Which Persona Game Should I Play First

For newcomers, starting with Persona 5 Royal is generally recommended as the best entry point for the series.

So, you’re drawn to the stylish world of Persona, and you’re wondering which Persona game should I play first? It’s a great question, as the series has evolved quite a bit over the years. Each game presents a unique story, characters, and gameplay mechanics, making the entry point a key decision.

Many fans suggest that Persona 5 Royal is the most approachable for new players. Its polished gameplay, engaging story, and quality-of-life improvements make for a fantastic introduction to the series’ blend of social simulation and turn-based combat.

Which Persona Game Should I Play First?

So, you’re ready to jump into the amazing world of Persona! That’s awesome! It’s a series known for its cool stories, memorable characters, and stylish gameplay. But with so many Persona games out there, it can be tricky to figure out where to start. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Picking your first Persona game can seem like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Let’s break down some options and see what might be the best fit for you. Think of it like picking your first adventure – let’s make sure it’s a fun one!

Understanding the Persona Series

Before we dive into specific games, let’s talk a bit about what makes a Persona game a Persona game. These games mix two main kinds of gameplay: daily life simulation and dungeon crawling. You’ll spend your time going to school, making friends, joining clubs, and working part-time jobs. Then, when you need to face the bad guys, you’ll be exploring strange places and fighting monsters using your special powers, called Personas. It’s this mix that makes the games so unique.

Key Elements of a Persona Game

Social Links/Confidants: You build relationships with characters, which give you special abilities.
Turn-Based Combat: Battles happen in turns, where you pick your moves and use your Personas.
Persona Fusion: You combine Personas to make stronger ones. It’s like Pokemon but with a cool twist!
Calendar System: The game world has a calendar, and your choices can affect the story.
Stylish Art Style and Music: Persona games are known for their cool designs and catchy songs.

Persona 5 Royal: A Popular Starting Point

A lot of people will tell you to start with Persona 5 Royal, and for good reason! It’s a modern game with fantastic graphics, a great story, and a user-friendly design. It’s like the new kid in school that everyone wants to be friends with! Let’s look at why it’s such a great option.

Why Persona 5 Royal is Beginner-Friendly

Modern Gameplay: It has improved battle systems, making combat smooth and fun.
Engaging Story: You play as a high school student who forms a group called the Phantom Thieves to fight corruption. It’s exciting from the very start!
Strong Cast of Characters: You’ll quickly fall in love with Joker and his friends. Each character is unique and easy to connect with.
Quality of Life Improvements: The Royal edition includes changes that make the game easier and more enjoyable than the original Persona 5.
Accessible Difficulty: You can adjust the difficulty so that it is never too hard to continue playing.

Things to Consider with Persona 5 Royal

Length: This game is very long! It can take a long time to complete the story, it might take 100 or even more hours of playtime.
Lots of Content: There’s a lot to do, which can be a bit overwhelming for some at first. You will have to learn how to manage your time wisely.

So, if you’re looking for a modern, polished Persona experience that is easy to get into, Persona 5 Royal is a fantastic choice. It’s like getting the newest, shiniest version of your favorite toy. It shows what the Persona series has to offer.

Persona 4 Golden: A Charming Classic

Next up, we have Persona 4 Golden. This game is a bit older than Persona 5 Royal, but it has a lot of charm and a great mystery story. It’s like visiting a cozy, old bookstore – it might not be as modern, but it’s full of amazing things.

Why Persona 4 Golden Might Be a Good Fit

Compelling Mystery: The story revolves around solving a murder mystery. It will keep you guessing until the very end.
Strong Emphasis on Characters: The group dynamic in this game is amazing. You’ll find yourself really caring about all of the characters.
Smaller Town Setting: Unlike the big city of Persona 5, Persona 4 is set in a small, cozy town. It provides a different feeling.
Good Balance of Gameplay: The daily life and dungeon crawling are well-balanced.

Things to Consider with Persona 4 Golden

Older Graphics: The graphics are not as sharp as Persona 5 Royal.
Slightly Less Polished: Some of the gameplay systems are not as smooth as in more recent games.
May Require Patience: The game starts slow, it might take a few hours until the story really gets going.

If you don’t mind some older graphics and enjoy a good mystery with great characters, then Persona 4 Golden is a wonderful place to begin. It will show you what makes the Persona games so special.

Persona 3 Reload: A Modern Remake

Now, let’s talk about Persona 3 Reload. This is a remake of the original Persona 3, updated with modern graphics and gameplay. If you want to experience a truly heartfelt story, this could be the starting point for you. It’s like reading a classic book but in a brand new version.

