The *Persona* series, initially a *Shin Megami Tensei* spin-off, has blossomed into a major RPG franchise, spanning sequels, remakes, anime, and even stage plays. With *Persona 3 Reload* now available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC, newcomers might wonder where to begin. This guide covers every game and spin-off, offering the best starting points and both chronological and release order listings.
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How Many Persona Games Are There?
Currently, there are twenty *Persona* games. This includes expanded versions and remakes. We'll note all alternate versions below.
Which Persona Game Should You Play First?
For newcomers, *Persona 3 Reload*, *Persona 4 Golden*, or *Persona 5 Royal* are excellent starting points. They're the latest versions of the third, fourth, and fifth mainline entries and are widely available across platforms (excluding *Persona 3 Reload* on Nintendo Switch). Each game features a self-contained story, making them ideal entry points.
To choose, watch gameplay videos and explore the social link aspects to see which game resonates most.



Every Persona Game and Spin-Off in Chronological Order
(Note: These blurbs contain mild spoilers.)
1. Revelations: Persona (1996)

The original *Persona*, a high school-focused RPG where students battle demons using Personas. It established core franchise elements like Personas, the Velvet Room, and a teenage cast.
2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)

High school students fight a villain and a cult whose malicious rumors come to life in the town of Sumaru. Features dungeon crawling, Persona use, and party leveling.
3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)

A direct sequel to *Innocent Sin*, following Maya Amano as she confronts a returning foe connected to the "Joker Curse." Maintains the same gameplay style.
4. Persona 3 (2006) / Persona 3 FES (2007) / Persona 3 Portable (2009) / Persona 3 Reload (2024)

A major evolution, introducing a daily calendar balancing school life with dungeon crawling in Tartarus. Makoto Yuki confronts a demonic threat during a hidden time period known as the Dark Hour. Established social links and daily activities.
Alternate Versions of Persona 3: *FES* added a new chapter, *Portable* offered a female protagonist route, and *Reload* is a full remake.
5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)

A rhythm game spin-off set during *Persona 3*'s main story, featuring dance routines to iconic tracks.
6. Persona 4 (2008) / Persona 4 Golden (2012)

Set in rural Inaba, Yu Narukami investigates a series of murders linked to a mysterious world accessed through TVs. Builds upon *Persona 3*'s mechanics, including the calendar system and social links.
Alternate Versions of Persona 4: *Golden* is an expanded re-release with new content.
7. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014)

A crossover between *Persona 3* and *Persona 4*, featuring a time-bending event that brings both teams together to solve a mystery.
8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)

A fighting game spin-off featuring characters from *Persona 3* and *4*.
9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)

A sequel to *Persona 4 Arena* with an expanded roster.
10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)

A rhythm game spin-off featuring the Investigation Team.
11. Persona 5 (2016) / Persona 5 Royal (2019)

Set in Tokyo, players are Joker, a probationer who joins the Phantom Thieves to infiltrate palaces and change the hearts of evil-doers. Features a new dungeon system (Mementos) and builds on previous mechanics.
Alternate Versions of Persona 5: *Royal* is an expanded version with new content.
12. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)

A sequel to *Persona Q*, featuring a crossover between characters from *Persona 3*, *4*, and *5*.
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 game spin-off featuring the Phantom Thieves.
15. Persona 5 Strikers (2020)

A spin-off set after *Persona 5*, featuring real-time combat.
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*, *Persona 5: The Phantom X*, a free-to-play mobile game, is anticipated for global release. *Persona 6* remains unconfirmed but highly anticipated.