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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Entertainment • Video Game

Persona 5

Persona 5 is a 2016 Japanese role-playing video game developed and published by Atlus.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Persona 5 is a 2016 Japanese role-playing video game developed and published by Atlus. It follows a high school student, known by the codename Joker, who forms the Phantom Thieves of Hearts to confront corrupt adults by exploring supernatural Palaces inside the Metaverse. The game combines turn-based combat, social simulation, and a story about rebellion, identity, and change.

Gameplay

Persona 5 blends dungeon-crawling, turn-based combat, and social simulation. Players balance school life, relationships, and part-time activities with missions inside the Metaverse.

Story

The story follows a student who is forced to transfer to Shujin Academy after being falsely accused of assault. He and his allies become the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, using supernatural powers to reform corrupt people.

Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is an expanded edition of Persona 5. It adds new characters, additional story material, quality-of-life changes, and revised gameplay systems.

Release and platforms

Persona 5 first released in 2016 for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. Later versions and related releases expanded the game's availability across more platforms.

Key facts

  • Persona 5 is set in modern Tokyo and centers on a transfer student who is falsely accused of assault and placed on probation.
  • The protagonist forms the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, a group that enters the Metaverse to change corrupt adults' hearts.
  • The game uses a combination of turn-based battles and daily-life social simulation.
  • Persona 5 Royal is an expanded version of Persona 5 with additional story content and gameplay changes.
  • The game has been widely praised and later followed by spin-offs including Persona 5 Royal, Persona 5 Strikers, and Persona 5 Tactica.
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Canadian context

Persona 5 has a substantial audience in Canada through Nintendo, PlayStation, and PC releases, and it is commonly discussed among Canadian fans of JRPGs and anime-styled games.

Frequently asked questions

What is Persona 5 about?
It follows a high school student who becomes Joker, leader of the Phantom Thieves, as the group enters supernatural Palaces to change corrupt adults' hearts and expose wrongdoing.
How long is Persona 5?
A full playthrough is commonly around 100 to 150 hours, depending on play style and how much optional content is completed.
Is Persona 5 on Switch?
Yes. Persona 5 is available on Nintendo Switch through Persona 5 Royal, not the original 2016 release.
What are the differences in Persona 5 Royal?
Persona 5 Royal adds new story content, a new school semester, additional characters, extra gameplay features, and several quality-of-life improvements over Persona 5.
Who is the main character in Persona 5?
The main character is the silent protagonist commonly called Joker. The player names him in-game, and he serves as the leader of the Phantom Thieves.
What is the best Persona in Persona 5?
There is no single official best Persona, because the strongest choice depends on level, build, and play style. Popular late-game choices often include Satanael, Yoshitsune, and Kaguya.

References

  1. Game Rant — https://gamerant.com/persona-5-story-summary-recap-prepare-strikers/
    Supports: Protagonist is a high school student known as Joker; false accusation and transfer to Shujin Academy; Phantom Thieves plot overview.
  2. TheGamer — https://www.thegamer.com/persona-5-royal-the-story-explained/
    Supports: Story setup, Metaverse, Palaces, and Persona 5 Royal context.
  3. RPGFan — https://www.rpgfan.com/review/persona-5/
    Supports: Gameplay blend of RPG and social simulation; Phantom Thieves premise.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3944082/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot summary and description of the Phantom Thieves.
  5. Megami Tensei Wiki — https://megamitensei.fandom.com/wiki/Persona_5
    Supports: Series/game overview and opening setup.
  6. Reddit — https://www.reddit.com/r/Persona5/comments/185jns1/what_is_persona_5/
    Supports: Approximate playtime estimate and informal discussion of popular Personas; used only as a weak corroborating source.