Resident Evil In Order: Complete Guide To Playing The Survival Horror Series
Are you wondering how to play the Resident Evil games in order? You're not alone. With over two decades of spine-chilling adventures, Capcom's survival horror franchise has grown into a complex web of mainline entries, remakes, spinoffs, and CGI movies that can leave even dedicated fans scratching their heads. Whether you're a newcomer curious about where to start or a veteran looking to revisit the series with fresh eyes, we're here to help break down the chronology of this iconic horror series and guide you through every terrifying encounter.
Understanding the Resident Evil Timeline
The Resident Evil series has evolved dramatically since its 1996 debut, transforming from fixed-camera tank controls to modern over-the-shoulder action-horror. Even if the mainline Resident Evil games follow a simple numbered structure, there are plenty of spinoffs, prequels, or overlaps that can make the storyline more than a little difficult to follow at times, or even know where to start.
The core challenge lies in the series' non-linear storytelling. While some entries like Resident Evil 2 and 3 take place concurrently, others like Resident Evil 0 serve as prequels that reveal crucial backstory. This complexity means that playing in different orders can significantly impact your understanding of the overarching narrative.
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Complete Resident Evil Games List by Release Order
Let's start with the traditional approach - playing games as they were released:
- Resident Evil (1996) - The game that started it all on PlayStation
- Resident Evil 2 (1998) - A massive leap forward in storytelling
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999) - Takes place alongside RE2
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000) - Originally planned as RE3
- Resident Evil Zero (2002) - Prequel to the original game
- Resident Evil Remake (2002) - Enhanced version of the original
- Resident Evil: Outbreak (2003) - Online multiplayer spinoff
- Resident Evil 4 (2005) - Revolutionized the series with new gameplay
- Resident Evil: Dead Aim (2003) - Light gun spinoff
- Resident Evil: Outbreak File #2 (2004) - Sequel to Outbreak
- Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (2007) - Rail shooter compilation
- Resident Evil 5 (2009) - Introduced co-op gameplay
- Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (2009) - Another rail shooter
- Resident Evil: Revelations (2012) - Returns to survival horror roots
- Resident Evil 6 (2012) - Ambitious but divisive entry
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015) - Episodic sequel to Revelations
- Resident Evil HD Remaster (2015) - Enhanced version of the 2002 remake
- Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster (2016) - Updated prequel
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) - First-person perspective reboot
- Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019) - Stunning reimagining of the classic
- Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020) - Modern take on the 1999 classic
- Resident Evil: Village (2021) - Continues Ethan's story in a new direction
- Resident Evil: Shadows of Rose (2022) - DLC expansion for Village
- Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) - Ground-up reimagining of the 2005 classic
- Resident Evil Requiem (2025) - Latest mainline entry
Resident Evil Games in Chronological Order
For those who prefer to experience the story as it unfolds within the Resident Evil universe, here's the chronological order:
- Resident Evil 0 (1998) - The events leading up to the mansion incident
- Resident Evil (1998) - The original mansion incident
- Resident Evil 2 (1998) - Takes place two months after RE1
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1998) - Occurs simultaneously with RE2
- Resident Evil: Outbreak (1998) - Side stories during the Raccoon City outbreak
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica (1998-1999) - Continues Claire and Chris's story
- Resident Evil 4 (2004) - Six years after Raccoon City
- Resident Evil 5 (2009) - Takes place in 2009
- Resident Evil: Revelations (2005) - Between RE4 and RE5
- Resident Evil 6 (2012) - Global bioterrorist attacks
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015) - Six months after RE6
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) - A new chapter in the series
- Resident Evil Village (2021) - Three years after RE7
- Resident Evil Requiem (2025) - The latest mainline entry
Best Entry Points for New Players
If you're wondering where to start your Resident Evil journey, here are the best entry points based on different preferences:
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For Modern Horror Experience: Resident Evil 7: Biohazard offers the most accessible entry point with its first-person perspective and modern controls. It serves as a soft reboot while still connecting to the broader universe.
For Classic Survival Horror: The Resident Evil 2 Remake provides the perfect blend of modern gameplay with classic Resident Evil atmosphere and storytelling.
For Complete Newcomers: Resident Evil 4 Remake stands out as arguably the best game in the series, offering refined gameplay mechanics and an engaging story that doesn't require extensive knowledge of previous entries.
