What Persona Game Should I Start With

Persona 5 Royal is often recommended as the best entry point if you are wondering what Persona game should I start with.

So, you’re curious about the Persona series and are asking, “what Persona game should I start with?” It’s a valid question; the games have a lot to offer, and it can be a little overwhelming. Each title is a fantastic JRPG with engaging characters and compelling stories.

The fanbase often suggests diving into Persona 5 Royal first because of its modern gameplay, excellent presentation, and strong narrative. It offers a complete package that makes the series accessible.

The other persona games are also great, but starting with Persona 5 Royal will make your entry into the series the most enjoyable one.

What Persona Game Should I Start With?

So, you’re curious about the world of Persona, huh? That’s awesome! It’s a fantastic series filled with cool characters, exciting stories, and gameplay that’s part turn-based strategy and part life simulator. But with a few mainline games and lots of spin-offs, knowing where to jump in can feel like choosing a flavor at a huge ice cream shop – overwhelming! Don’t worry; we’ll help you figure out the best Persona game for you to begin this awesome journey.

Understanding the Persona Series

Before we dive into specific titles, let’s talk about what makes a Persona game a Persona game. They’re all part of a larger series, but each main entry usually tells a self-contained story, meaning you don’t have to play them in order. Think of them like different seasons of a TV show – they share a style and some themes, but they each have their own plot and characters.

The Social Link System: This is a core part of the Persona experience. You make friends, spend time with them, and their relationships with you grow. This isn’t just for fun; stronger bonds actually improve your characters’ powers in battle!
Turn-Based Combat: Battles are strategic and turn-based. You’ll collect and fuse different “Personas,” which are like magical spirits, to give your character new abilities. It’s all about figuring out what weaknesses enemies have and exploiting them!
School Life: You play as a high school student, balancing classes, exams, and after-school activities, along with saving the world! It is all about figuring out how to use your time efficiently.
Style and Atmosphere: Each Persona game has a distinct visual and musical style. They’re often bright, colorful, and full of character. The music is very catchy!
Similarities across Persona Series: Although each Persona game provides unique story and cast, some elements repeat across all main entries. For example, the Velvet Room, where you fuse personas, always appears with similar themes, and some persona’s are recurring too.

Common Themes in Persona Games

Facing Your Inner Self: The whole idea behind the Personas is that they are a reflection of your personality. The characters grow by accepting and developing these inner selves.
Friendship and Bonds: The power of friendship is super important. Working together is how you’ll make it through tough times, both in life and in the game.
Dealing with Societal Issues: Many Persona stories tackle real-world problems like bullying, depression, and corruption, but often with a fantasy twist.
Mystery and Intrigue: Almost all Persona games have a central mystery, which is solved throughout the story. The mystery is often connected with the villain.

Which Persona Game is Right for You?

Okay, now for the big question: where to start? We will discuss a few mainline Persona titles, each with their pros and cons for new players.

Persona 5 Royal: A Popular Starting Point

Persona 5 Royal is often recommended as a great starting point, and for good reason!

Pros:
Modern and Polished: It’s the most recent mainline entry (excluding some remakes), so it has the most refined gameplay and a sleek presentation. The UI is extremely stylish.
Engaging Story: The story is about a group of high schoolers who become the Phantom Thieves and fight against corrupt adults. It’s full of twists and turns and makes you want to keep playing.
Lots to Do: There’s so much to do in Persona 5 Royal! Besides the main story, there’s the social link system, school activities, part-time jobs, and more.
User-Friendly: It offers a fairly smooth learning curve for new players, with helpful tutorials.
Critically acclaimed: It’s widely regarded as one of the best JRPGs ever made.
Cons:
Lengthy: It’s a very long game. If you prefer shorter games, this might feel like a commitment.
Can be Overwhelming: The sheer amount of systems and options can be a bit much to take in at first.
Who is it for? Persona 5 Royal is best for players who want a stylish, deep, and engaging JRPG experience with lots to do and a great story. If you are okay with lengthy games, this is a great option.

Persona 4 Golden: A Classic Choice

Persona 4 Golden is a fan favorite that is also very beginner-friendly.

