Before diving into Persona 5 Tactica, you might wonder if playing Persona 5 first is necessary. The tactical spin-off actually takes place before the main storyline of Persona 5 concludes, acting like a big side quest that enriches the overall experience without spoiling the original’s ending. Its gameplay shifts from the JRPG style of Persona 5 to a more strategic, movement-focused tactical RPG, making it accessible even to newcomers who haven’t played the original. However, playing Persona 5 or at least familiarizing yourself with its story can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the characters and events in Tactica.
With the Persona series being so story-focused, it’s a good question. In this Persona 5 Tactica guide, we hope to answer just that question, and will break down whether or not you need to play Person 5 – plus Persona 5 Royal and Persona 5 Strikers – before playing Persona 5 Tactica.
When does Persona 5 Tactica take place in the Persona timeline?
Persona 5 Tactica is set near the end of the original Persona 5 story, specifically after the final palace has been cleared but before the game’s true ending and the third-year students’ graduation. This places it during the winter months-between February and early March-while Joker is still in Tokyo and before he returns to his hometown. The game unfolds after the events of Persona 5 Royal’s main content but before Persona 5 Strikers, which takes place after graduation. Notably, Tactica does not feature characters exclusive to Royal, like Kasumi Yoshizawa, in its main story, further anchoring its placement just before the conclusion of the main Persona 5 timeline.
Persona 5 Tactica takes place after the establishment of the Phantom Thieves, the crew that Joker (the main character) puts together to change the hearts of baddies all over Japan in the main game.
Based on the dialogue at the start of the game, Tactica takes place before the third year students (Makoto and Haru) graduate, which is before the main storyline of Persona 5 wraps up. So, think of Tactica as a big side quest that takes place before the end of Persona 5.
Do you need to play Persona 5 before Persona 5 Tactica?
You don’t strictly need to play Persona 5 before diving into Persona 5 Tactica, as the tactical spin-off offers a distinct gameplay experience that can be enjoyed on its own. However, playing at least some of Persona 5 first is recommended because Persona 5 Tactica is set toward the end of the original game’s timeline and assumes familiarity with the Phantom Thieves and their story. While Tactica introduces new characters and a fresh world, the narrative and character backgrounds are richer if you have prior knowledge from Persona 5. Additionally, Persona 5 Tactica does not incorporate elements from Persona 5 Royal, so playing the base game is sufficient for understanding the context. For fans of tactics-based gameplay who may not have time for the long JRPG of Persona 5, Tactica provides a more accessible entry point into the series.
Yes, you should play (or have played) at least a few hours of Persona 5 before you play Tactica.
Because of where Tactica is set in the timeline, you’re going to be very confused If you didn’t play any Persona 5. The game’s opening assumes you already know who these characters are, what the “Metaverse” is, and why the cat (who isn’t actually a cat) is talking.
That said, you’ll really just be missing the context of the world and characters by skipping Persona 5 and diving right into Tactica. While the plot of Persona 5 Tactica involves the same characters, in the same world, it tells its own, contained story and you don’t need to understand the plot of Persona 5 to follow along.
If you love tactics games and are dying to check out Persona 5 Tactica, you’ll be totally fine to do so as long as you accept that you’ll probably be a little confused at the outset. Although, maybe this is just a great chance for you to go back and spend 100 hours in Persona 5, which is one of the best games of the last decade – even if you’re not usually a turn-based JRPG fan.
Do you need to play Persona 5 Royal before Persona 5 Tactica?
You do not need to play Persona 5 Royal before playing Persona 5 Tactica, but it is recommended to have played the original Persona 5. Persona 5 Tactica assumes familiarity with the Phantom Thieves and the base story from Persona 5, as it takes place between the second and third semesters of the original game’s timeline and does not incorporate the additional content or characters introduced in Royal. However, Tactica is a distinct tactical RPG experience with its own new characters and story elements, making it accessible even if you haven’t played Royal. For fans of Royal, a day-one DLC for Tactica includes characters from that version, such as Kasumi and Akechi.
No, you don’t need to have played any of the Royal content in Persona 5 to understand Tactica.
Kasumi Yoshizawa, the new addition to the Phantom Thieves from Royal, is not part of your crew in Persona 5 Tactica.
So, even if you skipped the expansion for the original game, you’ll still have all the context you need to enjoy the story of Tactica.
Do you need to play Persona 5 Strikers before Persona 5 Tactica?
You do not need to play Persona 5 Strikers before playing Persona 5 Tactica. The two games are completely separate stories, and Tactica is actually set before the events of Strikers in the series timeline. There are no narrative connections or character developments in Strikers that are required to understand or enjoy Tactica, so you can play Tactica without any prior experience with Strikers. If you are familiar with the main story of Persona 5 (or Persona 5 Royal), you will have all the context you need for Tactica.
No, you don’t need to have played any Strikers to understand Tactica.
Persona 5 Strikers is another Persona 5 spin off, and it replaces the classic turn-based combat with fast-paced, Musou game combat similar to the Dynasty Warriors franchise.
While Strikers relays a great Persona story – seriously, it’s essentially just a mini Persona game, but with slick action combat – the new characters and plot don’t carry over at all to Tactica. If you love Persona and love tactics but hate action games, you’re totally fine to jump into Tactica without touching Strikers.
Do I need to play Persona 5 Royal first to enjoy Tactica
You do not need to play Persona 5 Royal before enjoying Persona 5 Tactica. The spin-off focuses on the original Phantom Thieves and does not include characters or story elements unique to Royal, such as Kasumi Yoshizawa, who is absent from Tactica’s main cast. However, having familiarity with the base Persona 5 game enhances the experience, as Tactica assumes some prior knowledge of the characters and their backgrounds, and it does not spend much time introducing them. Persona 5 Tactica takes place during the timeline of Persona 5 Royal but can be played independently, making it accessible to those who have not played Royal but are familiar with the original Persona 5. For Royal players wanting to see its characters in Tactica, a day-one DLC adds Kasumi and Akechi from Royal to the game.
Can I enjoy Tactica without having played any Persona 5 games
You can enjoy Persona 5 Tactica without having played any previous Persona 5 games. The game is designed as a self-contained tactical RPG experience, offering accessible gameplay and a standalone story. However, Tactica assumes some familiarity with the main cast, their relationships, and the world of Persona 5, so you may miss out on character context and references if you’re new to the series.
If you’re primarily interested in tactical combat and don’t mind being a bit lost regarding character backgrounds or inside jokes, Tactica remains a fun and approachable entry point. For the richest experience, prior knowledge of Persona 5 enhances your understanding, but it is not required to enjoy the game.
