5 Major Differences Between Persona 5 Royal and Persona 5 The Phantom X

Since Persona 5: The Phantom X released a few days ago, many fans have wanted to know the major differences between it and Persona 5 Royal.

Persona 5 Royal vs Persona 5 The Phantom X (Image via SEGA)

Persona 5: The Phantom X’s recent worldwide release sent shockwaves among gamers. It brings back many of the old features that made the original game so beloved, and players who loved Persona 5 will probably like this game too.

However, while there are many similarities between the two games, there are also a few differences between Persona 5 and the new spinoff Phantom X. Here are 5 differences between Persona 5 Royal and Persona 5: The Phantom X.

Persona 5 The Phantom X vs Persona 5 Royal Major Differences

Joker from Persona 5 Royal (Image via SEGA)

Here are the major differences between both games:

Game Model
Calendar System
Story and Cast
Gameplay
Platforms and Availability

1. Game Model

The model is completely different (Image via SEGA)

The primary difference between Persona 5 and The Phantom X is in their respective game models. Persona 5 is a single-player game available as a one-time purchase, with some DLC as well.

Meanwhile, The Phantom X is a free-to-play live service gacha game that gets routine updates over time. While it is also mostly single-player, there are a few multiplayer features such as being able to borrow another person’s characters.

2. Calendar System

You need to manage your time carefully in Persona 5 Royal (Image via SEGA)

Since Persona 3, the Persona series has used a calendar system as part of its daily life system. This calendar affects the availability of in-game activities and often places certain deadlines for story progression.

The Phantom X takes a step away from this system. While the game also inculcates daily life features, it doesn’t have a fully functioning calendar system. Instead, it uses action points that refresh daily which allow you to perform the in-game social activities.

3. Story and Cast

The main cast is completely different (Image via SEGA)

The Phantom X follows a similar structure to the original Persona 5. In both games, you play as Phantom Thieves who steal the desires of villains and make them repent. However, while the main structure is similar, the two stories are completely different in the actual events that take place.

You go after different targets, meet different characters and even play as a completely different group of Phantom Thieves. While both games are primarily set in Tokyo, they take place in alternate universes. This is the reason for all of the differences between the two stories.

4. Gameplay

There are key gameplay differences in both games (Image via SEGA)

Persona 5: The Phantom X continues the long-standing tradition of turn-based games in the Megami Tensei series. While its turn-based mechanics are very similar to Persona 5, there a multiple major differences. Follow-up attacks have had a major rework, and Showtimes have been replaced with Highlights.

Additionally, Personas in The Phantom X are divided into multiple classes that determine the role they play. This is in contrast to the original, where Personas were only classified based on their tarot cards, and mostly served as damage dealers.

5. Platforms and Availability

Phantom X does not have a console port yet (Image via SEGA)

The last difference between the two games is the platforms they are available on and the countries they are available in. Persona 5 Royal is available for purchase on Windows, PlayStation, Xbox and the Nintendo Switch. Meanwhile, The Phantom X is available on Android, iOS and Windows.

Also, Persona 5 is available in almost all countries. While The Phantom X had its global release some time back, it is still not available in quite a few countries for one reason or another.

Those were five of the major differences for Persona 5: The Phantom X vs Persona 5 Royal.

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5 Major Differences Between Persona 5 Royal and Persona 5 The Phantom X