How To Play The Resident Evil Games In Order

To play the Resident Evil games in order, start with Resident Evil 0, then play the original Resident Evil, followed by Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and so on, based on their release date or story chronology.

So, you’re ready to dive into the terrifying world of Raccoon City? Figuring out how to play the resident evil games in order can be a bit confusing with all the remakes and prequels. It’s not as simple as just going through the numbers.

The series has a rich, interconnected story, which means playing them in the right order is crucial for full enjoyment. Follow our guide, and you’ll understand the tangled web of bio-organic weapons and zombie outbreaks.

How to Play the Resident Evil Games in Order

The world of Resident Evil is a scary and exciting place! It’s full of zombies, monsters, and big mysteries. If you’re new to the series or just want to play the games in the right order, this guide is for you. We’ll break down the story and help you understand the best way to experience all the scares and thrills. Knowing how to play the Resident Evil games in order is not just about hitting ‘play’ on each title, it’s about experiencing the narrative in its intended progression and truly immersing yourself in the chilling lore that Capcom has meticulously crafted. Let’s dive in and figure out where to start!

Understanding the Different Ways to Play

Before we jump into the specific order of the games, it’s important to know that there are a couple of ways you can approach the series. There’s the chronological order, which follows the story’s timeline, and there’s the release order, which is how the games came out. Both ways offer different experiences.

Chronological Order: Following the Story

Playing in chronological order means you’re following the story as it happens in the Resident Evil universe. This is a great way to see how the events unfold, understand the relationships between characters, and see how the Umbrella Corporation’s evil plans develop. It makes the most sense for story focused players, but sometimes gameplay feels outdated as a result. For someone starting new, the chronological order provides a very linear story progression.

Release Order: Experiencing the Games as They Were Released

Release order is how the games were originally released, and it’s a good way to see how the series has changed and improved over time. This order can show the evolution of the graphics, gameplay mechanics, and story telling. Playing in release order, you may go back in time or jump forward, this can give you a unique perspective on how the game has advanced. This order sometimes makes the story slightly out of sync if you’re following the chronological order. But if you’re looking for an authentic retro experience, then playing in the release order is the way to go.

The Chronological Order of Resident Evil Games

Let’s take a look at the story order, it will help you understand the series’ plotline from start to finish.

Resident Evil 0 (2002)

This is where it all begins. Resident Evil 0 is a prequel, meaning it takes place before the first Resident Evil game. We follow Rebecca Chambers, a member of the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team, and Billy Coen, a former Marine, as they try to survive a horrifying incident on a train and then a creepy training facility in the Arklay Mountains. The game provides good background info on Umbrella and their terrible experiments that lead to outbreak, making it a solid starting point. Playing it first will let you see some characters early on that continue to appear throughout the series.

Resident Evil (1996) / Resident Evil Remake (2002)

Now comes the game that started it all, Resident Evil, or the Remake as it is more commonly played now. The remake of the original game which came out in 2002 is the one that most people play. You can play as either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, as members of the S.T.A.R.S. Alpha Team, as they investigate the strange happenings in the Arklay Mountains. This is where you get your first true look at the zombies and meet many of the main series characters. The plotline includes many of the same locations as Resident Evil 0. Playing through the remake is a must for all newcomers to the series.

Resident Evil 2 (1998) / Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)

Next up is Resident Evil 2. Again, the remake is the way most players choose to experience this entry. You’ll play as Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, as they navigate the zombie-infested Raccoon City. The events take place soon after those in Resident Evil, and we get to see how the outbreak affects the city as a whole. This game is known for its great story, memorable characters, and excellent action.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999) / Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020)

Sticking with the remakes, Resident Evil 3 puts us back into Raccoon City with Jill Valentine as the main protagonist. But this time, you are pursued by a hulking bioweapon called Nemesis, who is truly terrifying. The story takes place alongside the events of Resident Evil 2, so you’ll see familiar locations but from a different angle and with a sense of constant panic from the hulking menace you’re avoiding.

Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000)

Code Veronica moves the action to a remote island, where Claire Redfield is searching for her brother Chris. The story is pretty far removed from Raccoon City but still is linked in terms of the Umbrella story and some major characters. This one is a bit of an oldie but is important for the story arc. You can play this one if you want to keep going with the chronological order. The tone is a little bit different but the gameplay is still solid and fun to play.

Resident Evil 4 (2005) / Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)

Resident Evil 4 (specifically, the remake) is a turning point for the series. The game puts you in the shoes of Leon S. Kennedy, now a special agent, as he is sent on a mission to rescue the President’s daughter in a creepy part of Europe. This game changes the way the games play, offering new over the shoulder view and more of an action focus. Resident Evil 4 is consistently considered one of the best entries in the franchise and is a must play for anyone who loves the horror and action genres.

Resident Evil: Revelations (2012)

Resident Evil: Revelations takes place between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5. It focuses on Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they investigate the Queen Zenobia, a ghost ship full of bioweapons. This is a side story with a mix of horror and action. It is a solid entry if you want more story and some classic gameplay.

