Since its debut in 1996 with Revelations: Persona, the Persona franchise has evolved into one of the most beloved JRPG series in gaming. Over the decades, entries like Persona 2: Innocent Sin (1999), Persona 3 (2006), and most notably Persona 5 (2016) have shaped the series into what it is today. The release of Persona 5 Royal in 2021 brought renewed attention and acclaim, solidifying the series’ global popularity.

While each game has its own identity, Persona titles share a familiar formula: the protagonist is typically a new student in an unfamiliar setting, often living with either a guardian (Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4) or fellow students (Persona 3 Reload). From there, the stories branch off dramatically, and that’s where each title shines in its own right.

Read More: Stellar Blade Sequel Confirmed

In this article, I’ll rank my personal top three Persona games based on story, characters, gameplay, and overall experience.

 1. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is hands down my favourite. The original Persona 5 was already near-perfect in my eyes, but Royal elevated the experience even further. The addition of a new semester, expanded storylines, and brand-new characters gave returning players fresh content and emotional depth. I especially appreciate games with long, immersive stories, and Royal delivers over 100 hours of gameplay—not even counting optional content like Mementos or side quests.

Read More: Among Us 3D Steam Deck Performance Guide

The game also does a fantastic job with travel mechanics, allowing players to explore Tokyo’s various neighbourhoods via rail. Each location feels unique, adding to the overall immersion and world-building.

 2. Persona 3 Reload

Coming in second is Persona 3 Reload, which launched in February and quickly became the fastest-selling game in the series. What impressed me most was how faithfully it preserved the original Persona 3 Portable narrative while modernising everything else—from updated character models and environments to new features like “greedy shadows,” rare enemies that spice up combat.

Despite the story being unchanged, it felt revitalised thanks to the polished visuals and added quality-of-life improvements. The DLC content also added variety and value to the experience, something previous Persona 3 versions only touched on.

 3. Persona 4

Though a bit dated compared to Royal and Reload, Persona 4 still holds a special place in the franchise. What makes it stand out is its unique setting: a quiet, rural town instead of a bustling city or large dorm. This creates a more intimate atmosphere that complements the game’s mystery-driven plot.

The narrative twists are gripping, and the sense of suspense makes for a different experience from the other games. Persona 4 also features strong character development and some of the most heartfelt social link interactions in the series.

Final Thoughts

Ranking these games wasn’t easy, because each one offers a rich, emotionally resonant story and memorable characters. What makes the Persona franchise special is how authentically it captures the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and identity—while layering those themes with supernatural and psychological intrigue.

Whether you’re navigating a villain’s Palace in Persona 5 Royal, fighting off shadows on the midnight hour in Persona 3 Reload, or diving into TVs to solve a murder mystery in Persona 4, each game feels distinct and engaging.

If you’re new to the series, I highly recommend starting with Persona 5 Royal—not only is it the most polished and accessible, but it’s also an unforgettable introduction to what Persona does best.