Resident Evil games in order: Release & story timeline

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The Resident Evil series has seen a lot of releases recently, and with the new game, Resident Evil Requiem, now available, many players are asking about the best way to experience the games in order.

With so many games – including sequels, side stories, and updated versions – it can be hard to figure out the correct order of events in the series.

Back in 1996, the original Resident Evil on PlayStation was visually groundbreaking, even if it looked a bit blocky and used static backgrounds. It’s amazing to think how far the series has come graphically over the last 30 years.

Below, we’ll walk you through the major releases in this series, and a few of the spin-offs, to help you follow the story in order.

We’ve tried our best to avoid spoilers, though some are unfortunately unavoidable, so beware!

How to play Resident Evil games in story order

Our recommended story order for the main Resident Evil games is:

  • Resident Evil 0
  • Resident Evil
  • Resident Evil 2
  • Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
  • Resident Evil Survivor (Light-gun game for PS2 and PC only)
  • Resident Evil: Code Veronica
  • Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (Light-gun game for Wii and PS3 only)
  • Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (Light-gun game Wii and PS3 only)
  • Resident Evil 4
  • Resident Evil: Revelations
  • Resident Evil 5
  • Resident Evil: Revelations 2
  • Resident Evil 6
  • Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
  • Resident Evil Village
  • Resident Evil Requiem

Not all of these games are currently available on today’s consoles, but we’ve included links to the best versions you can buy right now. We considered the remakes that have made the series easier to play on newer systems when making our recommendations.

To make things a little tricky, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis has events that happen both before and after Resident Evil 2. It’s roughly split evenly, so you could play about halfway through Resident Evil 3, finish Resident Evil 2, and then come back to finish the rest of Resident Evil 3. But honestly, it’s perfectly fine to just play Resident Evil 3 after finishing Resident Evil 2, like we suggested earlier.

The recent remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3 aren’t exact copies of the originals. They’ve been updated with expanded sections, new ideas, and even some removed content. You can choose to play the classic versions, the remakes, or both – it depends on whether you enjoy retro games or want to experience everything the series has to offer.

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Resident Evil games in release date order

If you’d like to experience the Resident Evil games as they were originally released, and watch the graphics improve over time, here’s the order to play them in. We’ve also included links to where you can still find and buy the games.

Resident Evil (1996)

As a huge horror fan, I recently revisited the original Resident Evil from 1996, and even though it doesn’t quite stack up to the newer games, it’s still easy to see what made it so special. The game mostly takes place inside this creepy mansion in Raccoon City, and it’s just the perfect place for some seriously tense moments and scares that will really get your heart racing!

Resident Evil 2 (1998)

In the second Resident Evil game, Raccoon City has been destroyed, and the goal is to escape with your life while uncovering the truth behind the disaster and who’s trying to hide it. The original Resident Evil 2 was a highly praised game, and the recently released remake is even more impressive.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)

In the third Resident Evil game, experienced agent Jill Valentine must escape a city overrun by a deadly virus. This version has been completely rebuilt with modern graphics for today’s consoles. The game features more action than previous installments, but still maintains a thrilling and enjoyable experience as you try to outrun the frightening Nemesis.

Resident Evil Survivor (2000)

Resident Evil Survivor is a first-person shooter game featuring light gun gameplay, and it marked the first big departure from the main Resident Evil series. The game has an intriguing story where you play as someone who’s lost their memory and is trying to uncover what happened, but it’s generally not well-regarded. Many fans feel it was simply made to capitalize on the popularity of the Resident Evil brand.

Resident Evil Code Veronica (2000)

Claire and Chris Redfield face a dangerous viral outbreak in a remote prison island and an Antarctic research facility – they’ve got a lot on their plate! The game lets you experience the story from both characters’ perspectives, and it was a fan favorite when it first came out. Even today, it’s still a great game with a compelling story and solid gameplay.

Resident Evil Gaiden (2001)

Okay, so Resident Evil Gaiden was this weird one on the Game Boy Color. It switched between looking down at everything and then suddenly putting you in the action, which was kinda cool for the time. Honestly, if you’re getting into Resident Evil now, you can probably skip it – it hasn’t aged super well. But if you’re a die-hard fan and want to collect everything, yeah, you might want to track down a copy.

Resident Evil Remake (2002)

The first major update to the classic Resident Evil came in 2002, and it’s a great way to experience the game’s origins without playing the very first version from the 90s. Originally released for GameCube and then Wii, it’s now available on all current consoles, including Nintendo Switch, with significantly improved graphics.

Resident Evil 0 (2002)

Resident Evil 0 is a prequel that lets you play as both Rebecca Chambers, a police officer and medic, and Billy Coen, a former Force Reconnaissance officer. Together, they investigate an old Umbrella Corporation training facility. Be warned: this game is known for being particularly challenging, as it was intentionally designed to be difficult.

Resident Evil: Dead Aim (2003)

Dead Aim is a light-gun shooter spin-off in the Resident Evil series that isn’t considered essential by most fans. It received lukewarm reviews when it was first released and hasn’t been updated or remade since, so it’s generally safe to skip if you’re playing through the main Resident Evil games.

Resident Evil Outbreak (2003)

Resident Evil Outbreak was the first game in the series to offer cooperative and online multiplayer, which was technically impressive for its time. However, it’s not considered one of the core Resident Evil games, so many players choose to skip it. The same applies to its sequel, Outbreak File 2, released in 2004.

