With Resident Evil Village having already been released and the Resident Evil series continuing to thrive, now is a great time to dive into Capcom’s iconic survival horror franchise—whether you’re revisiting the series or starting fresh. But where should you begin? The Resident Evil timeline can be complex, and understanding the progression of the story is essential to fully appreciate the more recent entries. So, here’s an updated guide to all the Resident Evil games in chronological order, along with the standout titles that have shaped the series into the legendary franchise it is today.
- Resident Evil 0
- Resident Evil
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (First Half)
- Resident Evil 2
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (Second Half)
- Resident Evil Survivor
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica
- Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles
- Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
- Resident Evil 4
- Resident Evil: Revelations
- Resident Evil 5
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2
- Umbrella Corps
- Resident Evil 6
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Resident Evil Village
How Resident Evil 0 Re-establishes The Series Origins
Neatly setting up the events that would unfold in technically the second game in the Resident Evil chronology, Resident Evil 0 introduces us to new protagonists Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen, who are attempting to stop a mysterious biological attack onboard a speeding train. Notably, Resident Evil 0 would also introduce a switching mechanic which allowed players to switch to and from Billy and Rebecca in order to solve puzzles.
The Original Resident Evil – The Godfather Of Survival Horror
The game which started it all. Resident Evil took players into the world’s creepiest mansion located on the outskirts of Racoon City as they took control of S.T.A.R.S operatives Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, shooting all manner of horrid things and solving puzzles as they sought to discover the sinister origins of the T-Virus infection. From the timelessly scary infected dogs leaping through the hallway windows to a climactic fight with the monstrous tyrant, Resident Evil is nothing less than a true survival horror classic and one that absolutely shines in its current remade form.
Why Resident Evil 2 Is Rightfully Regarded As Being One Of The Series Best Entries
Held in almost equal regard to the first game, Resident Evil 2 expands the scope of its predecessor’s survival horror trappings by opening up the action to a massive chunk of Racoon City itself. Throw in some superbly memorable characters that would go on to be series mainstays such as Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield and Ada Wong, coupled with an absolutely stunning remake which was released in early 2019, and it soon becomes clear that Resident Evil 2 is utterly unmissable and easily one of the best games in the entire franchise.
Resident Evil 4 Shook Up The Series In Ways That Would Be Felt For Years
Though third-person survival horror shooters might feel a little oversaturated these days, back in 2005 Resident Evil 4 was not only carving out an all-new subgenre but also an entirely new direction for the Resident Evil franchise itself. Much more than just a change of perspective, Resident Evil 4 also ushered in a much more action-heavy direction that the series would embrace in Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 respectively. In Resident Evil 4, Capcom arguably perfected their craft with satisfying gunplay, stunningly grotesque monsters and the return of Leon Kennedy as he attempts to root out a mysterious cult from a rural Spanish village.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Would Take The Series Into Unfamiliar First-Person Territory
Representing yet another paradigm shift for the series, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard would take the series into the first-person perspective for the first time. Bringing a whole new level of fear as a result, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard would also strike a pitch-perfect mix of combat, puzzle solving and exploration. More than that, Capcom’s first foray into first-person perspective shenanigans would also introduce us to not just the delectably fiendish Baker family, but also the enigmatic Ethan Winters, who will be making his return in Resident Evil Village…
