With the release of the Resident Evil 4 remake in early 2023, devoted followers of the series were eagerly awaiting its arrival. However, newcomers to the franchise may find themselves unsure of where to begin when it comes to playing the Resident Evil games in chronological order.
Over the years, there have been numerous releases within the Resident Evil universe, including remakes and original installments, making it potentially perplexing for those unfamiliar with the series. The Resident Evil franchise originated in 1996 with the release of the first game.
It featured outdated 3D graphics, pre-rendered backgrounds, and memorable voice acting that is often regarded as delightfully cheesy. Since then, numerous sequels have been produced, with the most recent installment being Village in 2021, unless we consider the remakes.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive list of all the mainline releases of the Resident Evil franchise. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan who has lost track, this list aims to clarify any confusion. It’s worth noting that despite our efforts to avoid spoilers, some may be inevitable in a compilation like this.
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How many Resident Evil games are there?
Resident Evil is a popular video game franchise that consists of a total of 12 mainline games. Among these, eight are numbered entries, while any other game outside of this list is considered a spin-off.
In this article, we will discuss the mainline games that are deemed canon and play a crucial role in advancing the Resident Evil universe. Additionally, we will also include games that may seem like spin-offs but are actually complete Resident Evil games. Although these games may not have numerical entries, they hold equal significance to the numbered sequels.
Take Resident Evil: Code Veronica as an example. Initially, it was regarded as Resident Evil 4 until the release of the actual RE4. Now, it is considered a side story that takes place between RE3 and RE4. This installment is significant as it contributes to the overall storyline. Similarly, the Resident Evil: Revelations games also fill in the gaps between RE4 and RE5, as well as RE5 and RE6.
Chronological order to play Resident Evil
- Resident Evil Zero
- Resident Evil
- Resident Evil 2
- Resident Evil 3
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica
- Resident Evil 4
- Resident Evil Revelations
- Resident Evil 5
- Resident Evil Revelations 2
- Resident Evil 6
- Resident Evil 7
- Resident Evil 8 Village
Resident Evil order by release date
- Resident Evil (1996)
- Resident Evil 2 (1998)
- Resident Evil 3 (1999)
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000)
- Resident Evil Remake (2002)
- Resident Evil Zero (2003)
- Resident Evil 4 (2005)
- Resident Evil 5 (2009)
- Resident Evil Revelations (2012)
- Resident Evil 6 (2013)
- Resident Evil Revelations 2 (2015)
- Resident Evil 7 (2017)
- Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)
- Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020)
- Resident Evil 8 Village (2021)
- Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)
All main Resident Evil games & their release dates
If you’re looking to explore the Resident Evil games in the order in which they occur and fully immerse yourself in the franchise’s storyline game by game, we’ve got you covered with a brief overview of the correct sequence:
Resident Evil
Resident Evil, the popular video game franchise, begins with its first installment, which offers various versions to choose from. However, the standout version is the remake initially developed for GameCube.
This revamped edition has gained popularity due to its availability on multiple platforms such as PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Players are highly recommended to opt for this version.
In the game, players control characters Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, who embark on a mission to uncover the mysteries of a mansion located on the outskirts of Raccoon City. As they explore the mansion, they will encounter not only ravenous zombies but also intricate puzzles that await their solving.
Resident Evil 2 (remake)
The remake of the original Resident Evil game for PS4, Xbox One, and PC is a reimagining of the classic PlayStation title. While there are differences between the two versions, the core story remains the same.
The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic Raccoon City, where a zombie pandemic has devastated the population. Claire Redfield, the sister of Chris, embarks on a search for him, while Leon S. Kennedy starts his career as a police officer during this chaotic period. The narrative unfolds from there.
Resident Evil 3 (remake)
Resident Evil 3 takes place before the events of Resident Evil 2 but continues the story beyond that game. The protagonist, Jill Valentine, is back and embarks on a terrifying action-packed adventure.
Her goal is to escape from the relentless Nemesis, an unstoppable enemy who relentlessly pursues and tries to kill her. The remastered version includes new dialogue and other modifications while staying true to the original plot.
