The latestPersonaspin-off has arrived, sendingP5‘s Phantom Thieves on a tactics-filled journey. But when doesPersona 5 Tacticaactually take place in theP5timeline?
Note:The following will containspoilersfor the basePersona 5andRoyal, up to and including their respective twists and endings. Be warned!
Persona 5 Tacticais a follow-up toPersona 5
In the intro cutscene ofPersona 5 Tactica, a conversation between the Phantom Thieves and some other dialogue makes it clear that this game takes placeafter the battle with Yaldabaoth.
Given the entire Thieves crew is assembled, that adds extra weight to the timeline of when this happens. Considering Joker leaves for home at the conclusion ofPersona 5, we know this takes place before any graduations. A good ballpark is likely sometime in February or March.
Both Akechi and “Kasumi” havebeen confirmed for a DLC appearance, also assisting Joker in some fashion during the events ofP5T.
A separate world
While the timeline question is interesting, it’s also worth noting that—in our experience thus far—Tacticadoesn’t bleed into the main world ofPersona 5too much. While the Phantom Thieves are dealing with the strife in the Kingdoms, those events take place largely separate, in a way that can’t affect canon too much.
Similar toP5 Strikersand other spin-offs, it doesn’t seem likeTacticawill betoocritical toPersona 5lore. Ultimately, it’s a side venture for those who want both tactics and some Phantom Thieves chill time.Persona 5 Tacticacertainly delivers a heaping helping of each.
