Persona 3 Reload Vs Persona 5 Royal: Which Game Is Longer?

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered which of the Persona games, Persona 3 Reload or Persona 5 Royal, will keep you glued to your screen for longer? You're definitely not alone! This is a question that pops up a lot among fans, especially those trying to decide which epic adventure to dive into next. So, let's break down the playtime for each of these amazing JRPGs and see which one comes out on top in terms of sheer length. We'll look at the main story, the completionist runs and all the juicy side content that makes these games so addictive. Get ready to clear your calendars, because either way, you're in for one wild ride!

Main Story Length

Okay, let's kick things off with the main story, because that's what most of you will be diving into first. Persona 5 Royal, known for its stylish flair and intricate plot, generally takes around 100 to 120 hours to complete the main storyline. This includes all the major story arcs, battling through palaces, and navigating the social links that are crucial to the Persona experience. The extra content added in Royal, such as the new semester and additional character arcs, definitely adds a significant chunk of playtime compared to the original Persona 5. You will enjoy every minute of it.

Now, let's talk about Persona 3 Reload. This remake of the classic Persona 3 is shaping up to be an awesome experience, and its main story length is estimated to be around 60 to 80 hours. Keep in mind that this is an estimate based on initial playthroughs and comparisons to the original Persona 3, but it gives us a pretty good ballpark figure. Persona 3 Reload focuses more on the core narrative and the emotional journey of the protagonist and the SEES team. While it does have social links and side activities, the overall structure is a bit more streamlined compared to Persona 5 Royal.

So, just looking at the main story, Persona 5 Royal definitely takes the crown. The additional content and expanded storyline in Royal make it a significantly longer experience for those just focusing on the central plot.

Completionist Playthrough

Alright, completionists, this section is for you! If you're the type of gamer who wants to squeeze every last drop of content out of a game, then you're probably wondering how long it takes to achieve 100% completion in Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Royal. Get ready for some serious dedication!

For Persona 5 Royal, a completionist run can easily take 130 to 150 hours, or even more! This includes maxing out all social links, defeating every optional boss, collecting all the Personas, completing all side quests, and unlocking every achievement/trophy. Persona 5 Royal is packed with content, and the sheer number of social links and activities will keep you busy for a long time. The Thieves Den, with its challenges and rewards, also adds a substantial amount of playtime for completionists.

As for Persona 3 Reload, a completionist run is estimated to take around 90 to 110 hours. This involves maxing out social links, completing all optional content, and experiencing everything the game has to offer. While Persona 3 Reload might be shorter than Persona 5 Royal in terms of main story length, there's still plenty to do for those who want to see everything. Plus, with the updated graphics and gameplay, replaying the game to achieve 100% completion is going to be even more enjoyable.

Again, Persona 5 Royal comes out on top in terms of completionist playtime. The sheer volume of content and activities in Royal makes it a longer and more demanding game for those seeking to do absolutely everything.

Factors That Affect Playtime

Okay, so we've talked about the estimated playtime for both games, but there are a few factors that can affect how long it actually takes you to complete Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Royal. Let's take a look at some of these variables:

Difficulty Level: Playing on a higher difficulty level can increase the amount of time it takes to beat the game, as you'll need to spend more time grinding and strategizing for battles. Conversely, playing on an easier difficulty can shorten the playtime.
Playstyle: Are you the type of player who likes to explore every nook and cranny, or do you prefer to stick to the main story? Completionist playstyles will naturally result in longer playtime.
Experience with Persona Games: If you're already familiar with the Persona series, you might be able to navigate the game mechanics and social links more efficiently, which can shorten the playtime. Newcomers might take a bit longer to get the hang of things.
Skipping Cutscenes: Some players like to skip cutscenes and dialogue to speed up the game, while others prefer to watch everything. Obviously, skipping cutscenes will significantly reduce the playtime.
Guide Usage: Using a guide to optimize social links or find hidden items can save you time, but it can also take away from the sense of discovery and exploration. Some players prefer to go in blind, which can lead to longer playtime.

Keep these factors in mind when estimating how long it will take you to complete Persona 3 Reload or Persona 5 Royal. Your individual playstyle and preferences will play a big role in the overall playtime.

Side Content and Replayability

Alright, let's dive into the side content and replayability of Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Royal. Because let's face it, the Persona series is all about more than just the main story, right? It's about the social links, the mini-games, the exploration, and the overall experience.

Persona 5 Royal really shines in this department. The game is jam-packed with side activities, from working part-time jobs and fishing to batting cages and exploring Mementos. The social links are incredibly deep and engaging, and maxing them out provides significant benefits in battle. Plus, the additional content in Royal, such as the new semester and Kasumi's social link, adds even more to the experience. With so much to do, Persona 5 Royal has incredible replayability. You can easily spend hundreds of hours exploring different social links, trying out new strategies, and unlocking all the achievements/trophies. There's always something new to discover, even after multiple playthroughs.

Persona 3 Reload, while more focused on the main story, still has plenty of side content to keep you busy. The social links are a core part of the Persona 3 experience, and they provide valuable insights into the characters and their stories. Plus, there are various part-time jobs and activities to participate in, such as studying, hanging out with friends, and exploring the city. While Persona 3 Reload might not have as much side content as Persona 5 Royal, the emotional depth of the story and the engaging social links make it highly replayable. Many players enjoy replaying the game to experience different social links and make different choices, leading to unique outcomes.

So, while Persona 5 Royal might have more side content overall, both games offer plenty of replayability for those who want to dive deeper into the Persona experience.

Final Verdict

Alright, guys, so after breaking down the main story length, completionist runs, and side content, which game is longer overall? The answer is pretty clear: Persona 5 Royal is the longer game.

With its expanded storyline, additional content, and sheer volume of activities, Persona 5 Royal offers a more substantial time investment for those looking to fully experience everything the game has to offer. Whether you're a completionist aiming to max out every social link and unlock every achievement, or simply someone who wants to immerse themselves in the world of the Phantom Thieves, Persona 5 Royal will keep you busy for a very long time.

That being said, Persona 3 Reload is still a fantastic game with plenty of content to enjoy. While it might be shorter than Persona 5 Royal, the emotional depth of the story and the engaging social links make it a worthwhile experience for any Persona fan. Plus, with the updated graphics and gameplay, Persona 3 Reload is shaping up to be a must-play for both newcomers and veterans of the series.

Ultimately, the choice between Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Royal comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for a longer and more expansive game, go with Persona 5 Royal. If you prefer a more focused and emotionally driven experience, Persona 3 Reload is the way to go. Either way, you're in for an amazing JRPG adventure!