Resident Evil 0
Resident Evil in order is the first game in the series according to the official chronology. The game follows the story of Rebeca Chambers and Billy Coen. Billy, who is sentenced to death, ends up encountering a zombie, which disrupts his plans.
The game still uses tank controls, but introduces new features like the collaboration between the two main characters. It is believed that this installment uncovers the origins of the events that took place in Raccoon City involving Wesker and the Umbrella Corporation.
Resident Evil: Code Veronica
After successfully navigating through the police station and the city of Raccoon City, Claire Redfield remains determined to find her brother. Her quest leads her to infiltrate the Umbrella Corporation’s headquarters in Paris, but unfortunately, she is apprehended by their security team.
Claire quickly discovers that her haunting encounters with zombies from her past have resurfaced in the present. Unlike other installments in the Resident Evil franchise, this particular game, which was originally released for the Dreamcast, has not undergone any remakes. However, it is still available for purchase through various virtual stores.
Resident Evil 4 (remake)
Resident Evil 4 introduces Leon, who returns after his appearance in Code Veronica. In this installment, Leon is enlisted by the United States to complete a crucial mission: rescuing the president’s daughter.
His journey takes him to a secluded village in Spain, where he encounters highly intelligent creatures that prove to be more formidable than the zombies he has previously encountered. The updated version of the game features enhanced graphics and gameplay improvements, while still staying true to the original GameCube release.
Resident Evil Revelations
In this latest installment, Jill Valentine takes on the role of the main character once again. Unlike previous numbered titles, this game holds significance within the official Resident Evil canon.
Originally released on Nintendo 3DS, the game aims to blend contemporary gameplay mechanics with elements of traditional survival horror. Jill teams up with Parker Luciani as they venture onto an abandoned ship located in the heart of the sea, believed to be the place where Chris Redfield went missing.
Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5, the next game in the series, takes on a more action-oriented approach, with Shinji Mikami no longer part of the development team. This time, the game moves away from the familiar settings of Raccoon City and Spain, and instead takes us to Africa.
Here, the sinister Umbrella Corporation, now operating under a different name, continues to develop and spread their dangerous biological weapons. Players take on the roles of Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar, as they navigate through the game’s cooperative mode.
Resident Evil Revelations 2
The story takes place after the events of Resident Evil 5 and before Resident Evil 6. Claire Redfield and her friends are having a celebration when suddenly they are kidnapped and taken to an abandoned island.
Claire, just like her brother Chris and his partner Leon, has always been haunted by the dangers of Umbrella Corporation and its dark history. Now, both Claire and Moira Burton must face a new battle for their lives on this deserted island.
Resident Evil 6
Resident Evil in Order is a highly action-packed installment in the popular franchise. It offers players the opportunity to step into the shoes of seven unique characters across four captivating campaigns.
These campaigns include the pairings of Leon S. Kennedy and Helena Harper, Chris Redfield and Piers Nivans, Jake Muller and Sherry Birkin, as well as the enigmatic Ada Wong. Additionally, players have the option to team up with a friend in cooperative gameplay.
Despite its success in terms of sales, Capcom made the decision to move away from the gameplay style that had been established since the fourth installment.
Resident Evil 7
Resident Evil 7 takes place four years after the events of Resident Evil 6. The protagonist, Ethan Winters, embarks on a journey to a desolate and eerie location in search of his long-lost wife, Mía, who was believed to be deceased.
However, instead of finding a warm welcome, Ethan is confronted with unimaginable horror. As players step into the Baker home, they are thrust into a chilling investigation of the most gruesome terrors.
Unlike its predecessors, Resident Evil 7 introduces a first-person perspective, intensifying the sense of immersion. The game also places a strong emphasis on exploration, while still delivering thrilling action sequences.
Resident Evil 8 Village
This game is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. The positioning of this game in the series is quite evident as it serves as a direct continuation of the events in Resident Evil 7.
The game follows Ethan Winters, the main character, as he embarks on a terrifying adventure into uncharted territory. It appears that Ethan’s wife, Mia, has been murdered by Chris Redfield, and their daughter has been abducted and taken to a menacing town.