What’s the difference between the story modes in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax?

In Persona 4 Arena Ultimax for the PC there are multiple story modes. Even when loading the game for the first time you’re faced with the options to choose between Episode P4 and Persona 4 Arena Story Mode. But what’s the difference between these story modes and does it matter which order I play them in?

Episode P4 is the primary story of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax. It’s the narrative that follows Yu Narukami and his friends, the protagonists of Persona 4, as they face the strange new world presented to them in Personal 4 Arena Ultimax. Episode P4 is a sequel to the original Persona 4 Arena Story Mode.

Related: Do you need to play Persona 4 or Persona 4 Arena to understand Persona 4 Arena Ultimax?

Persona 4 Arena Story Mode is the story from the original Persona 4 Arena fighting game. For the 2022 PC release of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, this story mode was added, as it takes place before the events of P4AU’s story. As you complete various parts of the Persona 4 Arena Story Mode, you’ll unlock the perspectives of different characters. This includes characters from Persona 3

Additionally, once you’ve completed Episode P4 for the first time you’ll unlock Episode P3. This is the story of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax from the perspective of the Persona 3 characters. 

Ultimately for best understanding of the story, the ideal order is to play Persona 4 Arena Story Mode, then Episode P4, and then Episode P3.

Finally, the arcade mode of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax features a more abridged version of the story of Episode P4 or Episode P3. But only if you’re playing with one of the protagonists of those stories. Overall, there’s a lot of different stories in P4AU, and hopefully this guide cuts down on the confusion a bit.

For more Persona 4 Arena Ultimax guides, check out How to fix Persona 4 Arena Ultimate crashing before matches on Pro Game Guides.