Persona 5 Tactica’s release marks the 22nd installment (including PSP releases) in the ever-expanding Persona series. However, amidst all the spinoffs, remakes, and retellings, fans often find themselves puzzled about when and where each game fits into the timeline. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at the chronological order of all the Persona games according to the updated timeline and pinpoint where Persona 5 Tactica slots.
Persona Series In Chronological Order
Since its inception as a Megami Tensei spin-off in 1996 for PlayStation, the Persona series has evolved into a complex web of narratives that don’t strictly follow a linear structure. Here’s a rundown of all the Persona games in chronological order:
Revelations: Persona (1996)
The game that started it all, Revelations: Persona, was the first entry into the Persona series. In 2009, the game was released for PlayStation Portable (PSP) under the new title Shin Megami Tensei: Persona.
Revelations: Persona tells the story of a group of high school students who, after participating in a seemingly innocent fortune-telling game, discover their ability to summon Personas – symbolic manifestations of their inner selves. Using these newfound powers, they traverse their town fighting various enemies.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)
A sequel to the original Persona game, the game was released by ATLUS in 1999 for PlayStations and later ported to PSP in 2011. The game is remembered for introducing the rumor mechanic, where the spread of different rumors can change the trajectory of many aspects of the game world.
The plot of Persona 2: Innocent Sin revolves around Tatsuya Suou, a high-school student at Seven Sisters High School, and his friends Ekichi and Lisa. When a rumor circulates that calling one’s own cell phone number will summon the mysterious entity Joker to grant a wish, Tatsuya and his friends decide to test it, plunging themselves into a world of supernatural occurrences.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (2000)
Making its debut on PlayStation in 2000, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment takes place just a few months after the events of Persona 2: Innocent Sin, and acts as a direct continuation of the game.
The storyline of Persona 3: Eternal Punishment is set in Sumaru, a fictional Japanese city. The narrative centers on Maya Amano, a reporter who’s investigating the Joker Curse. While exploring deeper into this phenomenon, she and her allies discover the ability to summon Personas.
Persona 3 (2006)
The fourth main installment in the Persona series, Persona 3 is remembered for introducing the “Social Link” mechanic in the game. This new feature allowed players to form connections with NPCs and enhance the strength of their Personas in battles. Moreover, it also introduced the day/night cycle, making the effective use of time a key element in the game.
The game’s plot revolves around a high-school student who joins the “Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad” (SEES). This group is investigating the temporal anomaly known as the “Dark Hour”, during which the members are able to enter Tartarus, a tower containing monstrous creatures known as Shadows. As the story progresses, the characters learn about the true nature of the Shadows and the Dark Hour and the role they play in the grand scheme of things.
Persona 3 FES (2007)
Persona 3 FES is an enhanced re-release of Persona 3 for the PlayStation 2. While the main plot remains the same as the one in the original Persona 3, the game features an epilogue called The Answer.
The Answer takes place immediately after the events of the main narrative and explores the fallout of the SEES’ battle against Nyx. Led by Aigis, the members explore a new dungeon, called Abyss of Time, which has locked SEES in a time loop, repeating the day of March 31st endlessly.
Persona 3 Portable (2009)
Another remake of Persona 3, Persona 3 Portable was released for the PlayStation Portable in 2009. The game allows the player to choose the protagonist’s gender, paving the way for new scenarios and possibilities in the narrative.
While the plot remains largely the same as that of Persona 3, the game features many new additions such as the Desert of Doors from Persona 3 FES and the ability to choose who you spend time with just before the game ends.
Persona Q: Shadow Of The Labyrinth (2014)
Released for the Nintendo 3DS, Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth featured a cross-over between the characters of Persona 3 and Persona 4.
The story yet again revolves around a rumor, this time about the “Seven Wonder of Yasogami High”, which is a mysterious clock tower, and a labyrinth that magically pops up in the school. The members of SEES are transported to Yasogami High as they attempt to restore the world to its original state.
Persona 4 (2008)
Featuring a major shift in the storyline of the Persona series, Persona 4 was released for PlayStation 2 and then later ported to PlayStation 3.
The plot is set in the year 2011 and centers around the fictional town of Inaba. The protagonist (named by the player) gets involved in investigating a series of mysterious murders that are linked to the “Midnight Channel” on TV. Along with his friends, the protagonist explores the hidden world that is accessible through TV sets to find the serial killer and save the town.
Persona 4 Golden (2012)
Persona 4 Golden is an enhanced re-release of the original Persona 4, albeit with loads of new content and features.
While the plot of Persona 4 Golden remains mostly the same as its predecessor’s, there are key differences in the game, including a new character named Marie, an additional Social Link, a new dungeon, and a brand new bad ending.