Resident Evil 4 (2005)

The highly anticipated Resident Evil 4 remake has arrived, but the original game remains a classic. You play as Leon S. Kennedy, a US government agent, who is sent to rural Spain to rescue the president’s daughter from a dangerous cult. It’s a thrilling adventure!

Honestly, this game is incredible – easily one of my favorites in the whole series. So, yeah, I was super hyped for the remake! And if you’re looking for a totally immersive way to play, I’d definitely check out the VR version. It really pulls you into the story.

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Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (2007)

The Umbrella Chronicles is a fast-paced shooting game originally created for the Wii and later released on the PS3. As a side story to the main Resident Evil series, it was quite popular when it came out. The game delves into the secrets of the Umbrella Corporation, revisiting familiar events from past games and offering new perspectives on them.

Resident Evil 5 (2009)

In the fifth installment of the main Resident Evil series, agents Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar travel to West Africa. This game was the first designed for two players to experience the story together. While it’s a fantastic game, it shifted the focus more towards action, which some fans of the series’ original survival horror roots found disappointing.

Resident Evil The Darkside Chronicles (2009)

The Darkside Chronicles is a prequel to Resident Evil 4, revisiting storylines from Resident Evil 2 and Code: Veronica. Originally released for the Wii and later included in the HD Collection, the game received some criticism for its controls, but was generally well-received. However, understanding the previous games in the series is helpful, as the story can be confusing without that background knowledge.

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (2011)

This is another multiplayer game, and honestly, it’s not essential to play. However, those who enjoyed the Mercenaries mode in Resident Evil 4 were happy to see it developed into its own game. It’s likely not worth playing now unless you’re a dedicated fan.

Resident Evil Revelations (2012)

This game focuses on creating a scary and suspenseful atmosphere, aiming to recapture the fear that earlier installments of the series were known for after a shift towards more action. It was generally successful, with many players appreciating how tense and frightening the game was. The story takes place shortly after the events of Resident Evil 4 and is designed for the Nintendo 3DS.

Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (2012)

Despite receiving mixed reviews, this game was a commercial success. It featured both a single-player story mode and the ability for up to four players to team up online. The game’s story was set during the very beginning of the outbreak, happening around the same time as the events of Resident Evil 2 and 3 – essentially a related, but separate, storyline.

Resident Evil 6 (2012)

Resident Evil 6 features Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Jake Muller, and Ada Wong as playable characters, with the story divided into four separate campaigns, each focusing on one of them. However, many fans disliked this structure and felt the game prioritized action over the series’ signature horror. This was later addressed with a return to a scarier, more focused experience in Resident Evil 7.

Resident Evil Revelations 2 (2015)

This installment puts you back in control of Claire Redfield, and Barry Burton is playable for the first time. The story begins with Claire and others being kidnapped at a party and taken to a remote island in the Baltic Sea, where their situation quickly deteriorates. While the game has its ups and downs, it offers enough compelling moments to make it enjoyable.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)

Ethan Winters is the main character in the seventh core game, and he’s on a frantic search for his wife, who’s gone missing. He finds himself at an abandoned plantation, but it’s already inhabited by a dangerous, infected family who aren’t exactly happy to see him. This installment marked a shift back to the series’ survival horror origins, moving away from the more action-focused gameplay of recent titles and adopting a first-person perspective.

Resident Evil 2 remake (2019)

The Resident Evil 2 remake is a fantastic success story – it revitalizes the classic game while still satisfying longtime fans. It maintains the original’s atmosphere but updates the gameplay for a more modern, action-packed experience. It’s an excellent entry point for anyone new to the Resident Evil series, and a must-play for veterans.

Resident Evil 3 remake (2020)

While it doesn’t quite reach the same legendary status as the Resident Evil 2 remake, Resident Evil 3 is still a thrilling and scary action-horror game. It’s a fantastic entry point for newcomers to the series, offering a modern experience without the need to deal with older graphics or gameplay.

Resident Evil Resistance (2020)

You can probably skip this multiplayer game unless you have plenty of free time. Released with the Resident Evil 3 remake, it lets five players team up – one person creates the scary traps, and the others try to survive! It’s surprisingly enjoyable, though.

Resident Evil Village (2021)

Okay, so the last mainline Resident Evil game before the newest one… it didn’t quite scare me as much as some of the others, honestly. But what it lacked in pure frights, it more than made up for with some seriously cool monster designs and a story that really grabbed me right from the start! If you’re curious to hear everything I thought, you can check out my full Resident Evil Village review!

Resident Evil Re:Verse (2022)

Okay, so I just played the newest Resident Evil game, and honestly, it’s…fine. The idea is cool – six-player deathmatches with all my favorite characters in classic locations! But it didn’t totally blow me away. Reviews haven’t been amazing, so I guess we’re still waiting for that perfect Resident Evil multiplayer experience. It’s fun, but not something I’m raving about, you know?

Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)

The newest Resident Evil remake is a fantastic reimagining of a beloved classic, and it’s truly excellent. If you haven’t experienced it yet, check out our review! While the story stays true to the original, there are some unexpected twists and turns.

Resident Evil Requiem (2026)

The latest Resident Evil game, Resident Evil Requiem, generated a lot of excitement. It features the popular character Leon Kennedy, along with a new character, Grace Ashcroft, who is the daughter of Alyssa from the earlier game, Resident Evil Outbreak. It’s no surprise that fans are already enjoying it.

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Authors

Joe JuliansEntertainment Journalist
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2026-02-23 15:39