If you’re trying to experience Resident Evil games in order, you’ve probably noticed that there isn’t just one correct answer. Some players recommend following the release dates to appreciate how the series evolved, while others insist the story timeline provides a smoother narrative. Add remakes, spin-offs, and multiplayer titles into the mix, and it can quickly become confusing.
The good news is that you don’t need to guess. Whether you’re playing on PS5, Xbox, PC, or another platform, this guide explains the Resident Evil games in order in both release and chronological story order. It also highlights which games are essential, which are optional, and the best path for new players.
Having played through most of the mainline entries over the years, one thing becomes clear: Resident Evil constantly reinvents itself without losing its survival horror identity. Understanding where each game fits makes the characters, recurring villains, and major events far more rewarding. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which game to start with and what to play next.
Resident Evil Games in Order of Release
For players who want to experience the franchise as longtime fans did, this is the official release sequence of the main games.
| Release Year | Game |
| 1996 | Resident Evil |
| 1998 | Resident Evil 2 |
| 1999 | Resident Evil 3: Nemesis |
| 2000 | Resident Evil – Code: Veronica |
| 2002 | Resident Evil (Remake) |
| 2002 | Resident Evil Zero |
| 2005 | Resident Evil 4 |
| 2009 | Resident Evil 5 |
| 2012 | Resident Evil 6 |
| 2017 | Resident Evil 7: Biohazard |
| 2019 | Resident Evil 2 Remake |
| 2020 | Resident Evil 3 Remake |
| 2021 | Resident Evil Village |
| 2023 | Resident Evil 4 Remake |
This order lets you watch the gameplay evolve from fixed camera angles and tank controls to modern third-person action and first-person survival horror.
Resident Evil Games in Story Order
If you care more about the timeline than release history, this is the chronological order.
1. Resident Evil Zero
The story begins before the famous mansion incident.
You follow Rebecca Chambers and escaped convict Billy Coen as they investigate mysterious murders linked to Umbrella’s early experiments.
2. Resident Evil (Remake)
The Spencer Mansion incident introduces Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Albert Wesker, and the origins of the T-Virus outbreak.
The 2002 remake remains the definitive version of the original game.
3. Resident Evil 2
Leon S. Kennedy’s first day as a police officer coincides with Raccoon City’s collapse.
Claire Redfield searches for her missing brother while uncovering Umbrella’s darkest secrets.
4. Resident Evil 3
Although much of this game overlaps with Resident Evil 2, Jill Valentine’s escape from Nemesis continues the Raccoon City storyline.
5. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica
Claire continues searching for Chris after escaping Raccoon City.
This game introduces major developments involving the Ashford family and expands Umbrella’s global influence.
6. Resident Evil 4
Years later, Leon is sent to rescue the U.S. President’s daughter from a remote European village.
Instead of zombies, players encounter Las Plagas parasites, marking a major shift for the franchise.
7. Resident Evil Revelations
This story fills important gaps between Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5.
It focuses primarily on Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield.
8. Resident Evil 5
Chris investigates a dangerous bioterrorism incident in Africa.
The game finally resolves one of the franchise’s longest-running rivalries.
9. Resident Evil Revelations 2
Set between Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6, this title follows Claire Redfield and Barry Burton.
10. Resident Evil 6
The largest-scale game in the franchise combines four interconnected campaigns featuring Leon, Chris, Jake Muller, and Ada Wong.
11. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
The series returns to survival horror.
Ethan Winters searches for his missing wife inside the terrifying Baker estate, introducing a fresh protagonist while quietly connecting back to earlier games.
12. Resident Evil Village
Village continues Ethan’s story while answering many questions raised in Resident Evil 7.
It also reveals surprising connections to the franchise’s earliest history.
Should You Play in Release Order or Story Order?
Both approaches work, but each creates a different experience.
Release Order is Best If You:
- Want to appreciate how gameplay evolved
- Enjoy seeing graphics improve naturally
- Like experiencing surprises as longtime fans did
- Don’t mind older mechanics
Story Order is Best If You:
- Care most about the narrative
- Prefer following character development
- Want events to happen chronologically
- Are new to the series
Best Resident Evil Play Order for PS5
Many players specifically search for Resident Evil games in order to play on PS5 because the console supports several remakes alongside modern entries.
A beginner-friendly order is:
- Resident Evil (Remake)
- Resident Evil 2 Remake
- Resident Evil 3 Remake
- Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Resident Evil 7
- Resident Evil Village
This provides an excellent balance between story, modern gameplay, and visual quality without requiring older hardware.
