15 Best Persona Games Ranked: What to Play Next in 2025?
Persona isn’t just a game – it’s a cultural phenomenon. With memorable characters, a blend of RPG combat and social simulation, and deep storytelling, it’s become a staple in both anime and gaming communities. Since its debut in 1996, the Persona series has only gotten bigger, bolder, and even more stylish.
When I first played Persona, I didn’t expect to get so hooked – but I did. From climbing Tartarus to juggling friendships and exams, every moment pulls you in. Each game has something special that sticks with you long after you finish.
Persona helped redefine the RPG genre, but do all the titles get the recognition they deserve? As a lifelong fan, I’m here to answer the big questions: Which Persona games stand the test of time? Which ones truly shaped the series? And which one should you dive into next? Let’s break it all down.
Our Top Picks From The Persona Series
Persona games are packed with unforgettable stories, deep combat, and some of the most memorable characters in gaming. Whether you’re bonding with friends over a trip to the movies or diving into a supernatural realm to battle corrupt adults, the mix of everyday life and fantasy keeps you hooked.
Here’s our list of the top Persona games ever, each of which has played a significant role in shaping the series’ unique place in gaming culture:
- Persona 5 Royal (2019) – the ultimate version of Persona 5, refining the story, combat, and characters for a truly unforgettable experience.
- Persona 3 Reload (2024) – a stunning remake with modern visuals, improved gameplay, and an even more emotional story.
- Persona 4 Golden (2012) – a gripping mystery with lovable characters, exciting combat, and a perfect balance of suspense and friendship.
- Persona 3 Portable (2012) – a streamlined version of Persona 3 with new character interactions and fresh gameplay.
- Persona 5 Strikers (2020) – an action-packed RPG that continues Persona 5’s story with real-time combat and an epic road trip.
From modern masterpieces to cult classics, these Persona games have all left their mark. Ready to explore the best of the best? Let’s get into it.
How Many Persona Games Are There?
The Persona series has grown a lot since it first started, with six main games and tons of spin-offs. Over the years, it has expanded into different genres like rhythm games, dungeon crawling, and action RPGs. In total, there are 28 Persona games – a huge number considering there are only six main entries!
From the first Persona game to Persona 5 Royal, these Persona games ranked have left a lasting legacy on the RPG genre and have captured the imaginations of gamers worldwide.
15 Best Persona Games Ranked
The Persona series isn’t just about turn-based battles – it’s about living two lives at once. By day, you’re a regular student, and by night, you’re fighting supernatural enemies and summoning powerful Personas. The mix of RPG combat, social interactions, and deep, psychological storytelling makes every Persona game feel unique.
What makes Persona special is how it blends real life with the fantastical. One minute, you’re grabbing ramen with a friend; the next, you’re battling shadowy monsters in the Midnight Channel.
Whether playing the first Persona game or diving into the Persona 5 Royal definitive version, the series remains fresh and exciting. From Persona 2 Innocent Sin to modern Persona games, the series continues to captivate fans.
1. Persona 5 Royal
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 95 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch | 2019 | Atlus |
Persona 5 Royal refines its predecessor’s story, combat, and characters into one of the greatest RPGs ever. It’s not just about playing a story – it’s about living it.
As a student leading a double life, you juggle school, friendships, and daily life while secretly battling corruption as part of the Phantom Thieves. Using supernatural powers, you and your friends enter the Metaverse, a world where you fight to change the hearts of corrupt adults.
Combat is fast, stylish, and strategic. The Baton Pass keeps things flowing, while All-Out Attacks make every fight thrilling. The characters start as tropes but evolve in unexpected ways, adding real depth. With an unforgettable soundtrack, stunning visuals, and a world full of things to do, this is one of the best JRPG games ever made.
If you want to lead a group of friends on a mission that could change the world, this is the game for you.
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2. Persona 3 Reload
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 90 | PC, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One | 2024 | Atlus |
In Persona 3 Reload, you’re a high school student at Gekkoukan High, attending class, hanging out with friends, and joining clubs. But when midnight strikes, the world shifts. The “Dark Hour” appears, filled with dangerous Shadows, and only those with the power of Persona can fight back.
Trust me, every time the Dark Hour hits, it feels like stepping into a world where anything can happen.
This remake isn’t just an upgrade – it’s a complete transformation. The stunning visuals, fully voiced cutscenes, and refined gameplay make the story hit harder than ever. From Aragaki’s heartbreaking sacrifice to the game’s emotional finale, Reload delivers some of the most powerful moments in gaming.
Persona 3 Reload is one of the greatest RPG games you can play today. Whether you’re a returning fan or a newcomer, this is the ultimate way to experience the series.
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3. Persona 4 Golden
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 85 | PC, PS Vita | 2012 | Atlus |
Persona 4 Golden takes you to the small, quiet town of Inaba, where a series of strange murders unfold. As a high school student staying with your uncle and cousin, you and your new friends discover a mysterious world inside a TV, where the truth behind the murders lies.