Persona 4 Arena (2012)
One of the most notable spin-offs in the Persona series, Persona 4 Arena brings together characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4 in an engaging fighting-style game, with the storyline being narrated through novel segments.
Taking place two months after the events of Persona 4, the characters find themselves entangled in a fresh mystery surrounding the P-1 Grand Prix, a tournament within the Midnight Channel dimension. This competition sets the Investigation Team from Persona 4 against the surviving SEES members from Persona 3. Together, the groups aim to uncover the mysteries behind the Prix and Labrys, a humanoid robot.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (2013)
A direct sequel to Persona 4 Arena, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax was released by ATLUS in 2013 for arcades and then for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2014.
Picking up right after the events of Persona 4 arena, the game’s plot begins with Midnight Channel broadcasting another fighting tournament called the P-1 Climax. Once again, the Investigation Team of Persona 4 joins the SEES of Persona 3 to uncover the truth behind these tournaments and also confront Sho Minazuki, who’s a hostile Persona user.
Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2015)
After the success of the fighting-game style Persona spin-offs, ATLUS introduced a rhythm game in the form of Persona 4: Dancing All Night. It was released for PlayStation Vita and PlayStation TV in 2015.
Taking place roughly a month after Persona 4 Golden’s epilogue, the game’s plot starts off with Rise Kujikawa inviting Yu Narukami along with her friends to dance with her in the Love Meets Bonds Festival. Amidst their preparations, they learn that Mashita’s idol group has gone missing before being sucked into the Midnight Stage, a world where an entity uses ribbons to brainwash people. The group discovers that instead of violence, the power of song and dance is what will free them from the entity’s control.
Persona 5 (2016)
Released in 2016 for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, Persona 5 is the sixth installment in the Persona series. This game marks the first time we meet the Phantom Thieves.
The story is set in modern-day Tokyo and mainly revolves around a high school student known by the moniker “Joker”. After being put on probation on a false accusation of assault, Joker transfers to a new school, where he and other students become a group of secret vigilantes known as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. As a group, they explore the Metaverse, a realm created from humanity’s subconscious desires, and use their Personas to battle enemies.
Persona 5 Royal (2019)
Continuing the trend of enhanced re-releases within the Persona series, Persona 5 Royal was released for PlayStation 4 in 2019, before being remastered for other platforms in 2022.
The game introduces three new characters: Kasumi Yoshizawa, Takuto Maruki, and Jose. Moreover, it also features a third semester that isn’t part of the original Persona 5 game. Alongside this, players also get to experience new endings and additional events.
Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2018)
A sequel to Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth, this game brings the characters of Persona 3, Persona 4 and Persona 5 together.
The plot revolves around Ren Amamiya, who assembles the Phantom Thieves in Cafe Leblanc to investigate Mementos, a palace at the core of the Metaverse. However, after they lose control of their bus, they are sent to a movie screen initiating a countdown. They later find themselves in a Cinema, where they find Nagi, the curator who decides to help them find their friends and escape the Cinema.
Persona 5: Dancing In Starlight (2018)
Bringing back the rhythm-based spin-offs, Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight was released for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in 2018.
The game’s plot revolves around the Phantom Thieves, who find themselves transported to Club Velvet in their dreams by Caroline and Justine. There they’re challenged to perform at a dance party in front of the Sea of Souls.
Persona 3: Dancing In Moonlight (2018)
Much like Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, this game is a rhythm-based spin-off for Persona 3. It was released alongside Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight in May 2018 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita.
Set after the events of Persona 4: Dancing All Night, the plot revolves around the SEES being summoned to the Velvet Room by Elizabeth. Pretty much like the Phantom Thieves, their goal is to perform in front of the Sea of Souls.
Persona 5 Tactica (2023)
The latest canonical addition to the Persona series, Persona 5 Tactica is another spin-off that features chibi-style character designs.
The plot of Persona 5 Tactica follows the journey of the Phantom Thieves as they fight battles using their Personas across the three Kingdoms. The game also features a DLC set before the events of Tactica called Repaint Your Heart, which follows the story of Goro Akechi and Kasumi Yoshizawa.
Persona 5 Strikers (2020)
Featuring characters from Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, Strikers serves as a direct continuation of Persona 5’s narrative. It features a “hack and slash style” while retaining its role-playing roots.
The plot of Persona 5: Strikers starts off four months after the events of Persona 5. The now-retired Phantom Thieves are planning to enjoy their summer vacations when all of a sudden their plans are interrupted by a massive Change of Heart event in Shibuya.
Final Thoughts
The Persona series features an extensive network of interconnected games that have weaved together a complex and ever-expanding lore that we’ve all come to love over the years. What was your introduction to the Persona games? Feel free to share your Persona journey in the comments below!