Pros:
Compelling Mystery: The core of Persona 4 is a murder mystery in a small town, making it a very unique experience.
Strong Characters: The characters are incredibly well-written and memorable. You’ll really grow to care about them.
More Relaxed Pacing: Compared to Persona 5, the pacing of Persona 4 feels a bit more relaxed.
Great Music: Like all Persona games, P4G has an awesome soundtrack.
Widely Available: It’s available on various platforms including Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Cons:
Older Presentation: It’s an older game, so the graphics and some gameplay mechanics aren’t as polished as Persona 5 Royal.
Less Streamlined: Some aspects of Persona 4’s gameplay, such as dungeons, can feel a bit less intuitive compared to later entries.
Who is it for? If you love a good mystery with a focus on characters and a more relaxed pace, Persona 4 Golden is an awesome place to start. Players who like a slightly retro experience with a focus on story will enjoy it.

Persona 3 Reload: A Modern Remake

Persona 3 Reload is a modern remake of the original Persona 3, offering a fresh take on a beloved classic.

Pros:
Modern Presentation: It features updated graphics, animations, and voice acting, making it a much more appealing experience compared to the original.
Emotionally Powerful Story: Persona 3’s story is known for its serious and emotionally resonant themes, offering a more melancholic tone.
Streamlined Gameplay: Combat and social aspects have been made more streamlined for modern players.
Strong Soundtrack: Persona 3’s soundtrack is considered one of the best in the series and has been updated with new arrangements.
Cons:
Darker Tone: It is darker and more serious in tone compared to P4 and P5.
No Direct Control of Party Members (Mostly): While largely addressed in Reload, some battle mechanics might be a bit less intuitive for new players.
Who is it for? Persona 3 Reload is great for people who want a more mature and emotionally deep story with updated gameplay and visuals. If you appreciate a touch of sadness with your JRPG, this is a solid option.

Other Persona Titles to Consider (Later)

While the above are good starting points, here’s a quick look at some other entries:

Persona 5 Strikers: This is a direct sequel to Persona 5 but uses action-based combat instead of turn-based. Recommended for players who are comfortable with action games and played Persona 5.
Persona Q/Q2: These are crossover games that combine characters from Persona 3, 4, and 5 in a dungeon-crawler style. Best played after playing at least one of those main games, to truly enjoy all the character interactions.
Persona 1/2: These are the original Persona games, which are much older and play quite differently than the modern entries. They are better for dedicated fans who want to explore the series history.

Comparison Table of Main Persona Games

To make your decision easier, here’s a simple table comparing the main titles:

Tips for Choosing

Think about what kind of story you like: Do you prefer a lighthearted adventure, a gripping mystery, or a more serious drama?
Consider your platform: Persona 5 Royal, 4 Golden, and 3 Reload are available on modern consoles and PC. The availability can help you narrow the list.
Don’t worry about the order: You can jump into any of the mainline games without missing much context.
Don’t get bogged down in the details: Just choose a game that interests you and dive in! You can always play the others later.

How To Start Playing a Persona Game

So, you’ve chosen your game? Here’s some basic advice:

1. Be Patient: Persona games have a lot of systems and mechanics to learn. Don’t be afraid to take your time and refer to online guides if needed.
2. Try Different Things: Experiment with different social links, activities, and persona fusions. It’s part of the fun!
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Change Difficulty: If the game is too hard or too easy, you can often adjust the difficulty.
4. Save Often: Especially before big battles or making important decisions.
5. Enjoy the Music: Make sure you’re listening to the game’s soundtrack, as music is very integral to the persona experience.
6. Don’t Skip the Tutorials: These are important for understanding the gameplay mechanics.
7. Use your time wisely: Always think about how to use your free time, because it plays a very important role in the persona games.

Each Persona game has a wonderful world to explore, with its own unique challenges and rewards. The characters, music, and stories are sure to stick with you long after the credits roll. It’s less about picking the “right” one and more about choosing the adventure that calls to you the most. So, pick a game, dive in, and prepare to become hooked!

Ultimately, the best starting point is whichever game interests you most. Don’t overthink it! Any of these games offers an excellent introduction to the series, offering you unique and engaging experience. So, what are you waiting for? Choose your game and begin your Persona adventure!

Where to Start: Persona Series | Playing Order & Best Versions of the Games

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, your ideal entry point depends on your preferences. If you want a modern, stylish experience, Persona 5 Royal is great. Persona 4 Golden offers a fantastic story with a cozy atmosphere.

For classic JRPG fans, Persona 3 Reload might be a better choice. Each game provides unique aspects and memorable characters.

So, considering all of this, to answer the question ‘what persona game should i start with’, assess what appeals to you the most. Choose the game that resonates.