The video game scene is enriched by a range of long-standing franchises, but few have carved a niche as deep and thrilling as Resident Evil. As a trailblazer in the survival horror domain, Resident Evil premiered back in 1996 under the purview of Capcom. Within a mere ten years, fans had a chance to dive into 14 distinct Resident Evil games.
Fast forward nearly three decades, and the Resident Evil franchise boasts an impressive portfolio with 30 titles overall. This includes 10 core games intertwined with 20 spinoffs and remakes. For newcomers, stepping into this vast universe might seem daunting, especially when you consider how the earliest games have aged in looks and gameplay. Yet, if you’re ready to take the plunge, there are several pathways to explore these iconic titles.
### Getting Through Resident Evil: The Best Routes to Take
#### Release Order
One straightforward way to engage with the Resident Evil series is by following its release order. This means beginning with the legendary 1996 debut and progressing through the games as they were launched, culminating in 2021’s Resident Evil Village. Here’s the order you’d follow:
1. Resident Evil
2. Resident Evil 2
3. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
4. Resident Evil Survivor
5. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica
6. Resident Evil Survivor 2 – Code: Veronica
7. Resident Evil Gaiden
8. Resident Evil Remake
9. Resident Evil Zero
10. Resident Evil: Dead Aim
11. Resident Evil Outbreak
12. Resident Evil Outbreak: File 2
13. Resident Evil 4
14. Resident Evil: Deadly Silence
15. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
16. Resident Evil 5
17. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles
18. Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D
19. Resident Evil: Revelations
20. Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City
21. Resident Evil 6
22. Resident Evil: Revelations 2
23. Umbrella Corps
24. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
25. Resident Evil 2 Remake
26. Resident Evil 3 Remake
27. Resident Evil: Resistance
28. Resident Evil Village
29. Resident Evil Re:Verse
30. Resident Evil 4 Remake
For those determined to leave no stone unturned, delving into the spinoffs and remakes interspersed between mainline games provides a holistic experience of the franchise. However, be warned that some of these spinoffs aren’t easily playable on modern consoles, and a few don’t qualify as must-plays. By experiencing the games in this sequence, you’ll witness the franchise’s evolution in gameplay and narrative. This method offers the most genuine journey through the Resident Evil series, although it may not be the most optimal.
#### Chronological Order
If diving into the deep lore of Resident Evil sounds enticing, considering playing the games in chronological sequence might be right up your alley. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing story and character arcs. The chronological rundown is as follows:
1. Resident Evil Zero
2. Resident Evil
3. Resident Evil 2
4. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
5. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica
6. Resident Evil 4
7. Resident Evil: Revelations
8. Resident Evil 5
9. Resident Evil: Revelations 2
10. Resident Evil 6
11. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
12. Resident Evil Village
This order skips many spinoffs, which often don’t add significantly to the broader storyline. Even though some, like Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, introduce interesting plot points, they don’t heavily impact the main narrative.
#### Starting with Remakes
Though it might seem unconventional to some purists, diving into the series with the recent remakes offers a beginner-friendly approach. These remakes bring modern graphics and gameplay enhancements that make them more accessible compared to their late ’90s counterparts. Once you’re hooked, you’ll likely find the earlier titles more appealing, even with their retro controls and visuals.
The Resident Evil franchise, rich in its narrative and gameplay evolution, provides multiple avenues for exploration. Whether you’re relishing the authenticity of the release order or immersing yourself in its intricate chronology, these games promise a captivating journey through the eerie world of survival horror.
