Every Main Resident Evil Game In Release Order

Since the mid-90s, Resident Evil has been the biggest name in horror gaming. Even though it has been through its share of ups and downs, Capcom’s franchise has never stopped being popular or worthy of discussion. At its best, Resident Evil not only produced all-time masterpieces but also helped shape and redirect an entire genre. At its worst and lowest points, the series still manages to be fascinating, if not downright hilarious. Not every Resident Evil game warrants a playthrough nowadays, but they have all played a part in writing the franchise’s legacy.

As the world gradually prepares itself for a return to Raccoon City courtesy of Resident Evil Requiem, now is the perfect time to celebrate the IP’s long and storied history. Putting aside its many, many spin-offs, Resi‘s mainline releases are always events that tend to spark either widespread celebration or condemnation. Requiem will come and go, but Capcom’s franchise will live on (seemingly) forever, and it will only be a matter of time before we find ourselves discussing the upcoming tenth main entry. Let us go through all the Resident Evil games.

As different regions and consoles have different debut dates, each game’s earliest release will be included, which is generally Japan. Also, remasters, Director’s Cuts, or re-releases (Code Veronica X) will not be included as separate entries.

Console and PC Resident Evil games will be featured prominently and individually, while mobile releases will be listed in a separate table. No Pachinko games.

Updated on January 8, 2026 by Mark Sammut: Resident Evil Requiem is almost here! Less than two months now, and we will embark on the first entirely new main entry in the franchise since Resident Evil Village. It really cannot come soon enough, as the game looks genuinely phenomenal.

While we have already covered all the games, we have added a section that recommends an order to play the games if you want to chronologically follow the story. This section is at the very end of the article.

Every Main Resident Evil Game In Release Order

From 1996’s Resident Evil To 2026’s Resident Evil Requiem

To make this information as readily accessible as possible, this table has a full breakdown of every Resident Evil game, listed in release order.

Every Resident Evil Mobile Game

A Strange Range Of Resident Evil Games

While mainly associated with console games, Resident Evil has a long history on mobiles as well. From roughly 2001 to 2013, Capcom published a new Resi mobile game annually, and sometimes even more than one. However, not all of these projects were released outside of Japan, and pretty much none of them had much of an impact, nor are they considered vital parts of the IP’s legacy or overarching story. Still, they could be fun distractions.

In July 2025, Capcom revealed Resident Evil Survival Unit, the first new mobile game in the series since 2013. The game is currently available for Android devices, and it has received a mostly mixed reception. The gameplay loop revolves around building bases to defend against other players, which is a pretty strange direction to take Resident Evil.

Major Resident Evil Expansions

(Mostly) Great Additions To Great Games

Resident Evil is not synonymous with expansions, although a big part of that has to do with the fact that these types of releases were not viable during the first 15 or so years of the franchise’s lifespan. Since the 2010s, Capcom has started to show a willingness to produce DLC as it helps extend a project’s relevance. In fact, nearly all the recent Resident Evil titles had post-launch updates that added new content, be it Village‘s “Additional Orders” tweak to The Mercenaries mode or Revelations 2‘s short extra episodes. Although those drops were great, they were not exactly expansions and, nowadays, are just treated as part of the base content.

Alongside these DLC, Resident Evil has released a few genuine expansions that even contain notable story content, and any die-hard fans will want to seek these out to get the full picture. Resident Evil 4‘s “Separate Ways” is arguably the best expansion in the franchise to date, although Village‘s “Shadows of Rose” is also fantastic.

Resident Evil

Release Date: March 22, 1996

The original Resident Evil isn’t just iconic for kicking off the legendary horror franchise but also for being a pioneer in the rise of the survival horror genre. Although the game holds a nostalgic value for a lot of people, the remake is the best way to revisit the classic game.

Resident Evil is particularly memorable for the mansion that serves as the story’s setting. and it is classically moody, atmospheric, and just plain creepy. The enormous building looked fantastic for 1996, and its bucket-load of secrets and puzzles hiding around every corner made it a joy to explore, despite the horror lurking within. Gameplay-wise, Resident Evil was innovative for its era, but it is still very much a product of its time. Tank controls are divisive, but they do fit the game well. While the 2002 remake is really the best way to experience this masterpiece nowadays, the original is still fantastic.