When I first started Persona 4 Golden, I wasn’t prepared for how invested I’d get in the town’s mystery – or how much I’d end up caring for the cast. Whether I was solving a mysterious murder case or grabbing ramen with friends, the bonds I built along the way made the game unforgettable.
The turn-based combat is strategic and exciting, and each decision you make shapes your experience, whether you’re uncovering the town’s secrets or spending time with friends. With its compelling story and incredible soundtrack, Persona 4 Golden is one of the best adventure games around.
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4. Persona 3 Portable
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 89 (PSP), 81 (PC) | PC, PS Vita | 2012 | Atlus |
In Persona 3 Portable you play as a high school student juggling everyday life with a hidden, dangerous world. Every night, the Dark Hour takes over, bringing terrifying Shadows. To fight back, you summon powerful Personas and explore the ever-changing Tartarus tower.
What makes this version stand out? The option to choose a female protagonist, offering fresh character interactions and social links that change the way the story unfolds. The first time I played as the female protagonist, I was amazed at how it changed the dynamics of the game, offering new relationships, and new perspectives.
Persona 3 Portable is more than just a game – it’s an experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Persona series or diving in for the first time, Persona 3 Portable is a must-play.
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5. Persona 5 Strikers
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 80 | PC, PS4, Switch | 2020 | Atlus, Omega Force |
Persona 5 Strikers continues the story of the Phantom Thieves, bringing them back for a new adventure that mixes everything you love about the series with exciting real-time combat. After a summer vacation filled with mystery, the Thieves must dive back into action when they encounter strange events across Japan.
While this impressive fighting game still offers the best Persona features – forming bonds with friends, exploring dungeons, and uncovering secrets – it shifts from turn-based to real-time combat, allowing you to engage in fast-paced battles while using your Personas to unleash powerful attacks and combos.
The slick combat system makes Persona 5 Strikers a unique experience that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of the series or love the best fighting games, this title offers the perfect balance of action and narrative.
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6. Persona 2: Innocent Sin
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 85 | PS1, PSP | 1999 | Atlus |
Persona 2: Innocent Sin takes you into a dark and thrilling world where rumors come to life and manipulate reality. Set in Sumaru City, you play as Tatsuya Suou, a high school student who uncovers a sinister plot involving mysterious, powerful figures.
As the story unfolds, you’ll battle supernatural enemies and face the consequences of your choices, all while navigating complex relationships and unraveling deep mysteries.
Unlike the later Persona games, Innocent Sin blends traditional turn-based combat with a more grounded narrative. The game focuses heavily on themes of memory, identity, and the battle between good and evil. The mechanics allow for the summoning and fusing of Personas, offering players tons of customization options in combat.
7. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 87 | PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC | 2024 | Atlus |
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance isn’t technically a Persona game, but if you love the Persona series, this dark, strategic RPG is worth your time. An expanded edition of Shin Megami Tensei V, it brings a brand-new story route, refined mechanics, and deeper character interactions to the original game.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, you play as a high school student who fuses with a mysterious being to become a Nahobino. Caught in a war between gods and demons, your choices shape the fate of existence.
The game is a must-play for those looking for a darker, more mature take on the Megami Tensei universe.
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8. Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 80 | PS1, PSP | 2000 | Atlus |
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment continues the story from Innocent Sin, diving deeper into the mystery surrounding Sumaru City. You follow Maya Amano, a journalist investigating strange occurrences tied to the city’s dark secrets.
As she uncovers a powerful conspiracy, Maya and her allies face forces that manipulate both reality and perception, with the fate of the world at stake. This title blends turn-based combat with a rich narrative filled with twists and emotional depth. The game refines the Persona fusion system and introduces a more tactical battle system.
With a gripping story, complex characters, and intense battles, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment is a standout RPG. It delivers a darker take on the Persona series that fans of the genre won’t want to miss.
9. Persona 5 Tactica
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 80 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch | 2023 | Atlus |
Persona 5 Tactica takes the Phantom Thieves into a whole new battlefield, swapping turn-based combat for tactical strategy. In this highly-regarded Persona spin-off, Joker and his crew find themselves in a strange new world ruled by an oppressive regime.
The gameplay of this unconventional strategy game shifts to a grid-based tactical RPG, where positioning, cover, and smart use of skills make all the difference. The familiar One More system returns, rewarding careful planning and aggressive play.
While the core gameplay is fun and accessible, it’s not as deep as other tactical RPGs, making it a good entry point for newcomers but possibly too simple for hardcore strategy fans.
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10. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 75 | PS3, Xbox 360 | 2013 | Atlus, Arc System Works |
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax takes the high-energy battles of Persona 4 Arena and cranks up the intensity. A direct sequel, Ultimax continues the story as Inaba is suddenly covered in a mysterious red fog, forcing the heroes of Persona 3 and Persona 4 to fight once more.
