Masked Persona

Awaken your inner self to steal the hearts of the corrupt.

In Persona 5, released in Japan on September 15, 2016, and worldwide on April 4, 2017, the core mechanic involves summoning Personas. These are physical manifestations of a character's psyche, used to battle enemies known as Shadows within the supernatural Metaverse. The story follows a player-named high school student codenamed Joker, who leads the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. Set in modern-day Tokyo across a single school year starting April 9, 2016, the game blends role-playing and dungeon crawling with social simulation. Unlike previous entries that relied on literal masks, this installment utilizes a supernatural mobile app granted by Igor to access these powers. The party explores unique Palaces modeled after distorted perceptions of reality to steal malevolent intent from adults.

Quick Facts

Manifestation: Physical manifestations of their psyche known as Personas

Lore & Background

The game takes place in the Persona universe, where high school students harness Personas as manifestations of their inner psyche. Set in modern-day Tokyo, the story begins on April 9, 2016, and spans roughly a year across locations like Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. The protagonist, Joker, is framed for assault and put on probation, relocating to Yongen-Jaya. He awakens to his power after being captured by the Shadow Self of gym teacher Suguru Kamoshida in a Palace. Alongside Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, and Morgana, he forms the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. They utilize the Metaverse, a realm born from humanity's subconscious desires, to navigate Palaces and Mementos. Within these dungeons, Shadows are physical manifestations of suppressed psyches modeled after mythological figures. The group uses stealth and Joker's 'Third Eye' ability to solve puzzles and avoid enemies before engaging in turn-based combat.

Reader's Guide

Players control Joker through a day-night cycle in modern-day Tokyo. Activities outside school include part-time jobs, leisure, and crafting items for dungeons or battle. Increasing social statistics unlocks new options and activities. Developing relationships known as 'Confidants' is crucial; improving ranks with party members unlocks combat abilities, while non-party Confidants grant equipment or experience boosts. In the Metaverse, players navigate Palaces and Mementos, using stealth to avoid Shadows and solving puzzles with the 'Third Eye.' Combat is turn-based; striking an enemy's weakness knocks them down for an extra turn. If all enemies are knocked down, a 'Hold Up' triggers, allowing for an 'All-Out Attack,' demands for items/money, or negotiation to add the Shadow as a Persona. New Personas are fused in the Velvet Room via the 'Guillotine' process, inheriting skills based on parent stats and Confidant levels. Minor online elements exist through the 'Thieves Guild.'

Did You Know?

Persona 5 was released for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 in Japan on September 15, 2016.
The enhanced version, Persona 5 Royal, was released worldwide on March 31, 2020, by Sega.
By March 2025, including Royal, over 10.45 million copies of the game were sold, making it the best-selling title in the franchise.
Joker's appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was released in 2018.
The Velvet Room takes the form of a prison in Persona 5.