What Resident Evil Is Known For

The first game set up a lot of tropes, traditions, and gameplay mechanics that the rest of the series will become known for. This game, in particular, is known for setting up pre-rendered 2D backgrounds and polygonal 3D characters set in predetermined angles, creating rather cinematic gameplay. The game’s dependence on music for setting up ambiance, limited ammunition, gathering items to be combined into new items, and even puzzles made for an overall engaging survival horror experience.

Resident Evil 2

Release Date: January 21, 1998

Following the enormous critical and commercial success of the first Resident Evil, it was no surprise when a sequel was announced shortly after. Resident Evil 2 built upon the excellent foundations that Resident Evil set and consequently received a similar level of acclaim. The game introduced a handful of key Resident Evil characters, such as Leon S. Kennedy and Ada Wong. The game also included Mr. X, whose frightening size and strength terrified players in the late 90s.

In terms of the original PS1 trilogy, RE2 is arguably the best, as it really built upon the strong ideas introduced by its predecessor while showing a great willingness to expand through the introduction of multiple campaigns and Mr. X. The 2019 remake is fantastic and should be prioritized by modern players looking to experience this chapter, but the original Resident Evil 2 still manages to deliver the scares.

What Resident Evil 2 Is Known For

The game continues the first title’s prerendered backgrounds and predetermined angles, alongside a dependence on limited items and ammunition. Unique to the game is the inclusion of two characters across two story arcs, where Leon and Claire can be played separately in the first and second half of the game. Events in one gameplay scenario can directly affect elements of the second scenario, creating up to four unique storylines for players to try and enjoy.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Release Date: September 22, 1999

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis again featured similar core gameplay mechanics to its predecessors, with the trademark puzzle-solving and fixed camera angles being central once again. The game ramped up the fear factor from the previous entries, thanks to the introduction of the horrifying Nemesis.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, like its two predecessors, received a ton of praise from fans and critics. Consequently, many people at the time regarded the Resident Evil franchise as one of the best gaming trilogies of all time. Now, it should be said that RE3 does come across as a bit rushed compared to the previous two, and it marks a shift towards action that would later prove to be quite divisive. The game was remade in 2020, and that version is pretty decent as well.

What Resident Evil 3: Nemesis Is Known For

Having a “nemesis” in the form of the titular character remains a central point throughout the series. Not only is Jill the only playable main character (with timed missions using Carlos Oliviera being the only exception), Jill is also constantly stalked by Nemesis throughout her journey in Raccoon City. Save for three predetermined encounters, Nemesis cannot be killed in random skirmishes with Jill, with players having to rely on their wit and their environment to dodge the boss’s attacks or even temporarily disable them.

Resident Evil Survivor

Release Date: January 27, 2000

Capcom is no stranger to spin-offs for their main franchises, so it was no surprise that the company took a detour following the series’ immensely successful original trilogy.

Resident Evil Survivor is a light gun shooter that was fairly well-received in most parts of the world. However, the North American release was largely dismissed, as the light gun control feature was banned, significantly harming the gameplay. Nowadays, this game is largely ignored and not particularly highly regarded, even among light gun shooters. However, it is a fun novelty if you can find it.

What Resident Evil Survivor Is Known For

Despite its on-rails shooter setup, Survivor is known for players actually being able to move around the area, with the light gun allowing players to take aim and fire. The game has branching paths to determine the progression of the story, making it an interesting contrast from the predetermined linear light gun shooters of the time, such as The House of the Dead.

Resident Evil – Code: Veronica

Release Date: March 28, 2000

Code: Veronica X debuted on March 22, 2001, on the Dreamcast and PS2 in Japan, and it would come to the GameCube two years later. In September 2011, this version was released for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Resident Evil – Code: Veronica was the first game to launch on a console other than the PlayStation 1. Code Veronica was initially released on the Dreamcast before coming to the PlayStation 2 in 2001; it was then released on GameCube, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 in the years that followed.

Resident Evil – Code: Veronica is best remembered today for its visuals and cinematic cutscenes that raised the bar for not just the Resident Evil series but the gaming industry in general. All these years later, Code: Veronica continues to be regarded as one of the franchise’s highest points, and calls for a full-blown remake have been constant since the late 2010s.

