Persona 3 Reload

A turn-based RPG where you fuse Personas, forge Social Links by day, and scale Tartarus's procedurally generated floors to vanquish Shadows.

Last reviewed: May 3, 2026

Released Feb 2024 Singleplayer / Colorful / Story Rich

Recommended if you skipped Persona 3 the first time — Reload modernizes the 2006 classic, but FES's The Answer epilogue is paid DLC.

8.7 /10

Strong

Previously an Editor's pick

For you if

You loved Persona 5 Royal and want the older P3 story with Reload's modern QoL
You're OK skipping the female protagonist storyline cut from Reload (Portable-only feature)
You enjoy turn-based combat with Theurgy ultimate-style abilities and social-link calendar mechanics

Not for you if

You demand the full Episode Aigis epilogue free — it's $35 paid DLC
You hate dungeon repetition — Tartarus is procedurally-generated and grindy
You bounced off Persona 5's calendar pressure and Velvet Room mechanics

What players love

The emotional story and music in Persona 3 Reload are what keep players invested through 100+ hours.

What frustrates them

Late-game difficulty becomes trivial due to overpowered persona fusion, reducing challenge for veteran players.

See the reviews behind this →

What critics say

9/10IGN
With a stellar visual overhaul and countless small but impactful changes, Persona 3 Reload tells a timeless story of tragedy and hope with sharp emotional sincerity.
Michael HighamJan 2024 Read review →
4/5Eurogamer
Reload adds welcome modernisations to the wonderfully deadly coming-of-age story that captured hearts in 2006.
Kaan SerinJan 2024 Read review →
8.8/10Game Informer
Even after nearly 100 hours, I was sad to part ways with my team, feeling as though I had formed bonds with them that transcend any kind of in-game metric.
Brian SheaJan 2024 Read review →

Before You Play

Refreshed monthly

What's the difference between Persona 3 Reload, FES, and Portable?

Reload is a from-scratch remake of the 2006 PS2 original (Persona 3). It uses Reload's modern engine, voice acting, and quality-of-life systems. What's missing: the female protagonist (Kotone Shiomi) from 2010's Persona 3 Portable — only the male protagonist is selectable in Reload. The Answer epilogue from 2007's Persona 3 FES isn't in the base game; it's a paid DLC called Episode Aigis -The Answer- that adds ~20 hours of post-game content set after the main campaign's ending.

Source: Siliconera: P3 versions explained

How long does it take to beat Persona 3 Reload?

Main story takes 80-90 hours on a normal first playthrough — long even by JRPG standards. 100% completion (max all Social Links, max Social Stats, complete the Persona Compendium, finish all Requests, find missing people in Tartarus, every achievement) lands at 100+ hours. With Episode Aigis DLC adding 20 more hours of post-game, a fully completionist run can hit 120-150 hours.

Source: Game8: How long is P3R

Which social links should you max first in Persona 3 Reload?

Prioritize Hermit (Maya, Sundays only) — limited days. School-based S-Links (Magician, Priestess, Empress, Emperor, Lovers, Chariot, Justice, Fortune, Strength, Temperance, Aeon) need first-half-of-game attention. Build Charm before 6/19 to unlock Mitsuru's S-Link; build Academics for Yukari's. Always equip a Persona matching the S-Link's Arcana when answering — boosts dialogue gain and saves entire days. Aigis's S-Link unlocks postgame and is short — leave it for last.

Source: Game8: Best Social Links to max first

What is Episode Aigis -The Answer- in Persona 3 Reload?

Episode Aigis -The Answer- is paid DLC bundled in the Persona 3 Reload Expansion Pass (~$35). It's a remake of the 2007 FES epilogue that picks up after Reload's ending — S.E.E.S. is trapped in a never-ending March 31 when an android named Metis appears and the Abyss of Time opens. ~20 hours of new content, played from Aigis's perspective with new Theurgies and field actions. Released September 10, 2024. NOT included in the base game.

Source: Xbox Wire: Episode Aigis DLC

How does Theurgy work in Persona 3 Reload?

Theurgy is Reload's new ultimate-skill system, unlocked June 13. Each party member charges Theurgy gauge differently: Protagonist swaps Personas, Yukari heals, Junpei lands criticals, Akihiko self-buffs, Mitsuru debuffs/inflicts ailments (Down counts), Fuuka uses Analyze, Aigis lands physical hits. Most members get two Theurgy attacks — the second unlocks with their Ultimate Persona late-game. The gauge persists across battles, so you can stockpile a full team of Theurgies before bosses.

Source: Game8: Theurgy Skills Guide