In recent years, the Persona series has established itself as a global phenomenon.
What started as a niche spin-off has become a franchise nearly every modern gamer has heard of. The massive commercial success of Persona 5 has brought more players than ever into this universe, and they are eager for more. But believe it or not, Persona 5 is not the only entry, nor is Persona 1 the true beginning! The reality is that the Persona series has a much deeper history than most realize, with well over a dozen connected titles spanning decades.
This is the complete Persona timeline.
Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army (1931)
The beginning of the Persona timeline starts in none other than Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army—a game that has since been re-released as Raidou Remastered.
Raidou's story begins in the year Taisho 20, which corresponds to real world year 1931. The Taisho period ended in 1926 in our world, but the beginning of this timeline is a little different.
The protagonist is Raidou Kuzunoha XIV, a Devil Summoner from the legendary Kuzunoha clan. His mission is to protect Japan from supernatural threats by controlling creatures dubbed "demons." To do this, he works undercover at the Narumi Detective Agency, solving paranormal mysteries in 1930s Japan and setting the stage for events that will impact the Persona universe for decades to come. His adventure is a unique one which not only focuses on the supernatural events and mysteries of the 30s, but also gives a glimpse at that future.
Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon (1931)
Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon is the direct sequel to Soulless Army, picking up the story soon after the first adventure concludes. Once again, it follows Raidou as he investigates a new, large-scale mystery. This entry continues the core plotlines established in its predecessor and currently stands as the final installment in the Raidou Kuzunoha spin-off series within the larger Devil Summoner franchise.
Shin Megami Tensei if. . . Hazama's Chapter (199X)
One of the series' many mobile entries, Shin Megami Tensei if. . . Hazama's Chapter is a prequel to if. . . and tells the story of a young student named Ideo Hazama. It details how he eventually gets involved with the supernatural, and details his actions leading up to the start of the main game. The title that truly started it all.
Shin Megami Tensei if. . . (1996)
Shin Megami Tensei if. . . is the crucial entry that gave birth to the Persona series. Released in 1994, this title takes place in an alternate timeline where the apocalypse depicted in the main Shin Megami Tensei games never occurred.
The story centers on a group of high school students who are trapped in their school after a classmate, the previously mentioned Ideo Hazama, opens a gateway to another dimension known as the Expanse. With demons now flooding the campus, the students fight for survival by accessing a demon summoning program uploaded to the school's network. This adventure takes them into the Expanse itself, culminating in a confrontation with its new ruler. The game offers multiple story paths and endings, but its core setup—the high school setting, the focus on a small group of students, and the specific plot device—is the foundational blueprint upon which the entire Persona series is built.
Tamaki Uchida serves as the protagonist of the story, and is someone who eventually goes on to train at the Kuzunoha Detective Agency following the events of if. . .
Devil Summoner (199X)
Following the precedent set by Shin Megami Tensei if..., Devil Summoner (1995) applies the franchise's signature apocalyptic threat to a modern urban setting.
The plot centers on an unnamed protagonist who is attacked by demons but saved by a mysterious Devil Summoner named Kyouji Kuzunoha, a member of the Kuzunoha clan. However, the protagonist's luck runs out when he is eventually killed—only to wake up later in Kyouji Kuzunoha's body. Accepting his new identity and role as a Devil Summoner, the protagonist begins a joint investigation into Kyouji's murder while fighting a wave of supernatural threats overwhelming the city.
The exact chronological placement of Devil Summoner is ambiguous. While the official date is listed as "199X" and it occurs three years before its sequel, Soul Hackers (which is set in "200X"), some events within the game suggest it may serve as a prequel or catalyst for the events of Shin Megami Tensei if.... Despite the lack of definitive confirmation from Atlus, this uncertainty doesn't impact the enjoyment of playing Devil Summoner as a compelling, standalone piece of the broader narrative.
Persona (1996)
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona (or simply Persona) is the first title in the chronology to adopt the now-famous name. Building on the urban, modern-day mystery framework established by Devil Summoner, the story follows a group of high school students caught in a supernatural crisis.
After playing a ritual-like game known as the "Persona Game," the students encounter the mysterious being Philemon, an otherworldly observer who gifts them the power to summon Personas—manifestations of their inner selves. Philemon also introduces them to the Velvet Room, an enigmatic space that changes form for each visitor and is staffed by his loyal attendants, who offer guidance and support.