What Resident Evil – Code: Veronica Is Known For

The game is considered the first in the series to use 3D backgrounds, although the camera still transitions between set angles. The title takes Resident Evil 3 mechanics, such as the 180-degree turn and oil drums, while it takes Resident Evil 2 elements, such as side packs and upgradeable handgun parts. Although the game has three playable characters, the game pretty much forces players to control Claire Redfield, Steve Burnside, and Chris Redfield, respectively.

Resident Evil Survivor 2 – Code: Veronica

Release Date (Consoles): November 8, 2001

Resident Evil Survivor 2 – Code: Veronica was originally released in Japanese arcades in June 2001 before being released for the Japanese PlayStation 2 market in 2001. The game then came to Europe in 2002, but was not released in North America due to the poor reception of its predecessor. The game is centered around Claire Redfield, who is searching for her brother Chris in Racoon City. Claire is not the only playable character on offer, as Steve Burnside can also be selected, but the story doesn’t have much resemblance to Resident Evil‘s plot outside the characters.

Honestly, Survivor 2 is just an all-around bad Resident Evil game, and one of the real early signs that Capcom was overexposing the franchise. It holds so little importance to the plot, that there is really no need to seek this out.

What Resident Evil Survivor 2 – Code: Veronica Is Known For

Despite its weaker graphics, the gameplay of the title is close to an FPS. There’s an active timer in the game where players have to clear the level and find the exit, as the time running out will signal the arrival of Nemesis.

Resident Evil Gaiden

Release Date: December 14, 2001

Resident Evil Gaiden was released exclusively on the Game Boy Color. The game differentiates itself from other entries in the series with its top-down perspective and unique combat. When approaching an enemy, players will enter into a first-person perspective and be presented with a timing mini-game to determine the accuracy of their shots.

The game was poorly received by fans and critics, with complaints predominantly being directed toward the game’s underwhelming and unimaginative puzzles. Still, it is an OK GBC Resident Evil game. The system was hardly known for horror.

What Resident Evil Gaiden Is Known For

Being a Game Boy Color title, this game is reminiscent of a traditional RPG where players move 2D sprites in 2D environments. Interestingly enough, combat transitions to a first-person perspective where players have to time a reticle within a pre-set bar in order to hit enemies in front of them.

Resident Evil (2002 Remake)

Release Date: March 22, 2002

Resident Evil (2002) received an HD remaster on November 27, 2014.

The remake of the original Resident Evil was released on the GameCube in 2002, but has since received a few HD remasters for players of more modern consoles, so that everyone has access to the origins of Resident Evil, to know these characters and the genre before jumping into the more modern and action-orientated entries.

The Resident Evil remake didn’t try to fix what wasn’t broken, keeping the best features of the original game intact and instead focusing on simply modernizing the classic game.

What Resident Evil (2002 Remake) Is Known For

Considered the first time Capcom has launched a remake of a game in the franchise, this title boasts considerably improved graphics and an overhaul in gameplay mechanics. The 180-degree turn becomes a new gameplay feature, as well as a defensive weapon that can be used to escape an enemy grapple. Most puzzles have also changed, forcing players to reexplore the mansion.

Resident Evil Zero

Release Date: November 12, 2002

At the time of release, Resident Evil Zero was a very divisive game. The GameCube game provided significant improvements to the visuals and atmosphere from previous entries while keeping the core gameplay similar to its predecessors, something that a portion of fans loved.

However, there was another section of fans who were disappointed with the game, as they were expecting sweeping changes and improvements to the pre-existing gameplay formula due to its next-generation release.

What Resident Evil Zero Is Known For

Thanks to the “partner zapping” system, the game now lets players use both Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen at any point in the story. Players can control one character to go to a specific location, or have the other character as a companion to be controlled by the computer. This dual control is important when it comes to solving the game’s puzzles, as some of them require both characters to trigger certain mechanics at the same time.

Resident Evil: Dead Aim

Release Date: February 13, 2003

As the name suggests, Resident Evil: Dead Aim is another notable light gun shooter. Unlike the previous light gun release in the series, Dead Aim had a North American release that struggled to impress, but still gave way to some layers of fun.

Resident Evil: Dead Aim is best remembered by fans for being one of the few games in the early iteration of Resident Evil games that would allow players to move while aiming, something that wasn’t seen until later entries.

What Resident Evil: Dead Aim Is Known For

The game is another attempt at boosting Capcom’s arsenal of Gun Survivor titles, which are games built for the Namco’s light gun controllers. In turn, the title’s overall gameplay consists of walking from a third-person perspective and then transitioning to first-person when engaging enemies.

