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It’s been 30 years since Resident Evil first graced us with its survival horror experience. Revisiting the games in order seems simple and nostalgic, until you realize just how many remakes and spin-offs there are.
That’s why we’ve mapped out every main Resident Evil game, both chronologically and by release, so you can follow the story naturally and get the full experience.
How to Play Resident Evil Games in Chronological Order?
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This order follows the in-universe timeline, letting you experience the story as it actually unfolds, from the very first T-virus outbreak to the latest events. It’s the best way to understand how everything connects: the rise of Umbrella, the fall of Raccoon City, and the long-running arcs of key characters.
By following this order, you will build the narrative naturally, making major twists, returning faces, and evolving threats feel far more impactful.
Game NameRelease YearPlatformsResident Evil 02002 (Remaster 2009)Original: GameCube Remaster: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, SwitchResident Evil1996 (Remake 2002) (Remaster 2015)Original: PlayStation, PC, Sega Saturn
Remaster: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, SwitchResident Evil 21998 (Remake 2019)Original: PlayStation, N64, Dreamcast, PC
Remake: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S, SwitchResident Evil 31999 (Remake 2020)Original: PlayStation, Dreamcast, PC
Remake: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/SResident Evil: Code Veronica2000 (Remaster 2011)Original: Dreamcast
Ports/Remaster: PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360Resident Evil 42005 (Remake 2023)Original: GameCube, PS2, Wii, PC
Remake: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/SResident Evil: Revelations2012 (Remaster 2013)Original: Nintendo 3DS
Remaster: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Switch, Wii UResident Evil 52009 (Gold/Remaster 2016)Original: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
Remaster: PS4, Xbox One, SwitchResident Evil: Revelations 22015PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, SwitchResident Evil 62012 (Remaster 2016)Original: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
Remaster: PS4, Xbox One, SwitchResident Evil 7: Biohazard2017PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S, SwitchResident Evil Village2021PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S, SwitchResident Evil Requiem2026PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
How to Play Resident Evil Games in Release Order?
Credit: Capcom
If you want to experience RE the way gamers originally did, following the release order is the way to go. It’s a great way to appreciate both the story and the history of this legendary franchise. Let’s dive in.
1. Resident Evil (1996)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 91
Platforms: PlayStation, PS3, PC, Sega Saturn
The game that started it all, Resident Evil, introduced players to Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they investigate a mysterious mansion. It defined survival horror with limited resources, puzzles, and fixed camera angles. Despite dated mechanics, its atmosphere remains iconic.
For the best experience, play the 2002 Remake version.
2. Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 91
Platforms: PlayStation, PS4, PS5, Xbox, N64, Dreamcast, PC
Set in a zombie-infested Raccoon City, this sequel follows Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield. It improved everything from the original, including storytelling and gameplay systems like dual scenarios. Widely regarded as one of the best in the series.
For the best experience, play the 2019 Remake version.
3. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 91
Platforms: PlayStation, PS4, PS5, PC, Dreamcast
This entry focuses on Jill Valentine escaping Raccoon City while being hunted by Nemesis. It leans more into action but keeps the survival horror core intact. The Nemesis enemy became one of gaming’s most memorable antagonists.
For the best experience, play the 2020 Remake version.
4. Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 94
Platforms: Dreamcast, PS2, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360
A major story continuation featuring Claire Redfield searching for her brother, Chris. It expands the lore around Umbrella and introduces new villains. Though not numbered, it’s a crucial mainline entry.
For the best experience, play the 2011 Remaster version.
5. Resident Evil 0 (2002)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 83
Platforms: GameCube, PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
A prequel that explores the origins of the T-virus and Umbrella. It introduces dual-character gameplay with Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen. While interesting narratively, it received mixed feedback due to its inventory mechanics.
For the best experience, play the 2002 version or later ports on GameCube, Wii, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, and Switch
6. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 96
Platforms: GameCube, PS2–PS5, Xbox, PC, Switch
A revolutionary entry that shifted the series toward action with an over-the-shoulder camera. Leon returns to rescue the president’s daughter in rural Spain. It influenced countless games and remains one of the best ever made.
For the best experience, play the 2023 Remake version.
7. Resident Evil 5 (2009)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 83
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox, PC, Switch
Set in Africa, this game focuses on Chris Redfield and introduces co-op gameplay. It builds on RE4’s mechanics but leans more heavily into action. While fun in co-op, it received criticism for reduced horror elements.
8. Resident Evil: Revelations (2012)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 82
Platforms: 3DS, PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
This marks the return to horror roots once again. It was set between RE4 and RE5. It features Jill Valentine and Chris investigating a bioterror threat at sea. The game balances tension and action well, especially for a handheld-origin title.
9. Resident Evil 6 (2012)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 67
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
This was an ambitious but divisive entry, which featured multiple campaigns and protagonists. It focuses heavily on action and global-scale threats. While it was filled with a great deal of content, it was criticized for straying too far from survival horror.
10. Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 75
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox, PC, Switch
An episodic sequel starring Claire Redfield and Barry Burton. It mixes horror and co-op gameplay with a stronger focus on story. Though it was not a groundbreaking entry, it was better received than RE6 (due to its focus on narrative and horror elements).
11. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 86
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC, Switch
This was a soft reboot of the franchise that returns to survival horror using a first-person perspective. Players control Ethan Winters in a terrifying rural setting. It revitalized the franchise and is considered one of its scariest entries.
12. Resident Evil Village (2021)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 84
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and One, PC, Switch
This is a direct sequel to RE7, blending horror with action in a gothic setting. It features diverse gameplay styles and arguably the most memorable villains, like Lady Dimitrescu. Overall, it’s a strong continuation of Ethan’s story.
13. Resident Evil Requiem (2026)
Credit: Capcom
Metacritic Score: 89
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch 2
The newest entry in the series is set years after the previous events. It blends first and third-person gameplay (features a new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, with the returning Leon Kennedy) while tying together long-running story threads, taking our protagonists back to Raccoon City, back where it all began.
New to Resident Evil? Where to Start
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If you are jumping into the franchise for the first time, a great place to start is Resident Evil 2 (its remake). It’s modern, tense, and scary enough to hook you while introducing key characters without needing any background. After that, you can go to Resident Evil 3 (its remake), as a natural follow-up.
From there, it’s your choice to either go back to see how it all began or leap forward into newer experiences like RE7 for full-on horror. If you’re more into action and classic gameplay, Resident Evil 4 (or its 2023 remake) is an absolute must-play.
Should I play chronological or release order?
Chronological order follows the story, release order shows how the gameplay evolved. Both are valid; choose based on your preference or priority.
Are all remakes better than originals?
Generally, yes, remakes present you with modern controls, graphics, and quality-of-life updates.
Do I need to play all games to understand the story?
Not necessarily. Playing the key numbered games and major remakes is enough to follow the main plot, though side entries add depth.
Are you a first-time player, or are you diving in to revisit the story from the very start? Comment below to let us know.
