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.