Resident Evil Outbreak

Release Date: December 11, 2003

Resident Evil Outbreak is a notable entry in the RE franchise as it’s the first game in the series to feature co-op, as well as online multiplayer. The game fulfilled the wishes of many to experience the series’ horrors with a friend, something that would be seen later in the series’ lifespan.

Resident Evil Outbreak offered plenty of variety, thanks to its eight playable characters and five separate scenarios to play through, but these separate scenarios might be tough considering the heavy-handed mechanics.

What Resident Evil Outbreak Is Known For

This is the first game in the franchise to feature multiple playable characters, each following unique scenarios that determine their fate in Umbrella City. The five scenarios each have different objectives, with players being able to select the difficulty and character they want to use. The difficulty determines the kind of items and enemies players will encounter throughout the game.

Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2

Release Date: September 9, 2004

Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2 is a standalone expansion for Resident Evil Outbreak. The game made minimal changes to the gameplay of its predecessor, and the lackluster co-op AI partner made gameplay rather insufferable without a real communicating partner.

A somewhat hidden gem among RE games, Outbreak: File #2 might thrill in its concept, but there’s a lot to be desired with this entry, especially as a co-op title with plenty of action.

What Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2 Is Known For

Despite having the same gameplay loop as the first game, this entry in the series has vastly improved mechanics. For instance, characters can now move while firing weapons and gather items while crawling. Characters now have new mechanics tied to their gameplay, with players being able to use the same character “archetype” when playing with others online.

Resident Evil 4

Release Date: January 11, 2005

Resident Evil 4 received an HD remaster on September 8, 2011. On October 21, 2021, a VR version debuted for the Meta Quest systems.

Resident Evil 4 is a great contender for one of the best RE games ever made, thanks to its exhilarating action and early 2000s charm, featuring the favorite Leon Kennedy as he battles against a new mystery of horrors as he tries to locate the U.S. President’s daughter.

Capcom clearly listened to the criticisms of the previous main series entry, Resident Evil Zero, as it made numerous drastic changes to the series, most notably, the implementation of an over-the-shoulder camera perspective. Resident Evil 4‘s excellent shooting mechanics, superb pacing, great enemy variety, and a generous amount of content made it an instant classic.

What Resident Evil 4 Is Known For

This is the first game in the series to have a full third-person view, which ties into the game’s more action-packed mechanics. Gunplay is much faster, shootouts are more common, and (infamous) quick-time events became the hallmark of the series. Leon Kennedy can upgrade his weapons throughout the game, allowing him to use different arsenals and switch loadouts whenever the situation demands it. The introduction of Ashley Graham earned the game its infamy for being a “glorified escort mission.” While fragile due to her lack of combat knowledge, players can direct Ashley to do certain things, with the character even getting her own stealth mission along the way.

Resident Evil: Deadly Silence

Release Date: January 19, 2006

One of the more forgotten Resident Evil games, Deadly Silence brought the 1996 original to the Nintendo DS, serving as a 10-year celebration of that landmark release.

Capcom could have easily just ported the game with a few changes, but the publisher went out of its way to make Deadly Silence a worthwhile release in its own right. The DS stylus is integrated into the combat, as is the touch screen. Along with playing through the classic version of the campaign, Deadly Silence also includes a new mode that shakes up the puzzles and adds more enemies.

What Resident Evil: Deadly Silence Is Known For

Although not really discussed much in this day and age, Deadly Silence is arguably the best version of 1996 Resident Evil, not taking into account the 2002 remake. If someone has a DS and is craving a classic horror experience, they can do much worse than this title. In fact, they cannot do much better, at least if they do not have a 3DS.

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles

Release Date: November 13, 2007

Attention on the Resident Evil series was at an all-time high following the release of Resident Evil 4, but Capcom decided not to rush the highly anticipated Resident Evil 5. Instead, they released a rail shooter, which could have derailed the hype, but its release on the Nintendo Wii helped make it an exciting entry.

The Umbrella Chronicles made use of the Wii system’s motion controls to provide an immersive shooter experience. While on-rail shooters aren’t the most exciting games in modern times, players could certainly seek the delight of good aim and fast reflexes in the Resident Evil setting.

What Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles Is Known For

As with an on-rails shooter, the game follows a set path where players simply target and shoot foes. Unlike other games of its type, this title does allow players to activate melee weapons for use during a third-person view, as well as quick-time events.