Soon after unlocking their Personas, the students find their city suddenly under siege by demons. It is now up to them to use their newfound abilities to save their home.
While Persona is a direct sequel to the earlier Devil Summoner titles, even featuring a minor appearance by Tamaki Uchida, crucially this game is what establishes and expands upon the core concepts of the series. The use of Personas, the unique nature of the Velvet Room, and the role of Philemon, all of it is what would go on to define the entire franchise. While Philemon's servants have taken on a more prominent role in the newer entries, Philemon himself is still a major background character, and it is all of the previous events that eventually lead us to the world we see in the latest entries in the series.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999)
Persona 2: Innocent Sin picks up a few years after the original, plunging a new group of high school students into a terrifying mystery where rumors literally become reality.
The trouble begins when protagonist Tatsuya and his fellow students play a game to summon the mysterious "Joker," accidentally kicking off a plot that rapidly spirals out of control. Suddenly, wild gossip—from shopkeepers secretly selling weapons to people's faces melting off—is manifesting in the real world. Joining forces with some returning characters from the first Persona, the group discovers their town has been overrun by demons and must get to the bottom of the intensifying rumors and the entity known as Joker. Achieving this goal includes enlisting the help of the Kuzunoha Detective Agency, which is being operated by a man possessed by none-other than Kyouji Kuzunoha and his co-workers which includes Tamaki Uchida.
Unlike the previous title, Innocent Sin is an Earthshattering story that profoundly impacts the entire franchise. The events and devastating consequences of Persona 2 directly pave the way for all the modern Persona titles that follow. This crucial chapter is filled with twists and turns—and it doesn't end with a single game.
On a related note, the PSP version of Persona 2: Innocent Sin does include extra story chapters and DLC that takes place at different points in time. Many of these stories are fan service, and even contains further call backs to Shin Megami Tensei if.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin: Lost Memories (1999)
Innocent Sin: Lost Memories is a Japanese-exclusive mobile game. While it brings the gameplay of to mobile phones, its larger implications to the series come from the story itself. It further expands upon the plot presented in 's follow-up, , and provides additional context to Tatsuya's story going forward. More specifically, it helps explain why he is so "special."
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment (1999)
Picking up directly after the world-altering conclusion of Innocent Sin, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment presents a familiar world that feels subtly, yet fundamentally, wrong.
The perspective shifts from Tatsuya to the supporting character and former party member, Maya Amano. Without any memory of the cataclysmic events of the previous game, Maya is once again drawn into the supernatural when she begins investigating the resurrection of the Joker Game. She re-awakens her Persona and is quickly joined by a mysterious Tatsuya, who clearly knows far more than he's willing to reveal. As Maya navigates a world besieged by demons, she unknowingly walks toward the darker truth of what happened in Innocent Sin.
Eternal Punishment serves as a grand finale for the original era of the Persona franchise. It is the last title to use the traditional Devil Summoner gameplay style before the series pivots to incorporate the life-simulation elements seen in later entries. The massive, world-altering events depicted here establish the ultimate consequences for the timeline, with repercussions still felt in Persona games to this day.
Similar to Persona 2: Innocent Sin before it, the PSP release of Eternal Punishment does contain extra story elements as well.
Persona 3: Aigis: The First Mission (1999)
Released as a G-Mode game in Japan, and now available on Steam, Persona 3: Aigis: The First Mission is a background story focusing on the anti-shadow weapon Aigis. Aigis was created by the Kirijo Group to fight shadows and other supernatural forces, and is a character who will eventually go on to join the main cast of Persona 3 ten years later in 2009. While Persona 3 itself does contain basic background information concerning the character, her story truly begins here.
Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers (200X)
Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers is the direct story sequel to Devil Summoner. It features returning characters such as Kyouji Kuzunoha, Dr. Victor (whom previously helped Raidou Kuzunoha and played a role in Devil Summoner), and Devil Summoner playable character Rei Reiho. (Ideo Hazama also returns as the Demon Trader.) Despite this, the game itself focuses on a new protagonist, his friend Hitomi Tono, and the demon possessing her named Nemissa.
This new cast are a group of armature hackers who have joined the group Spookies and investigate and beta test the strange new virtual world known as Paradigm X. Along the way they discover the existance of a group known as the Phantom Society which are using Paradigm X to steal the souls of its users. Banding together, the hackers fight back against the Phantom Society, and work to discover a way to free Hitomi from Nemissa's control.
