Persona 3

Version Differences

• Persona 3 Reload adds the polish and QoL features you'd expect from a modern Persona game, but is also priced like a modern game.

• Persona 3 Portable plays more like a visual novel, but includes a female main character option, and is available on more systems for less money.

• Play whichever you prefer, both have pros and cons.

Reload-specific

• Avoid buying new gear until you've gotten as high in Tartarus as you can, you'll often find upgrades in chests better than anything in the shop.

• Don't be afraid to explore some of the less-efficient hangout options when they come up, it's very easy to max your social stats by mid-game.

• Links will no longer go into Reverse just from neglect, but they CAN still catch you cheating.

• There's a catch-up system unlocked relatively early, so don't worry about keeping everyone in the party exactly even.

Combat

• Beginner is easy, Easy is normal, Normal is hard, Hard is for series veterans, Maniacs is for obsessives.

• Don't grind your old Personas up, fuse new ones.

• You're the only one who can change Personas, so keep yourself versatile.

• The equipment tax is high, so don't bother trying to keep everyone completely even.

• Akihiko, Yukari, and Junpei each have at least one required boss fight.

• Do Elizabeth/Theodore's requests, they're a good test on how you're doing, power-wise.

Social/Story

• Don't bother trying to do everything, don't use a guide, don't spoil yourself.

• Focus on non-party links during school, there's a lengthy vacation in the middle of the game.

• If you make plans, don't cancel them.

• Don't neglect any of your contacts.

• Carry a matching Persona when you do a social link. It doesn't have to be equipped, just one of your options.

Male MC

• If you're dating multiple girls, be very careful, as they can catch you on dates with each other.

• Don't hug her.

Female MC

• Exception on the 'no guide' tip, it's really easily to accidentally lock yourself out of Akihiko's romantic path.

• You have very little time with the Moon and Wheel of Fortune S-Links. Either drop everything for them, or accept you won't max them out.