Resident Evil 5

Release Date: March 5, 2009

Nearly five years after its main series predecessor, one of the gaming industry’s most highly anticipated releases of the 2000s was released, and the franchise tried something new in its location, boss design, and co-op gameplay.

The game was always likely to fall short of these expectations due to its oversized ambition. When the dust had settled and initial disappointment faded, Resident Evil 5 became recognized as a solid shooter and a similar yet neat follow-up to RE4 that might get a little absurd and cheesy in some parts.

What Resident Evil 5 Is Known For

The game is known for taking the full third-person view of Resident Evil 4, but this time allowing players to be accompanied by a second character; in this case, either an AI or another player-controlled Sheva Alomar. Unlike other titles, players are more dependent on their companion, with a new Dying Stage that requires the assistance of the other character to be stabilized or risk fully dying and resulting in a game over.

Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles

Release Date: November 17, 2009

Following the positive reception of Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, the Nintendo Wii received another on-rail shooter. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles had many similarities to Umbrella Chronicles, but earned players’ attention with its story that tied into Resident Evil 4.

Not only were players receiving the thrills that made use of the Nintendo Wii’s motion controls, but they were learning more about their favorite characters, instead of focusing on entirely new protagonists, and which RE fan doesn’t enjoy Leon?

What Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles Is Known For

Being a Wii game, the game is also an on-rails shooter with couch co-op functionality. Despite being functionally the same game as Umbrella Chronicles, gameplay in Darkside offers changes such as Grenades having to be equipped manually, perfect headshots on lower health giving more points, and shooting a coin in mid-air giving more coins.

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D

Release Date: June 2, 2011

Another game that has a connection to Resident Evil 4 is Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D. As the name suggests, the game implements an expanded version of the Mercenaries mini-game from Resident Evil 4, which is unlocked once the player beats the main story.

This premise made Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D a fairly niche entry in the franchise. However, for fans of the minigame, The Mercenaries 3D was, and still is, a fun, adrenaline-pumping time.

What Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D Is Known For

This 3DS title lacks a story mode and instead becomes a full-fledged Mercenaries minigame. The third-person view returns alongside fully 3D environments. Players can customize loadouts before actual gameplay, while a time limit exists to achieve as many points as possible throughout a match.

Resident Evil: Revelations

Release Date: January 26, 2012

Resident Evil: Revelations was originally released exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS before coming to a plethora of modern consoles in the years that followed. The game is set between Resident Evil 4 and 5 and keeps the action-heavy combat and over-the-shoulder perspective from the two games.

The game featured both single-player and multiplayer modes. Interestingly, the multiplayer mode offered a different, altered version of the single-player campaign to ensure that it was better tailored to two-player gaming.

What Resident Evil: Revelations Is Known For

Despite having a similar third-person movement mechanic, the game transitions to first-person when fighting enemies. Health bars don’t exist in the game, and instead rely on blood splatter mechanics to determine how close to death a player is at any given point. The new Genesis bio-scanner now enables players to detect hidden enemies and objects, potentially even creating vaccines that yield herbs. Players can now swim for the first time, although they cannot fight, leaving them vulnerable to enemies that also adapt to aquatic environments.

Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City

Release Date: March 20, 2012

Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City takes players back in time from the aforementioned Revelations to a time period around Resident Evil 2 and 3. Along with a comprehensive single-player campaign, Operation Raccoon City features a four-player co-op mode and online multiplayer.

Operation Raccoon City was a step back for the franchise, as despite including four-player co-op and a game dedicated to online multiplayer, the gameplay was completely lackluster when compared to other titles in the series, and felt somewhat broken in terms of lore and mechanics.

What Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City Is Known For

This is the first time the franchise has ventured into multiplayer territory, with the game allowing players to fight in teams of four. The game is more of an action shooter, forcing players to fight not just zombies, but also the enemy team using their loadouts and special abilities. The single-player title allows players to change the course of history in the franchise – such as killing Leon, Claire, and even Jill. Meanwhile, the multiplayer mode allows teams to have a point-based team game or an all-out team deathmatch before fighting for seats in the last chopper in the area.

Resident Evil 6

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Resident Evil 6 continued the main series’ divisive trend of favoring action over horror, a continuation of the trend set by Resident Evil 4, but it seemed that Resident Evil 6 went in the wrong direction, as the series soon took a hiatus to figure out how to balance the combat with the horror.

