Atlus is bringing a fan-favorite character to Persona 5: The Phantom X. While the female protagonist from Persona 3 Portable, Kotone Shiomi, was notably absent from Persona 3 Reload, she is officially making her return to the series via a new crossover event in the free-to-play mobile and PC spin-off.
The developer confirmed the news with a new teaser video showcasing Kotone in action. While the trailer gives players a look at her in the game’s engine, Atlus has yet to provide a specific release date or additional details regarding what the crossover event will entail beyond her inclusion.
The Return of a Persona Protagonist
The inclusion of Kotone Shiomi is a significant moment for the community. Since the release of Persona 3 Reload, the character has been the subject of intense fan dedication, with players actively working on mods and redoing cutscenes to insert her into the 2024 remake. The demand for her return has been clear, and this crossover looks to address that interest by making her playable in The Phantom X.
Her absence from Persona 3 Reload was a point of frustration for many, but the developers previously addressed why the character didn't make the cut. General producer Kazuhisa Wada stated that while the team considered adding the female protagonist during development, the "hurdles were too high" due to the time and cost required to integrate her alongside the existing content.
What to Expect from The Phantom X
As a free-to-play title available on PC and mobile devices, Persona 5: The Phantom X provides a new avenue for Atlus to integrate legacy characters. With the teaser confirming her arrival, fans are now waiting for the studio to outline the full scope of the event. For now, players looking to control the iconic protagonist can look forward to her eventual arrival in the game, though they will have to stay tuned for further updates on when exactly she will be added to the roster.
While waiting for more news on the crossover, players can keep an eye on official channels for the confirmed release date and any further announcements regarding the game's upcoming content updates.