Shin Megami Tensei 5 - What We Know So Far

Atlus' "Shin Megami Tensei" series is essentially the lesser-known sibling of Atlus' other popular JRPG series, "Persona." Though "Shin Megami Tensei" preceded its more lighthearted counterpart, it didn't start to reach the same level of overseas demand until "Persona" bled into the mainstream. The last game in the "Shin Megami Tensei" series, "Shin Megami Tensei 4," came out in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, so fans have been waiting for nearly a full decade for a true sequel. It's only natural that the announcement of an all-new title would turn heads.

"Shin Megami Tensei 5" stars an ordinary high school boy who somehow becomes entangled in a war between gods and demons. While Atlus has left a good bit of information up in the air regarding this long-awaited fifth main series installment, fans can decipher some enticing details from the trailers and preorder information that has been revealed up to now.

Move over, "Persona 6." Here's what we know so far about "Shin Megami Tensei 5."

Atlus announced that a new "Shin Megami Tensei" game was in the making in 2017. However, the announcement trailer didn't leave many clues aside from petals blowing in the breeze and a horde of demons huddled in a dark room. Atlus remained silent about the title for nearly three years, finally breaking that silence during a Nintendo Direct Mini in July 2020. Even then, the true release date didn't manifest until this year's Nintendo E3 presentation.

"Shin Megami Tensei 5" releases on November 12, 2021 for the Nintendo Switch. It'll likely stay a Nintendo Switch exclusive for some time, though it could possibly come to other platforms in the future. Pre-orders for physical copies went live on June 21, 2021. Much to the surprise of fans, the premium edition of the game — which came with a ton of goodies, including a soundtrack and a backpack — sold out at available retailers within 48 hours. 

Atlus announced additional stock on June 25, but that didn't last long. Official channels haven't confirmed whether or not the premium edition will restock again.

More than one trailer exists for "Shin Megami Tensei 5," including the one that premiered at Nintendo's E3 showcase this year. An accompanying gameplay trailer debuted about a week after E3 when pre-orders went live. The first official teaser, which was more of a sneak peek at the story and confirmation that the game existed, appeared as part of the aforementioned Nintendo Direct Mini.

These trailers set the tone of the game as just another dreary day for a high school student (wearing an unusually decked out floral pattern Japanese uniform) until the world ends. The main character transports to an alternate version of Tokyo and gains demonic powers from an otherworldly companion that allows them to take part in the war of gods versus demons. Familiar monsters from past "Shin Megami Tensei" games such as Pixie, Jack Frost, and others return in this newest installment of the beloved series.

"Shin Megami Tensei 5" follows the same turn-based JRPG rules that its predecessors and spinoffs have adopted. The protagonist and their demon companions can learn a set number of moves, each of which have their own element and purpose. Players can capitalize on type advantages to maximize damage output and balance their teams to face a variety of opponents. At the same time, they need to work around their team's weaknesses with healers, buffs, and other solutions.

Players negotiate with demons on the battlefield to recruit them for their team. You sometimes have to sacrifice health, money, and items in an effort to sway them to your side. Demon allies level up as you take on countless enemies. Then, allies can be fused together to become even stronger. Keep in mind the personality quirks for as many monsters as possible, since that will be the key to charming more demons and taking on enemies with ease.