Resident Evil 6 isn’t a bad game, but it lost a lot of what made the RE franchise special, turning many fans away from the series altogether. When removing pre-existing presumptions about the series, however, Resident Evil 6 offers a decent multiplayer experience with friends, and a decent action spectacle, just without the fright.

What Resident Evil 6 Is Known For

While taking cues from the more action-oriented games in the franchise, Resident Evil 6 does feature three different campaigns that let players take control of two characters. Not only that, the game introduces a new evade mechanic that lets players dodge attacks without requiring a quick-time event. New mechanics also include a quick-shot ability that lets players shoot instantly at the cost of stamina, while a counter-attack lets players hit enemies back and leave them open for more attacks.

Resident Evil: Revelations 2

Release Date: February 24, 2015

The sequel to Revelations was originally released episodically, banking on the trend of the time of episodic releases. With the first episode released in February of 2015, players wouldn’t see the conclusion until the middle of March of the same year, forcing players to wait for a retail version to get the whole story, which was set between Resident Evil 5 and 6, featuring Claire Redfield as the main protagonist.

Resident Evil: Revelations 2 was praised for its in-depth story, fleshed-out characters, and cooperative gameplay. However, the game drew criticisms for its cheesy dialogue and over-the-top plot twists, two things that the Resident Evil series has become synonymous with over the years.

What Resident Evil: Revelations 2 Is Known For

Demonstrated as among the first signs of the franchise returning to survival horror instead of action horror, Revelations 2 places more focus on stealth and ammunition management. Co-op returns alongside partner zapping, allowing players to control both characters at any point in the game to accomplish different tasks. The Raid Mode minigame makes a return, this time with a new plot featuring the player taking the role of an AI who can assume forms of different characters in order to fight in the Red Queen Alpha’s combat simulator. ​​​​​​

Umbrella Corps

Release Date: June 21, 2016

It’s a good thing, really, that Umbrella Corps is the only game in the RE series that doesn’t have the Resident Evil title on the box, as this game was generally unfavorable among fans and critics for a good few reasons, souring the series’ good name for a while.

A competitive multiplayer shooter set in the Resident Evil universe was an idea that turned many heads in the gaming industry, though the execution was completely lackluster, and capitalizing on another current trend saw bad graphics and poor controls taint the series.

What Umbrella Corps Is Known For

Unlike other action shooters in the franchise, this game places a larger focus on melee engagements. Given its tactical nature, players can now use guns while opening doors, using tactical shields, and climbing ladders. The game also features unique gadgets specifically designed to kill zombies more efficiently, such as a modified ice ax, a bullet-deflecting tactical shield with a slowing resin, studded boots with reinforced kicking power, and a disorienting jammer to stop zombies from attacking.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Release Date: January 24, 2017

A reinvention of the series, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard went big with its design, featuring the first time in the mainline series that a new protagonist would enter the ring, and in first-person. Horror returns with Biohazard, and the idea of being trapped in a deranged house of mutated rednecks helped welcome new and old back into the fright.

With such a new direction for the series, fresh life was breathed into Resident Evil, and the fact that the game distanced itself somewhat from the stories of previous entries allowed this to be the perfect title for new players to enter into the chaos.

What Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Is Known For

Known as the first full first-person Resident Evil experience, the game places a heavier emphasis on the franchise’s survival horror roots. Running can be done indefinitely, with separate hip-fire and aim attacks that affect firearms and melee attacks. Players can also time their movements further with dedicated guard and crouch buttons.

Resident Evil 2 (2019 Remake)

Release Date: January 25, 2019

The remake of Resident Evil 2 was released almost 20 years after the remake of the original Resident Evil. The long wait was worth it, as the 2019 remake surprised many gamers by becoming one of the best releases of the year, exemplified by its Ultimate Game of the Year Award win from the Golden Joystick Awards.

Along with an expected upgrade to the visuals and technical aspects of the game, Resident Evil 2 also overhauled the combat system, offering an entirely new feel to the classic game. Such changes are often divisive in remakes, but there were few complaints from Resident Evil fans with the over-the-shoulder perspective.

