Born as a *Shin Megami Tensei* spin-off, the *Persona* series has blossomed into a juggernaut of modern RPGs. From numerous sequels and remakes to anime, stage plays, and beyond, *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, highlighting the best starting points and offering both chronological and release order listings.
**Jump to:**
- Chronological Order
- Release Order
- Upcoming Releases
How Many *Persona* Games Are There?
Currently, there are twenty *Persona* games. This includes expanded versions—re-releases with added content or full remakes. This guide excludes simple ports and remasters, but notes alternate versions of each game.
Which *Persona* Game Should You Play First?
For newcomers, *Persona 3 Reload*, *Persona 4 Golden*, and *Persona 5 Royal* are excellent starting points. These are the latest versions of the third, fourth, and fifth mainline entries, readily available on PC and major consoles (*Persona 3 Reload* excludes Nintendo Switch). Each game features a self-contained story with unique characters, making them ideal entry points. To choose, explore gameplay videos and social link details to find the best fit.

Persona 3 Reload

Persona 4 Golden

Persona 5 Royal
Every *Persona* Game and Spin-Off in Chronological Order
(Mild spoilers ahead regarding characters, settings, and plot points)
1. Revelations: Persona (1996)

The series' origin, *Revelations: Persona*, built upon the success of *Shin Megami Tensei: If…*. High schoolers battle demons in Mikage-cho, wielding Personas, exploring dungeons, and leveling up. It established core elements like Personas, the Velvet Room, and a teenage cast.
2. Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)

Protagonist Tatsuya Suou and friends combat Joker and the Masked Circle cult in Sumaru, where malicious rumors manifest. The game retains the dungeon-crawling, Persona-wielding gameplay.
3. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)

A direct sequel focusing on Maya Amano, who investigates the "Joker Curse." It continues the style of *Innocent Sin*, with turn-based combat and Persona usage.
4. Persona 3 (2006) / Persona 3 FES (2007) / Persona 3 Portable (2009) / Persona 3 Reload (2024)

A significant evolution, *Persona 3* introduced a daily calendar system, balancing school life, friendships, and battles in Tartarus. Makoto Yuki confronts a demonic tower during the "Dark Hour." This entry established social links and daily activities, defining future *Persona* titles.
Alternate Versions of Persona 3: *FES* added "The Answer," *Portable* featured a female protagonist (but not "The Answer"), and *Reload* is a modern remake (excluding "The Answer" and the female protagonist route).
5. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2018)

A rhythm game spin-off set within *Persona 3*'s main story, featuring the S.E.E.S. team in a dance-off in the Velvet Room.
6. Persona 4 (2008) / Persona 4 Golden (2012)

In Inaba, Yu Narukami investigates murders linked to a mysterious world accessed through TVs. The game uses the calendar system, social links, and dungeon exploration.
Alternate Versions of Persona 4: *Persona 4 Golden* is an enhanced re-release with added content.
7. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2014)

A crossover featuring *Persona 3* and *Persona 4* characters trapped in a warped school. It offers a new story and a return to traditional dungeon-crawling.
8. Persona 4 Arena (2012)

A fighting game spin-off featuring characters from *Persona 3* and *Persona 4*, centered around a mysterious fighting tournament in the TV world.
9. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)

A sequel to *Persona 4 Arena*, expanding the roster and continuing the story.
10. Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)

A rhythm game where the Investigation Team performs in the Midnight Stage.
11. Persona 5 (2016) / Persona 5 Royal (2019)

Joker and the Phantom Thieves infiltrate palaces in Tokyo, changing the hearts of evil-doers. The game builds on previous mechanics, introducing Mementos.
Alternate Versions of Persona 5: *Persona 5 Royal* is an expanded version with new content.
12. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)

Another crossover featuring characters from *Persona 3*, *4*, and *5*, trapped in a movie theater and exploring movie-based dungeons.
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 real-time action spin-off set after *Persona 5*, featuring the Phantom Thieves in a new adventure.
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 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*?
2024 saw the release of *Persona 3 Reload* and *Metaphor: ReFantazio*. *Persona 5: The Phantom X*, a free-to-play mobile game, is slated for release in Japan and a global launch is expected. *Persona 6* remains unconfirmed but highly anticipated.