Originally revealed all the way back in January 2017,Shin Megami Tensei 5is the long-awaited fifth installment in theShin Megami Tenseiseries. Just days away from its release on the Nintendo Switch, it remains to be seen if Atlus’ latest RPG will have been worth the wait.
WhileShin Megami Tenseihas existed since 1992, it has been largely overshadowed in popularity byPersona, a series of spin-off games. However, after the massive success ofPersona 5, more eyes are onShin Megami Tenseithan ever, which could be the game-changer this franchise needs. Here’s the breakdown on everything players need to know before purchasing.
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What is Shin Megami Tensei 5?
Shin Megami Tensei 5is a JRPG set in modern-day Tokyo.Gameplay is turn-based, with players duking it out against demons of all shapes and sizes from theSMTuniverse. In order to win these battles, they’ll need to recruit demons to their party, increasing their stats and skills along the way.
Much ofShin Megami Tensei 5takes place in an alternate, post-apocalyptic version of Tokyo called Da’at, which is caught in a war between demons and angels. Players will be able to explore Da’at, encountering enemies, earning currency, and finding items all the while.
Demons Are… Pretty Much Everywhere
The latest trailer forShin Megami Tensei 5showcases important plot points, as well as the title’s core gameplay features. As stated previously, the protagonist finds himself in Da’at amidst an ongoing war between angels and demons. By fusing with a powerful being and becoming an entity called a Nahobino, he gains the ability to fight off these demons. As he ventures further into Da’at, he will need to fight for survival and make critical, story-altering decisions in the battle between light and dark.
Personafans will feel at home with the game’s combat system, in which players (and opponents) can target certain weaknesses to chain turns for devastating damage. Doing so will fill a Magatsuhi gauge that allows the player to unleash even more powerful attacks.
Also familiar toPersonafansis the game’s negotiation system, which allows players to talk to would-be enemy demons and recruit them. This may mean fulfilling specific tasks, selecting certain dialogue options, or even sacrificing health.
Key to anyShin Megami Tenseigame is demon fusion, which grants players the ability to combine recruited demons to make more powerful allies. New toSMT 5, however, are essences; these can be used to impart new skills and affinities onto the player as well as their party members.
Pricing, DLC, and Special Editions
Shin Megami Tensei 5is set to treat players to a slew of DLC post-launch. Some of the free content includes an easier difficulty setting, as well as an option for Japanese voicing. Paid DLC, however, includes “Return of the Demon.” This unlocks new boss battles for the player to enjoy, as well as a bonus boss fight with the Demi-Fiend, the protagonist ofShin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne. New Game Plus will also be available, which will transfer data from a completed save to a new run, making the game that much easier.
The retail Premium Edition costs $119.99, and includes the following:
The Digital Deluxe edition costs $84.99, and includes the base game along withall of its DLC, which will be available upon release:
Shin Megami Tensei 5is available for preorder in stores and on the Nintendo eShop.
Shin Megami Tensei 5releases on June 25, 2025 for Nintendo Switch.
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