What Resident Evil 2 (2019 Remake) Is Known For

The game is a complete rebuild of the original title, with the game especially known for its seamless gameplay that doesn’t require any loading screens. Thanks to the RE Engine used in Resident Evil 7, the RE2 Remake enjoys more realistic graphics. Players can move in any direction and shoot while moving, and Hip Pouches can increase the available inventory in the game. Wooden boards also let players reinforce windows. While unbreakable, the boards are also irreplaceable — potentially making the navigation of select areas much easier. Gunplay now includes defensive items, allowing players to escape grapples.

Resident Evil 3 (2020 Remake)

Release Date: April 3, 2020

Following the critical and commercial success of the Resident Evil 2 remake, a remake for the third game soon began development. Unfortunately, it didn’t reach the same acclaim as its predecessor, with disappointment centering around the game’s short runtime and underwhelming implementation of Nemesis.

Now that the dust has settled, the Resident Evil 3 remake is starting to receive more praise. Although the game does indeed fall short of its predecessor, it’s still worth checking out for anyone who enjoyed the Resident Evil 2 remake, even if it should have taken more creative liberties to improve upon the original version.

What Resident Evil 3 (2020 Remake) Is Known For

Nemesis returns as a constant presence in the game, although the game also features a shop system that makes upgrading Jill’s arsenal much easier. Thanks to the active dodge mechanic, Jill can make quick steps with less efficacy the more it’s used consecutively. When timed properly, Jill can use the aim button to enter a bullet-time mode to make precise shots at enemies. Quick-time events make a return that force players to press buttons to help Jill take less damage from attacks.

Resident Evil: Resistance

Release Date: April 3, 2020

Resident Evil: Resistance is an online multiplayer game that was bundled with the Resident Evil 3 remake. The game provided an interesting concept, with four players competing against one “mastermind” who tries to kill players with traps and enemies.

Unfortunately, the game failed to impress and consequently struggled to amass a player base. Still, those who like the sound of Resident Evil: Resistance should certainly consider giving it a shot with friends, as it can be great fun with the right group.

What Resident Evil: Resistance Is Known For

This was the first time the franchise tried out a 4-versus-1 team-type game, with Survivors tasked with navigating a dangerous environment and solving puzzles to escape the clutches of the Mastermind, who is another player in charge of placing traps and hazards in the location. Survivors have to work together and use their skills to avoid the Mastermind’s puzzles, all of which with specializations that allow them to circumvent various obstacles. Meanwhile, the Mastermind can summon zombies, reinforce locations, and create hazards to impede the Survivors’ progress.

Resident Evil Village

Release Date: May 7, 2021

Resident Evil Village is the most recent entry in the mainline iconic horror series. The game builds upon the new foundations set by Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and gives players a new set of charismatic but frightening villains to contend with for some of the most atmospheric areas in the series’ history.

Resident Evil Village may not reach the heights of some of the franchise’s most beloved entries, but it still offers a fantastic single-player campaign, which is something that is becoming harder and harder to find in mainstream gaming today, even if some players might want to return to Chris and Leon’s stories.

What Resident Evil Village Is Known For

Village was originally only playable in first-person, although the DLC allows it to become playable in third-person mode. Players can use a blocking mechanic to reduce damage, while they can also push enemies away. Similar to Resident Evil 7, the gameplay relies on a much slower pace, with limited ammunition and stronger foes, forcing players to be much more economical in their use of guns.

Resident Evil Re:Verse

Release Date: October 27, 2022

Garnering a mixed reception, Re:Verse is essentially an arena shooter with an RE overlay; one that falls short for many as an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game that just doesn’t hit the same as other Resident Evil titles. The game was quickly slagged for its balance issues, heavy monetization, and generally tepid, spotty gameplay.

Still, it does have the cool novelty of being able to play as various RE characters, as well as monstrous Bioweapons, and the unique feature of humans morphing into monsters upon death. Given this game’s origins as content for Village post-release, it would seem likely that Capcom would trickle out refinements via patches and updates.

What Resident Evil Re:Verse Is Known For

This game features fast-paced gameplay, with players choosing a Resident Evil character while they compete in short deathmatch-style battles. Every character has a special loadout and skillset, and doing various tasks can earn points that determine the victor at the end of the round. Killstreaks reward more points, and players killing those at the top earn more points. Being killed will spawn players into a bioweapon before their death spawns them back into a human, with virus capsules allowing players to upgrade their zombie form. Matches earn RE Coins, which can be used to purchase unique upgrades.