Why Persona 3 Reload Could Be Your First Choice

Great Story: Persona 3 has a beautiful and emotional story, with themes of life, death, and acceptance.
Modern Visuals: With updated graphics, it’s visually similar to Persona 5 Royal, making it easy on the eyes.
Refined Gameplay: The gameplay has been improved to be smoother and more similar to later Persona games.
Memorable Soundtrack: The music is iconic and fits perfectly with the story.
A Bit Darker: Unlike the other games, Persona 3 deals with deeper and sometimes darker topics.

Things to Think About With Persona 3 Reload

Emotional Tone: The story can be quite sad and emotional compared to the other Persona games.
Original Story Structure: While improved, it does follow the structure of the original Persona 3, so if you prefer more modern structures, you should consider this.
Focus on Story: If you want an action packed game with great gameplay, then this game may not be your first choice.

Persona 3 Reload is a great choice if you are interested in experiencing a deeply moving story with themes you may find relatable. It balances modern updates with the classic feeling of the original game.

The Spin-Offs and Sequels: Should You Start With Them?

The Persona series has lots of spin-off games, such as fighting games like Persona 4 Arena or dungeon crawlers like Persona Q and Persona Q2. These games, while fun, often assume you already know the main story of Persona. Starting with them can feel a little strange since they sometimes spoil the story of the main series games.

Why Avoid Spin-offs for Your First Persona Game

Spoiler Risk: Spin-offs often give away parts of the main story in the regular games.
Assume Knowledge: These games usually expect you to know about the main characters and world already.
Different Gameplay: They may have very different gameplay than what the main series offers.

So it’s usually best to experience the main games first before checking these out. It is much more enjoyable this way.

The Best Choice: It Depends on You

So, which Persona game should you play first? Well, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a game. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Quick Guide to Choosing Your First Persona Game

Want the most modern, beginner-friendly experience? Start with Persona 5 Royal.
Want a great mystery with a cozy feel? Go for Persona 4 Golden.
Want a more emotional story with modern visuals? Try Persona 3 Reload.
Want to play a spin-off or a sequel? Start with any main series Persona game first.

There is no wrong choice to make as each game in this series is special in its own way. These recommendations are there to guide you to the game that might be the best fit for you. Each Persona game can be played separately, but playing them in order is sometimes more enjoyable.

Understanding the Importance of Story and Characters

No matter which Persona game you choose, always keep in mind that the main focus of these games are the story and its characters. These games tell you a story while you get to participate in it. The characters you meet in these games are all special in their own way, each with their own interesting stories. Getting to know them is a key part of the fun!

What to Expect from Persona Stories

Friendship: The value of having true friends is one of the main themes of these games.
Personal Growth: As you play, you will see the main characters grow as people.
Emotional Moments: Be ready to laugh, cry, and have all sorts of feelings.
Complex Issues: The games sometimes deal with serious topics like loss, social injustice, and more.

Making the Most of Your First Persona Experience

Here are a few tips to make sure you have the best first experience playing a Persona game.

Tips for New Persona Players

Don’t Rush: Take your time and enjoy the daily life parts of the game.
Talk to Everyone: Chat with all the characters. You will be surprised by their stories and will often make valuable connections.
Experiment with Personas: Don’t be afraid to try different combinations when making new Personas.
Save Often: You never know when you will need to go back to an earlier point in the game.
Have Fun: Persona games are meant to be enjoyable!

Picking your first Persona game is a fun experience! Now that you’ve got the information, you can go ahead and jump into the fun world of Persona! Just pick one, dive in, and enjoy the amazing adventures that await. All of the games offer their own unique experience.

Ultimately, the “best” Persona game to start with is the one that grabs your attention the most. They’re all wonderful experiences, and no matter which you pick, you’ll be diving into a world of stylish gameplay, engaging stories, and unforgettable characters. You’re about to begin a really fun journey into a very special game series! Now, go have some fun!

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

Final Thoughts

For newcomers, Persona 5 Royal presents the most accessible and modern experience. Its stylish presentation and engaging gameplay make it a great entry point. It avoids some of the older mechanics that might feel clunky to new players.

Persona 4 Golden, while older, offers a compelling mystery and charming cast. Its atmosphere is quite different, but it remains an excellent game. Persona 3 Reload, is a great option too, but might be challenging for newcomers. Therefore, the answer to “which persona game should i play first” is Persona 5 Royal for most.