First?

If you're new to the series, jumping straight into Persona 3 Reload, Persona 4 Golden, or Persona 5 Royal is a great choice. These titles represent the most updated versions of the third, fourth, and fifth entries and are widely available across PC and all major consoles (with Persona 3 Reload missing only Nintendo Switch).

Each of these games tells a completely self-contained story with unique characters and settings, meaning you won’t miss anything by skipping earlier entries. If you’re unsure which one suits your taste, watching gameplay footage or exploring the social link systems can help you decide.

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
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

(Note: Mild spoilers ahead — including character names, settings, and story elements.)

1. Revelations: Persona (1996)

The very first entry in the franchise, Revelations: Persona was inspired by the success of Shin Megami Tensei: If…, another high school-themed SMT spin-off. Set in Mikage-cho, this dungeon-crawling RPG follows a group of students battling supernatural forces using Personas.

It laid the foundation for future Persona games by introducing core mechanics like the Velvet Room, demon negotiation, and Persona fusion.

2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)

Following up on the original formula, Innocent Sin centers around protagonist Tatsuya Suou and his classmates as they confront the Joker and his cult. The game revolves around rumors manifesting in reality and features turn-based combat and dungeon exploration.

Unlike other Persona games, it received a direct sequel just a year later: Eternal Punishment.

3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)

This time, Maya Amano takes the lead role after being sent to investigate a strange rumor involving the Joker Curse. It continues the events of Innocent Sin with similar gameplay and narrative structure.

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

A major turning point for the series, Persona 3 introduced the daily life system, calendar mechanic, and social links. The story follows Makoto Yuki as he explores the mysterious Dark Hour and the tower known as Tartarus.

Alternate Versions:

• Persona 3 FES: Adds "The Answer" epilogue and female protagonist route.
• Persona 3 Portable: Handheld version featuring the female protagonist but not "The Answer."
• Persona 3 Reload: Updated remake for modern platforms, though without extra content.

5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)

A rhythm game set during the events of Persona 3. Elizabeth challenges the S.E.E.S team to a dance battle in the Velvet Room — all while staying canon to the original storyline.

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

Set in the rural town of Inaba, Persona 4 follows Yu Narukami as he investigates a string of murders linked to a TV world filled with shadows. It builds upon Persona 3's mechanics with an improved social link system and more refined storytelling.

Alternate Version:

• Persona 4 Golden: Expanded version with new story content and an additional dungeon.

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

A crossover between Persona 3 and 4, this dungeon crawler sees both casts trapped in a warped version of Yasogami High School. Players explore labyrinths in a first-person perspective with grid-based combat.

8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)

A fighting game continuation of both Persona 3 and 4. It introduces competitive gameplay and a new storyline centered around a mysterious tournament in the TV World.

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