Resident Evil 4 (2023 Remake)

Release Date: March 24, 2023

Following the release of the RE2 and RE3 remakes, fans suspected that a revamp of the series’ most critically acclaimed release, Resident Evil 4, was just around the corner. However, not everyone was on board with this idea, as many people believed that the original game still held up very well. Although the original is still enjoyable, Capcom has done such a stellar job with the remake, living up to the hype and silencing many skeptics.

The remake ditches some of the original’s outdated mechanics, such as the tank controls, and gives the game a fantastic new look that darkens the tone of the original. The lighting and particle effects are particularly great, adding to the already thick, creepy atmosphere. The stout ‘RE Engine’, which debuted with RE7, truly allows this experience to shine from a presentation standpoint.

In adhering more to modern games, Capcom throws in some new mini-quests by way of the Merchant. The game also adds new gameplay mechanics, such as stealth, parrying, and movement while aiming, which all quicken the pace and improve the experience. Despite these more user-friendly tweaks, the game remains as intense as ever.

What Resident Evil 4 (2023 Remake) Is Known For

Quick-time events are replaced by evade and parry mechanics, allowing players to avoid enemy attacks in different ways. Shooting enemies’ body parts will stagger them like in the previous game. Ashley now doesn’t have a health bar and instead is only knocked down and requires assistance. This welcome change finally makes her more of a companion who needs escorting instead of just someone to babysit.

Resident Evil Requiem

Release Date: February 27, 2026

It is so good to have a new mainline Resident Evil game on the horizon, and Requiem seems primed and ready to build on the great work done by RE7 and Village. Capcom has done a fantastic job of sprinkling information to build anticipation while not spoiling all that much about the upcoming project. So far, we know that the story takes place roughly 30 years after Resident Evil 3, or the destruction of Raccoon City. During Capcom Spotlight event, Requiem was described as a eulogy for the characters who lived through the outbreak, along with serving as a milestone that represents a new era for the franchise. Going by the available information and clips, the famous city seems set to be explorable to an extent, although location variety looks set to be quite high.

Honestly, I would recommend trying to avoid learning much more about Requiem, as horror games are always better when experienced with fresh eyes. Still, some interesting information has come out. For example, Koshi Nakanishi mentioned that, initially, Leon was considered for the protagonist role, but Capcom eventually opted to go in a different direction and utilize a character who is more prone to feeling scared. “Addictive Fear” was also mentioned as a central theme, with the goal being to allow players to feel the thrill of overcoming their fears. A cool concept that seems to also be central to Grace’s journey.

What Could Resident Evil Requiem Become Known For?

Naturally, it is still way too early to say what Requiem‘s legacy will be. That said, the game will support both first-person and third-person, letting players decide if they want the former’s horror immersion or the latter’s more action-adventure styling. If executed well, this combination could bring out the best of Resident Evil‘s two main eras.

Resident Evil Games In Chronological Order

Best Order For A Chronological Playthrough

For the most part, I would suggest just following Resident Evil‘s release order, albeit with a few remakes swapped in for the original versions. However, there is certainly value in trying to go for a chronological playthrough, at least if you are a complete beginner who wants to experience the full Resident Evil story in all its glorious absurdity. Thankfully, Capcom has updated most of the vital entries in the timeline, so going down this route is not too painful.

If you would like to play through the series in chronological order, you will need to swap several entries around and, to be honest, skip a few titles that are either non-canon or have dubious legitimacy. Therefore, let’s highlight the order I would follow if I wanted to follow the story in relative chronological order. I’ll include the version that I would recommend, although the others are usually also valid.

1. Resident Evil 0: HD Remaster
2. Resident Evil (2002)
3. Resident Evil 2 (2019)
4. Resident Evil: Outbreak (Both Games)
5. Resident Evil 3 (2020)
6. Operation Raccoon City
7. Resident Evil Survivor
8. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica X
9. Resident Evil: Dead Aim
10. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
11. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles
12. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
13. Resident Evil: Revelations
14. Resident Evil 5 HD
15. Resident Evil: Revelations 2
16. Resident Evil 6 HD
17. Umbrella Corps
18. Resident Evil 7
19. Resident Evil Village
20. Resident Evil Requiem (Well, hoping it is good)

The games in bold are must-play IMO. The others have their positives, but they can be hard to track down and appreciate nowadays. You will not feel lost if you skip them.