Since 2015, Persona 5 has acquired enough extra titles to make British royalty before the 1900s blush. Royal, Strikers and Tactica all feature the Phantom Thieves, but they aren’t three interchangeable editions of the same game.
Start with Persona 5 Royal if you’re new to these characters. Strikers is a follow-up adventure with action combat, while Tactica is a separate tactical RPG. You don’t need to buy the original Persona 5 and Royal before moving on.
Is Persona 5 Royal a Sequel?
No. Royal is an expanded version of Persona 5, not the next chapter after it. We’re still waiting for that! It retains the original adventure while adding characters, story content and gameplay changes.
PlayStation’s overview identifies new Confidants, dungeon refinements, an additional end-game chapter and the Thieves Den among its additions. Atlus also describes the extra semester and new characters in its launch FAQ.
For a newcomer choosing between the original and Royal, we’d recommend Royal. Playing the original first would mean revisiting much of the same story, rather than completing an essential earlier instalment.
Can You Continue an Original Persona 5 Save in Royal?
The original PS4 Persona 5 save does not transfer into Royal. Atlus confirmed this in its launch FAQ, although Royal can recognise that save and award a bundle of items.
That bonus is not a campaign import. If you’re halfway through the original and considering Royal, don’t assume you can buy it and resume at the same point.
This matters less for a new player, but returning players should treat Royal as another playthrough rather than an expansion attached to their existing save.
Is Persona 5 Strikers a Proper Sequel?
It is a follow-up spin-off story featuring the returning Phantom Thieves.
The premise involves a summer reunion and a road trip across Japan that develops into another supernatural investigation. It’s a new campaign, not a retelling of the first game with faster battles.
I’d play Royal or the original Persona 5 before Strikers so you know the group and their relationships. However, Kanada also said action-game fans could start with Strikers and revisit the backstory afterwards. Recommended order is not an admission requirement.
What Is Persona 5 Tactica?
Tactica is a tactical RPG with its own campaign. The Phantom Thieves enter another realm and become involved with a revolutionary named Erina.
Its battles emphasise positioning, cover and coordinating a three-character party. It uses familiar Persona ideas, including knocking enemies down and launching All-Out Attacks, in a different combat structure.
For a straightforward first playthrough, finish Royal before starting Tactica. You’ll recognise the gang without interrupting the main adventure to fit in a spin-off.
Does Royal Include Strikers or Tactica?
No. They are separate games. Royal’s included downloadable content does not turn it into a collection of the other Persona 5 titles.
Tactica also has its own DLC, including Repaint Your Heart, which requires Tactica to play. Buying Royal does not supply that base game or its add-on.
What Is the Simplest Play Order?
The recommended starting point is Royal, followed by whichever additional game appeals:
Strikers: choose this for another story with action combat.
Tactica: choose this for tactical battles and a different adventure.
You can play both, but neither is really needed for enjoying the other’s combat system. Finish the main RPG, then follow your preferred genre. Neither spin-off is that important or even brilliant, but they’re worth a look for superfans.
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