Which Resident Evil Games Are Essential?
If you don’t have time to play everything, prioritize these:
- Resident Evil (Remake)
- Resident Evil 2 Remake
- Resident Evil 4 (Original or Remake)
- Resident Evil 7
- Resident Evil Village
These titles cover the franchise’s biggest story moments while showcasing its different gameplay styles.
What About the Spin-Off Games?
Several spin-offs expand the universe but aren’t required.
Optional titles include:
- Resident Evil Revelations
- Resident Evil Revelations 2
- Resident Evil Outbreak
- Resident Evil Outbreak File #2
- Resident Evil Survivor
- Resident Evil Dead Aim
- Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
- Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles
- Resident Evil Resistance
- Resident Evil Re:Verse
These provide additional lore and side stories but aren’t necessary to understand the main narrative.
Original Games vs Remakes
One common question is whether to play the originals or the remakes.
Resident Evil (1996) vs Remake
The remake keeps the original story while improving graphics, level design, and atmosphere.
For most players, the remake is the better choice.
Resident Evil 2 vs Resident Evil 2 Remake
The remake modernizes combat and exploration without losing the core experience.
It’s generally considered the definitive version.
Resident Evil 3 vs Resident Evil 3 Remake
The remake offers excellent action and visuals but shortens several locations from the original.
Players interested in gaming history may eventually want to experience both versions.
Resident Evil 4 vs Resident Evil 4 Remake
Both remain outstanding.
The original revolutionized third-person shooters, while the remake deepens character development, improves combat, and modernizes pacing.
Common Mistakes New Players Make
Many newcomers unintentionally reduce their enjoyment of the series.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Starting with Resident Evil 6 because it looks modern
- Skipping Resident Evil 2
- Assuming every game features zombies
- Ignoring inventory management
- Playing only action-focused entries
- Expecting every game to use the same combat system
Resident Evil changes dramatically across its history, and embracing those differences is part of the experience.
Three Insights Many Guides Overlook
1. Resident Evil Isn’t One Genre
The series evolves through distinct phases. Early games emphasize puzzle-solving and resource management, the middle era leans into action, and later entries return to slower, more atmospheric horror. Understanding these shifts helps set realistic expectations instead of assuming every installment plays the same way.
2. Character Arcs Matter More Than the Timeline
Following Leon, Jill, Chris, Claire, or Ethan from one appearance to the next often feels more satisfying than sticking rigidly to chronology. If a particular character becomes your favorite, tracking their journey can create a stronger emotional connection than simply following dates.
3. Inventory Design Shapes the Horror
One subtle design choice that defines Resident Evil is limited inventory space. Deciding whether to carry ammunition, healing items, or puzzle objects creates constant tension. Many newer horror games imitate this mechanic, but Resident Evil uses it not just for difficulty—it influences exploration, pacing, and player decision-making.
FAQ
What is the correct Resident Evil games in order?
If you’re following the story, play Resident Evil Zero, Resident Evil (Remake), Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Code: Veronica, Resident Evil 4, Revelations, Resident Evil 5, Revelations 2, Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil 7, and Resident Evil Village. If you want to experience the franchise’s evolution, use the release order instead.
Should I play the Resident Evil remakes or the originals?
For most new players, the remakes are the best starting point because they modernize gameplay while preserving the main story. The originals remain worth playing if you’re interested in gaming history or want to see how the series developed.
Can I start with Resident Evil 7?
Yes. Resident Evil 7 introduces a new protagonist and tells a mostly self-contained story, making it an accessible entry point. However, playing earlier games later will help you appreciate returning characters and the broader lore.
Is Resident Evil Village a direct sequel?
Yes. Resident Evil Village continues Ethan Winters’ story immediately after Resident Evil 7. It expands the narrative while tying together several long-running mysteries within the series.
Are the Resident Evil spin-offs necessary?
Not for most players. The main numbered games tell the core story, while spin-offs provide additional background, character development, and world-building. They are enjoyable if you want more lore but can safely be skipped on your first playthrough.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Resident Evil games in order depends on what you value most. Release order lets you experience the franchise’s evolution exactly as longtime fans did, while story order creates a smoother narrative with clearer character progression. New players on modern platforms often get the best experience by beginning with the remakes before moving into Resident Evil 7 and Village.
The strength of Resident Evil isn’t just its monsters or jump scares. It’s the way each era experiments with gameplay while continuing a decades-long story filled with memorable heroes, unforgettable villains, and constantly evolving survival horror. Whether you play every title or focus on the essentials, understanding the sequence makes the journey significantly more rewarding.