For Story Enthusiasts: Starting with Resident Evil 0 and following the chronological order provides the most comprehensive understanding of the series' lore, though it requires more patience with older gameplay mechanics.
Where the Remakes Fit In
The Resident Evil remakes deserve special attention in the timeline. Here's how they relate to the original releases:
- Resident Evil Remake (2002) - Enhanced version of the original 1996 game, includes new areas and story elements
- Resident Evil 0 HD Remaster (2016) - Updated version of the 2002 prequel
- Resident Evil HD Remaster (2015) - Enhanced version of the 2002 remake
- Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019) - Complete reimagining with new gameplay mechanics while preserving the core story
- Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020) - Similar treatment to RE2, though more condensed
- Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) - Ground-up reimagining that modernizes the classic while maintaining its essence
The remakes are generally considered the definitive versions for their respective stories, offering superior graphics, controls, and sometimes expanded narratives.
Resident Evil Animated Movies Timeline
Many fans still ask how many Resident Evil games exist and what's the best order to experience them, but the animated movies are equally important to the franchise's lore. Here's your complete guide to the Resident Evil animated movies in order:
- Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008) - Set after the events of Resident Evil 4
- Resident Evil: Damnation (2012) - Takes place before Resident Evil 6
- Resident Evil: Vendetta (2017) - Set between Resident Evil 6 and Resident Evil 7
- Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness (2021) - Netflix series set in 2006
- Resident Evil: Death Island (2023) - Latest CGI movie featuring multiple series protagonists
These animated features expand on characters and events not fully explored in the games, providing additional context for the overall narrative.
Playing Resident Evil Chronologically vs. Release Order
While playing in release order is still the recommended route in most cases, tackling Resident Evil chronologically can help get a better understanding of the major outings in the series, or at least how they all fit together.
Release Order Advantages:
- Experience the evolution of gameplay mechanics and graphics
- Understand how the series responded to player feedback
- Appreciate the technological advancements over time
Chronological Order Advantages:
- Better understand the cause-and-effect relationships in the story
- Experience character development in a more natural progression
- See how events connect across different time periods
Even if you don't plan on replaying through Resident Evil in chronological order yourself, knowing the clear series of events helps Resident Evil and its many interconnected storylines make more sense.
Resident Evil Requiem: The Latest Chapter
Resident Evil Requiem is the ninth title in the mainline Resident Evil series (counting remakes as definitive versions of their originals). This latest entry continues the franchise's evolution while honoring its survival horror roots.
Everything you need to know to preorder Resident Evil Requiem, including the release date, what comes in each edition, what preorder bonuses to expect, and more, is available through official channels. The game represents the culmination of lessons learned from previous entries, combining the atmospheric tension of earlier games with the refined mechanics of recent releases.
Practical Tips for Your Resident Evil Journey
Start with Modern Controls: If you're new to the series, begin with the remakes or Resident Evil 7, as they offer the most accessible control schemes while still delivering authentic Resident Evil experiences.
Don't Skip the Remakes: The modern remakes aren't just visual upgrades - they often add new story content, improve gameplay mechanics, and fix pacing issues from the original releases.
Consider Difficulty Settings: Resident Evil games can be challenging. Don't hesitate to start on an easier difficulty if you're primarily interested in the story.
Use Resources Wisely: The series is known for limited resources. Learn to conserve ammunition and healing items, especially in the early games.
Embrace the Cheesy Dialogue: Part of Resident Evil's charm is its sometimes over-the-top voice acting and dialogue. Embrace it as part of the experience.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to play Resident Evil games in chronological order, release order, or mix and match based on your preferences, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey through one of gaming's most influential horror franchises. From the claustrophobic corridors of Spencer Mansion to the sprawling European villages of modern entries, Resident Evil continues to evolve while maintaining the core elements that made it a cultural phenomenon.
With Resident Evil Requiem fresh on everyone's minds, many players, both veterans and newcomers, might want to start a tour through the many Resident Evil games released throughout the decades. This guide provides the roadmap, but your personal experience through Raccoon City, the Baker estate, and beyond will be uniquely yours. So grab your herbs, check your inventory space, and prepare for a survival horror experience that has defined the genre for nearly three decades.