But the story doesn't end here...
Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers: Intruder (200X)
Soul Hackers: Intruder is the direct sequel to the original Soul Hackers. It was released exclusively for mobile phones, and continues following the story of the original game's cast six months after the previous title's conclusion. Unlike the original title however, Intruder is a tactical role playing game, and not a dungeon crawler.
Persona 3 (2009)
Persona 3 marks the true beginning of the modern Persona era, dramatically breaking from the classic Devil Summoner gameplay style to introduce the social simulation mechanics the series is now known for.
Set on the artificial Tatsumi Port Island, the story begins as transfer student Makoto Yuki arrives to start his school year. Upon arrival, he witnesses a terrifying phenomenon: the rest of the world has mysteriously transformed, with people inertly encased in coffin-like shells under an eerie green sky. He soon learns the cause is the Dark Hour, a hidden 25th hour that occurs at midnight. While the unaware masses are safe in their "coffins," those with the potential to summon Personas are left to battle menacing monsters called Shadows.
Makoto is quickly recruited by the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (SEES) to combat this threat, heading nightly into the mysterious, constantly growing tower known as Tartarus. With guidance from the Velvet Room and the unique power to wield multiple Personas, Makoto delves into the island's secrets, uncovering a truth that plunges him into an apocalyptic ordeal.
Persona 3 is foundational. It established the series' contemporary overarching narrative, defined the Shadow monster type, introduced the powerful Kirijo Group and their anti-Shadow weaponry, and laid the groundwork for complex plotlines that persist and evolve across subsequent Persona titles.
Persona 3 Portable (2009 - Alternate Universe)
While Persona 3 Portable is in fact a PSP remake of the original title, the game does include the option to use a female protagonist. This story takes place in an alternate universe compared to the rest of the series, and features new characters, and slightly different events. While it doesn't have an impact on the main timeline, the female protagonist is featured later on in Persona Q2, after being pulled from her world.
Persona 3: The Answer / Episode Aigis (2010)
The Answer is an extended story first included in the enhanced version of , . It has since been remade as Episode Aigis in , and it tells the story of the events following the original game's ending. It also includes flashbacks to previous points in time and further explains what truly happened at the end—facts that become key to understanding the overall plot moving forward.
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (2009/2012)
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth is a unique case regarding both its gameplay and its place in the timeline. The game occurs during a late-game section of Persona 3, with characters from Persona 4 being pulled from a later point in 2012. The story takes place entirely in an alternate world, centered around new characters, but the teams from both Persona 3 and Persona 4 must work together to overcome this new ordeal.
This crossover includes Velvet Room attendants Elizabeth (who assists Makoto Yuki in Persona 3) and her sister Margaret (the supporting character for Yu Narukami in Persona 4). This presents an interesting situation where Margaret contemplates telling her sister about the future but ultimately decides against it.
In the end, Persona Q returns the heroes back to their own points in time to finish their stories, but without the memories of what had just transpired. While technically a Persona title, it is also an Etrian Odyssey spin-off, featuring Persona characters and gameplay mechanics. Like Etrian Odyssey, it is a first-person dungeon crawler with a focus on map creation. It has little impact on the overall plot and is mostly a fan-service title—and not the last to be released.
Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight (2009/2016)
Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight was a much later entry in the series, released alongside Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight. The title is a rhythm game that takes place entirely in a dream world. The main Persona 3 cast wakes up in this dream reality, where they must battle it out using dance to ultimately win against Elizabeth’s sister’s team from the "other side."
Though the Persona 3 cast never meets this other group directly, it is none other than the cast of Persona 5 from the year 2016. Outside of unique dialogue between party members, there is no true plot progression with this title; it exists simply for fun.
Persona 4 (2011)
Persona 4 begins a couple of years after Persona 3 and focuses on the story of Yu Narukami. When his parents leave for a year due to work, Yu is sent to live with his uncle in the quiet, rural town of Inaba. What starts as a boring, ordinary life soon gets flipped upside down when a body is discovered.