Resident Evil 5 (2009)

Resident Evil 5 is a direct sequel to the fourth game, with Leon replaced by Chris Redfield as the main protagonist. You’ll team up with Sheva Alomar in Africa to stop some pretty big and very scary bioweapon threats. This game features a lot more action and co-op gameplay. The story connects with the overall Umbrella Corporation’s bio-terrorist actions.

Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015)

Taking place after the events of Resident Evil 5, Revelations 2 is a continuation of the side series. We are given two scenarios in which we follow Claire Redfield and Barry Burton in a story set on a remote island again. These are fairly quick play throughs, and the plot is very important in leading the series to what it is now.

Resident Evil 6 (2012)

Resident Evil 6 is a massive game featuring multiple interconnected stories, starring Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, and Jake Muller. This one has a much more action-heavy focus and the story involves a very complex plot concerning a new type of bio-terrorists. This one is divisive for fans of the franchise as it is very action oriented.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)

Resident Evil 7 shifts the series in a new first-person perspective and focuses heavily on horror. It moves away from the usual cast and the Umbrella storyline. You play as Ethan Winters as you explore a creepy plantation and go up against some seriously messed up individuals. This entry feels like a soft reboot for the franchise, focusing on classic horror and less action than the previous titles. This one also marks a new style of storytelling which is different from previous entries.

Resident Evil Village (2021)

Resident Evil Village continues the story of Ethan Winters. This time Ethan finds himself in a village full of monsters in eastern Europe. The game takes the style established in the previous entry and greatly expands on it with a variety of monstrous enemies and a very cool setting. The story also greatly develops the lore with characters and events linking this game to the first few entries.

Resident Evil Re:Verse (2022)

This game is an online multiplayer experience featuring characters from the series. It isn’t a major part of the story, so it can be skipped if you want to play through the main story arc.

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways (2023)

This paid DLC of Resident Evil 4 Remake can be played after beating the main game. It focuses on the character Ada Wong and tells the same story but from a different perspective.

Resident Evil: Death Island (2023)

While this is an animated movie, it is considered canon. It takes place after Resident Evil 6 and Resident Evil 7 and before Resident Evil Village and features major protagonists of the series.

The Release Order of Resident Evil Games

Playing the games in the order they came out gives you a look into how the series has changed over time. The following is a list of mainline titles, that way you can focus on the most story pertinent games. Here’s how it looks:

Resident Evil (1996)
Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000)
Resident Evil 0 (2002)
Resident Evil (Remake) (2002)
Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Resident Evil 5 (2009)
Resident Evil: Revelations (2012)
Resident Evil 6 (2012)
Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015)
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)
Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020)
Resident Evil Village (2021)
Resident Evil Re:Verse (2022)
Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)
Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways DLC (2023)

While playing in release order is a good way to experience the series, note that this does not follow a linear story progression.

Which Order Should You Choose?

There’s no single right answer when it comes to picking the way to play. It depends on what you’re looking for in a video game experience:

If you want to deeply experience the story in a linear way and understand how the plot and characters evolve over time, the chronological order is the way to go. This path will take you from the beginning of the Umbrella plot to the latest twists of the series, showing you all the major plot points as they occur.
If you are interested in seeing how the series has improved and changed over time, and you love the retro gaming experience, play through the games in release order. You will be able to appreciate how the graphics, gameplay and story telling have been enhanced over the years.

Where to Start: Recommended Entry Points

If you’re completely new to the series, there are a couple of places where you can start that won’t confuse you:

Resident Evil Remake: This is the game that started the series and it has been enhanced so that it is the perfect game for a beginner. It features a good balance of horror and action, and has a good introduction to the series lore and main characters.
Resident Evil 2 Remake: This game is a great example of modern horror games and features all the aspects that make a Resident Evil game so great. It has a solid story and will quickly get you hooked.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard: This is a soft reboot to the series and offers a fresh perspective of the world. It features very intense gameplay and is a good place to start for horror lovers.

From any of these three, you can then explore the full series either in chronological order or release order.

A Few Tips for Playing the Resident Evil Games

Save Often: Resident Evil games are challenging, and you’ll want to save your progress often. You never know what terrifying situations you might find yourself in around the next corner.
Conserve Ammunition: Ammo can be scarce, so use it wisely. Try to aim for enemy weak points.
Explore Carefully: There are secrets hidden in the areas, and if you explore each area carefully, you’re sure to find resources.
Be Patient: These games have a learning curve. Don’t give up if you struggle at first. Each game is different and may require a different strategy.

Playing the Resident Evil games in order is a fantastic way to experience the amazing story and thrilling gameplay. Whether you choose to go in chronological order or through release order, you will enjoy the experience of this iconic horror franchise. Each game has something great to offer and will have you looking over your shoulder for zombies. Have fun and good luck!

How To Play Resident Evil Games in The Right Order!

Final Thoughts

To play the main storyline, begin with Resident Evil 0, then proceed to Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3. After that, continue with Resident Evil – Code: Veronica.

Next, the must-play Resident Evil 4 is next. Follow this with Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6. The series continues with Resident Evil 7 and then Resident Evil Village. This is how to play the resident evil games in order.