Which Persona 5 Game To Play First

The best Persona 5 game to play first is Persona 5 Royal.

Figuring out which persona 5 game to play first can feel confusing. There are multiple options, so where do you even begin? The franchise has gained quite a following. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with choices.

Persona 5 Royal builds upon the original game. It includes extra content, improved gameplay and a more complete narrative. This makes it the ideal starting point for newcomers to the series. It provides the best experience overall.

Which Persona 5 Game to Play First: A Detailed Guide

So, you’re ready to jump into the world of stylish heists, social links, and powerful Personas? Awesome! Persona 5 is an amazing series, but it can be a little confusing figuring out where to begin. There are two main games: Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal. Then there’s Persona 5 Strikers, which is a bit different. Don’t worry; we’re going to break it all down and help you figure out the best starting point for your Phantom Thief journey.

Understanding the Persona 5 Universe

Before we dive into specifics, let’s talk about what makes Persona 5 so special. The core of the game involves being a high school student in Tokyo who also happens to be a Phantom Thief. You balance your school life, making friends and studying, with exploring mysterious places called Palaces, battling shadowy creatures, and stealing the distorted desires of corrupt adults. It’s a blend of real-life simulation and turn-based RPG action.

The key elements across the Persona 5 games are:

• Social Links: Building relationships with your friends, or Confidants, is super important. They give you special abilities and make the story even better.
• Personas: These are like powerful spirit helpers you use in battles. You can collect, fuse, and level them up.
• Turn-Based Battles: The combat is strategic and fun, focusing on exploiting enemy weaknesses.
• Story Richness: Persona 5 games are famous for their complex plots, memorable characters, and thoughtful themes.

Persona 5: The Original Heist

Let’s start with the original Persona 5, which was released in 2016 (2017 for the English version). This game introduces you to the main cast, the Phantom Thieves, and the core gameplay mechanics. You play as Joker, a transfer student with a mysterious past, who forms a team to fight against the injustices of society. The base game includes a long and fulfilling journey with a great story. It’s a solid game on its own. It provides a starting point to the Persona 5 world and allows you to enjoy it without any prior knowledge.

What’s Great About Persona 5 (Original):

• A Complete Story: It delivers a full and satisfying experience with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• Lower Price: You can often find the base game at a lower price than Persona 5 Royal, making it a budget-friendly way to get into the series.
• Pure Experience: You experience the original vision of the game without any extra additions.

Things to Consider:

• Missing Content: It does not have all the story and gameplay additions that are included in Persona 5 Royal.
• Less Polished: Some gameplay elements can feel a little less smooth compared to the enhancements in Royal.

Persona 5 Royal: The Enhanced Experience

Now, we come to Persona 5 Royal, which launched in 2019 (2020 for the English version). Think of this as the definitive version of the Persona 5 experience. It’s not just a re-release; it’s a greatly expanded version with a lot of new content and improvements. This game keeps the main storyline of the original Persona 5 but adds in new characters, story elements, and new gameplay systems.

What Makes Persona 5 Royal Special:

• New Character: Kasumi Yoshizawa, a new Confidant and playable character, adds a fresh dimension to the story.
• Third Semester: Royal includes an extra story arc, allowing you to spend more time with the cast and further developing their relationships.
• Gameplay Improvements: The combat and exploration mechanics are smoother and more strategic, adding to the overall enjoyment.
• Quality of Life Changes: Small, but significant improvements to the user interface and general gameplay make the game easier and more enjoyable to play.
• New Areas: Explore new locations, like the Kichijoji area, for more activities and side stories.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Higher Price: It’s generally more expensive than the original Persona 5.
• Overwhelming Content: Some players may feel overwhelmed by the amount of extra content compared to the base game, specially if they want a faster experience.

Persona 5 Strikers: A Different Kind of Heist

Finally, there’s Persona 5 Strikers, released in 2020. This isn’t your typical Persona game. Instead of turn-based battles, it uses a fast-paced, action-oriented combat system, similar to the Dynasty Warriors series. Think of it as a direct sequel to the original Persona 5, not Persona 5 Royal. It continues the story and sees the Phantom Thieves take a vacation that leads them into a new adventure. It is not a remake or enhanced version of Persona 5 like Royal is.

What Makes Strikers Unique:

• Action Combat: The real-time combat is a big departure from the traditional Persona battles.
• Direct Sequel: If you want to know what happens to the Phantom Thieves after the events of Persona 5, this is where you’ll find it.
• Summer Vacation Setting: The change in pace and setting offers a refreshing experience.

Things to Consider:

• Not a Good Starting Point: It assumes you’ve already played either the original Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal because it follows that story.
• Different Gameplay: If you prefer turn-based battles, you may not like the action-focused combat in Strikers.
• Less Focus on Social Links: Although your friends are still important, Strikers does not have the depth of social simulation that Persona 5 and Royal have.

A Quick Comparison Table

To make it easier, here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

So, Which Game Should You Play First?

The short answer is: If you’re choosing between Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal, you should absolutely start with Persona 5 Royal. It offers the best and most complete version of the game, with all the extra story content, new characters, and gameplay improvements. The new story and mechanics add a lot to the game and feel like an integral part of the Persona 5 world. If you are a new player or a veteran, this version offers the best experience.

However, here are some additional points to consider:

Start with Persona 5 Royal if:

• You want the best and most complete Persona 5 experience.
• You don’t mind spending a bit more for the extra content and improvements.
• You are new to the Persona series and want a more polished game.

Start with Persona 5 (Original) if:

• You’re on a budget and want a cheaper way to experience the story.
• You want to see the original vision of the game without the added content.
• You are curious to play the base game before the enhanced version.

Do not start with Persona 5 Strikers if:

• You are new to the Persona 5 story and lore.
• You want to experience the story in the proper order.
• You want a pure turn-based RPG experience.

Once you are done with either Persona 5 (original) or Persona 5 Royal, and if you enjoy the world and the characters, then Persona 5 Strikers can offer a nice continuation to the story.

Ultimately, there is no wrong choice between Persona 5 and Persona 5 Royal. Both games are incredible experiences that provide unique and memorable experiences. Persona 5 Royal is better due to its new content and enhancements, but Persona 5 is still an amazing game by its own merits.

The important thing is to pick one that best suits your preferences and budget. And definitely, do not start with Persona 5 Strikers as it spoils the story of Persona 5.

No matter which path you choose, get ready for an unforgettable adventure with the Phantom Thieves! Enjoy your journey and become the greatest Phantom Thief!

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

Final Thoughts

For newcomers, Persona 5 Royal is the must-play entry point. It offers the definitive experience with enhanced content. This version contains new characters, story elements, and gameplay improvements. It is easily the best way to experience Persona 5’s world.

Persona 5 Strikers provides a sequel narrative, but it’s not ideal as your introduction. Players should complete Royal before moving to Strikers. So, which persona 5 game to play first? Royal is always the best choice.