With the stakes higher than ever, they must uncover the truth behind the P-1 Climax tournament before it’s too late.
Developed by Arc System Works, known for their expertise in the fighting genre, Ultimax refines its fast-paced 2D combat. The expanded roster introduces new characters, including Shadow versions with altered abilities, adding depth and variety to every battle.
Whether you’re here for the gripping story mode or competitive multiplayer battles, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is one of the best fighting games available.
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11. Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 82 | 3DS | 2018 | Atlus |
Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth brings the casts of Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5 together in a unique dungeon-crawling adventure. Trapped inside a movie-themed labyrinth, your goal is to explore, solve puzzles, and uncover the mystery behind the bizarre world.
Persona Q2 features classic first-person dungeon exploration, inspired by Etrian Odyssey. You’ll assemble a team from multiple Persona games, creating diverse party combinations with different combat styles. The battle system is turn-based, and Persona fusions are key to overcoming tough enemies.
While the story isn’t as heavy as the mainline Persona entries, it offers lighthearted moments and fun interactions between characters. The vibrant art style and engaging soundtrack make the experience all the more enjoyable.
12. Persona 4 Arena
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 75 | PS3, Xbox 360 | 2012 | Atlus, Arc System Works |
Persona 4 Arena takes the beloved characters from Persona 3 and Persona 4 and throws them into an intense fighting tournament. Set after the events of Persona 4, the game follows Yu Narukami and his friends as they’re pulled into a mysterious new battle inside the Midnight Channel.
Unlike the traditional RPG mechanics of the mainline series, Persona 4 Arena is a fast-paced 2D fighter developed by Arc System Works. Each character has their own unique fighting style, and their Personas can be summoned mid-battle for devastating attacks. The game also features a deep story mode, keeping the narrative depth Persona fans love.
With stylish combat, a gripping story, and a roster of fan-favorite characters, Persona 4 Arena is one of the best Persona games for fighting game enthusiasts.
13. Shin Megami Tensei: Persona
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| N/A | Playstation | 1996 | Atlus |
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona is the title that laid the groundwork for what would later become the Persona series. In this first installment, you play as a high school student who, along with a group of friends, gains the ability to summon powerful Personas and face supernatural forces threatening the world.
The game offers traditional turn-based combat with a focus on exploiting enemy weaknesses and fusing Personas to create stronger allies. While it lacks the polish and refined systems of later Persona games, it introduces key elements, like the use of Personas and a story-driven narrative centered around personal growth and relationships.
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona holds an important place in the franchise’s history. While the visuals and gameplay feel dated by modern standards, it will keep you hooked and is great for fans who want to see Persona’s beginnings.
14. Persona 4: Dancing All Night
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 70 | PS Vita | 2015 | Atlus |
Persona 4: Dancing All Night spins the beloved Persona 4 cast from solving mysteries to dancing their way through the Midnight Stage. After the events of Persona 4 Golden, the Investigation Team must free kidnapped idols by performing dance routines to remixed tracks from the game’s soundtrack.
Unlike the traditional turn-based combat, this rhythm game challenges players to hit notes in sync with the beat, delivering a fun, dynamic gameplay experience. Despite the change in genre, the game still features engaging character moments and a compelling story mode that keeps the magic alive.
With a stellar soundtrack, energetic visuals, and a lighthearted vibe, Dancing All Night is a must-play for rhythm game fans and Persona enthusiasts.
15. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
| Metacritic Score | Platforms | Year of Release | Developer |
| 70 | 3DS | 2014 | Atlus |
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth brings together the beloved casts of Persona 3 and Persona 4 in an unexpected adventure. Set in a mysterious alternate world, the two groups of heroes find themselves trapped in a strange labyrinth-filled school, with no memory of how they arrived.
Unlike the mainline Persona games, Persona Q adopts a dungeon-crawling RPG style. Players navigate intricate, first-person labyrinths, solving puzzles and engaging in turn-based battles that emphasize strategy and party synergy. The game allows for deep customization, as you mix and match characters from both games to create the ultimate team.
With its charming chibi art style, engaging combat, and witty character interactions, Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth is a love letter to fans of the series and a must-play for those who enjoy challenging RPGs.
FAQs
What kind of games are the Persona series?
The Persona series blends RPG combat, social simulation, and deep storytelling, where players balance dungeon-crawling with school life and friendships.
In which order should I play Persona games?
You can play all the Persona games in any order, but starting with Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, or Persona 3 Reload is best for newcomers before exploring older titles.
Which Persona game is best to start with as a beginner?
Persona 5 Royal is the best starting point. It has the most beginner-friendly mechanics, stylish gameplay, and an engaging story that’s easy to follow.
How many Persona 5 games are there?
There are three: Persona 5, Persona 5 Royal (an enhanced version), and Persona 5 Strikers, an action RPG sequel. Persona 5 Tactica is a spin-off.