Things only get stranger when Yu's new friend Yosuke tells him about the rumor of the Midnight Channel: if you look at a television when it's turned off on a rainy night, it's said to reveal your true love. Upon trying the rumor, Yu nearly falls into the TV as his hand passes right through the screen. Of course, Yosuke and their classmate Chie don't believe his claims. But when the three visit the local Junes store to find a TV big enough to "jump in," they are all pulled into a strange, shadowy world.
After meeting a strange being known as Teddie and escaping the world, the group realizes bodies continue to pile up, and all signs point to the TV World as the cause. They form an Investigation Team and return to the strange world to get to the bottom of the murders. This is where they ultimately face their true selves, awaken their own Personas, and take on the Shadows that lurk within.
While Persona 4 does contain throwbacks to Persona 3, including some cameo appearances and references, the Inaba Incident is a self-contained story that requires no previous knowledge of the series. There is a greater overall plot still at play here, but this is just another tale within this ever-expanding universe.
Persona 4 Arena / 4 Arena Ultimax (2012)
Persona 4 Arena and its sequel, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, are fighting games developed by Arc System Works, but they also contain a full, visual novel-style story mode.
In this story, Yu Narukami reunites with his friends in Inaba to enjoy a short vacation, but they are soon pulled into yet another mystery. After the disappearance of one of their friends, the group once again finds themselves in the TV World, going up against a new threat. This time, however, the cast of Persona 3 joins the investigation as they hunt down a missing Anti-Shadow Weapon.
Unlike Persona 4 before it, the Persona 4 Arena titles are full sequels to both Persona 3 and Persona 4 and require previous knowledge to fully follow the events—and to avoid spoiling both titles' "big reveal" moments. The game does resolve some of the loose ends left behind, but it also opens up new storylines that are still ongoing today. While the immediate ordeal facing the characters is concluded, Persona 4 Arena's overarching plot does not have a definitive conclusion, leaving the door open for new characters and plot points to return at any time. Additionally one episode within Persona 4 Arena does take place in 1999, providing additional background information for the series.
Persona 4 Golden Ending (2012)
As a quick side note: Persona 4 Golden, the enhanced remake of Persona 4, does contain an extra ending—the Golden Ending. This epilogue occurs months after Persona 4 Arena and provides players with a quick "where are they now?" look at the characters. It also helps bridge the gap for the next entry in the timeline.
Persona 4: Dancing All Night (2012)
The first rhythm game in the Persona series was Persona 4: Dancing All Night. Similar to the later released Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, this title focuses on the characters dancing to the beat of fan-favorite Persona 4 songs.
The difference here, however, is that the game contains a full visual novel-style story mode and builds upon plot points established by both Persona 4 and Persona 3. It offers an extended look at where the characters are currently in their lives and brings up their future plans. It also questions the nature of a phenomenon first observed in Persona 3 and opens more doors for later entries to close. The central character this time is the idol Kanami Mashita, but each Persona 4 cast member still gets their own time in the spotlight.
Persona 5 (2016)
Persona 5 is the title that has served as the entry point for many new fans. The game was the culmination of everything that came before it, offering a self-contained adventure through the hearts of twisted adults in an attempt to save those who have been oppressed by them.
The protagonist is Ren Amamiya, who is wrongfully accused of assault and sent away for rehabilitation after being kicked out of his old school. Eventually, he and his new friends discover an alternate dimension known as the Metaverse, where they encounter a strange cat named Morgana and come face-to-face with the twisted desires created by their abusive teacher, Suguru Kamoshida. By forming a team known as the Phantom Thieves, the group infiltrates the Metaverse, steals the distorted desires of these wicked adults, and saves those being oppressed. However, the Phantom Thieves' actions do not go unnoticed, and the police are quickly on the trail of their supernatural feats.
As a standalone story, Persona 5 can be enjoyed by everyone. While there are countless callbacks to previous entries, this knowledge is not required. One in-game moment provides additional context to Persona 4's ending, and posters of two Persona 4 idols are seen in the train station, but other than this, the game keeps its distance from the previously opened plot threads. On the other hand, those familiar with the series may pick up on one detail prior to its reveal...
Persona 5: The Phantom X (2016 - Alternate Universe)
Persona 5: The Phantom X is a mobile game set within the universe of Persona 5; however, it is not the same universe we all know and love. The game itself follows a different set of main characters, who also form their own version of the Phantom Thieves. While they do cross over with other worlds, specifically the worlds of Persona 3 and Persona 5, the timelines are in fact separate, and most characters are actually "reflections" of themselves within the Metaverse.
Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth (2016/2011/2009)
The first major spin-off for the new era was Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth. Following the formula of the original Persona Q, this title is a massive crossover that pulls the casts of Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5 into a brand-new alternate world.
The heroes are plucked from specific, late-game points in their respective stories and forced to work together. However, just like its predecessor, Persona Q2 has little to no effect on the overall timeline. The characters forget their adventure upon returning home, ensuring this entry remains a non-canon, fan-service-focused experience dedicated purely to celebrating the franchise's heroes.
Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight (2016/2009)
The second Persona 5 spin-off was Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight. The game takes place sometime after the events of Persona 5, but the action unfolds entirely within a dream world. The Phantom Thieves have been pulled into this realm to participate in a dance-off, where they must defeat Ren's Velvet Room attendant's sister, Elizabeth. Once they awake, the events that transpired are forgotten, with the game itself primarily providing fun, non-canon interactions between the cast members.
Persona 5 Tactica (2016)
Persona 5 Tactica is the latest main timeline entry to be released, but it is chronologically set during the Winter months of Persona 5 (a time frame expanded upon in Persona 5 Royal).
The game follows Ren and the rest of the Phantom Thieves as they are pulled into yet another world, where a war is ongoing against a strange group called the Legionnaires. After Ren's friends are brainwashed by the Legionnaires' leader, Marie, a young girl named Erina steps in to save both Ren and Morgana from meeting a similar fate. From there, Erina recruits the two to her cause. Together they set out not only to free the world from Marie but also to save their friends.
Unlike Persona Q2 before it, Persona 5 Tactica ends with the characters retaining their memories of the event. This leaves things open for the characters and storyline to return in the future, joining the list of the many other ongoing threads in the series.
Persona 5 Strikers (2017)
Following the events of Persona 5, Persona 5 Strikers is a direct narrative sequel that picks up during the summer of 2017. What was supposed to be a fun summer reunion for the Phantom Thieves quickly transforms into a nation-wide incident only they can solve.
When people across Japan suddenly become obsessively devoted to various public figures, the Phantom Thieves realize the masses are being mind-controlled. Upon entering the Metaverse, they are able to free the victims, but they soon realize this is not an isolated incident—the corruption is spreading across the entire country. At the request of the police, the Phantom Thieves set out on an unplanned cross-country road trip to investigate the cause. It wasn't the summer they expected, but it will certainly be one they never forget.
As it stands, this is the current ending to the Persona part of the timeline.
Soul Hackers 2 (????)
Soul Hackers 2 is the game set farthest along in the timeline, though its exact placement and connections are a bit up in the air.
The game takes place in the far future and follows the story of Ringo, a newly created agent for the digital lifeform Aion. She has been sent to Earth to prevent a world-ending event that will apparently be brought on by a being known as the Great One. Along the way, Ringo finds herself amidst the battle of two Devil Summoner groups: the Yatagarasu and the Phantom Society, the latter of which plans to summon the Great One. By using Soul Hacking, Ringo is able to bring back the dead and build a new team of partners to help her achieve her goal of saving the world.
Of course, that is easier said than done.
Although Soul Hackers 2 is once again a mostly contained story, the Yatagarasu group was instrumental in helping Raidou all the way back in the 1930s. The Phantom Society, on the other hand, is still up to its old tricks from the original Soul Hackers. The game also features returning characters such as Dr. Victor and Madame Ginko, who previously appeared in Soul Hackers and is related to Kyouji Kuzunoha.
The real question with Soul Hackers 2 is where it takes place on the timeline, or rather, which one it is a part of. Is this the future of our modern-day Persona world? Or is it a world left behind by previous events?
And there you have it, the complete break down of the current Persona timeline! Did we miss anything, or have something you feel we should add? Please feel free to leave a comment below!
Special Thanks:
We want to give a special shout-out to all those who contributed their insights and advice for this project. Given that each game requires anywhere from 10 to over 100 hours of gameplay to complete, the depth of information is significant, with smaller details easily being overlooked. This is in addition to how the series also often includes obscure Japan-exclusive media, making timeline placement a bit more challenging. Our deepest thanks go to Reddit user Cygni_03 for providing details needed for additional timeline placement and revisions to our original article. Your contributions are invaluable.
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