Categories Game Guides

To experience the Resident Evil series in chronological order, follow this sequence:

  1. Resident Evil 0 (1998)
  2. Resident Evil (1998) – Includes the original or its remake.
  3. Resident Evil 3 (1998, starts before/during RE2)
  4. Resident Evil 2 (1998)
  5. Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000)
  6. Resident Evil 4 (2004)
  7. Resident Evil Revelations (2005)
  8. Resident Evil 5 (2009)
  9. Resident Evil Revelations 2 (2011)
  10. Resident Evil 6 (2013)
  11. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
  12. Resident Evil Village (2021)

This order follows the main timeline, including key spinoffs (Revelations). Flashbacks in later games (e.g., Village’s DLC) may reference earlier events.

How to play the Resident Evil games in Chronological order

Since Capcom launched its inaugural survival horror title over twenty-five years ago, the franchise has evolved into a multimedia phenomenon encompassing remakes, animated series, and experimental gameplay shifts. Newcomers often face uncertainty about optimal entry points and chronological continuity when exploring this iconic universe.

Our comprehensive roadmap explores both narrative chronology and historical release patterns, offering clarity for fresh players preparing for next year’s anticipated installment. Discover strategic approaches to experiencing the sprawling saga while maintaining narrative coherence.

Experiencing the Resident Evil Saga Sequentially

While each title functions independently, following the fictional timeline enhances understanding of recurring characters and corporate conspiracies. The series weaves through decades of biological weapon development and outbreak containment efforts, with prequels and sequels creating complex interconnections.

Narrative Chronology Guide

This sequence presents major franchise entries in story-dictated order, excluding minor spin-offs:

Resident Evil Zero (2002)

Rebecca Chambers aiming at a zombie on a train in the survival horror game Resident Evil Zero.
Resident Evil Zero was one of three games in the series originally released as a GameCube exclusive. |

This prequel introduces rookie medic Rebecca Chambers during a viral outbreak investigation aboard a derailed train. Players alternate between Rebecca and fugitive Billy Cohen, uncovering early Umbrella Corporation experiments. Gameplay preserves classic inventory management and fixed camera perspectives while expanding lore about viral origins.

Resident Evil (1996)

Jill Valentine holding a gun by a fireplace in the survival horror game Resident Evil Zero.
The original Resident Evil game was remade in 2002, and has since received an HD re-release for modern platforms. |

The inaugural survival horror masterpiece tasks players with escaping a zombified mansion while managing scarce resources. Dual protagonists Jill and Chris offer distinct playthrough experiences, establishing franchise staples like puzzle-solving and environmental storytelling. The 2002 remake enhances atmospheric tension with updated visuals while maintaining core gameplay mechanics.

Resident Evil 2 (1998)

Leon Kennedy holding a knife as he is attacked by a zombie in the Resident Evil 2 remake.
Resident Evil 2 is one of the most iconic games of the PS1 era. It was remade from the ground up in 2019. |

Expanding the outbreak to Raccoon City, this sequel introduces rookie cop Leon Kennedy and vengeance-seeking Claire Redfield. Their intertwined narratives showcase urban survival challenges against mutated creatures. The 2019 remake revolutionized the classic with modern controls and enhanced视觉效果 for contemporary audiences.

Resident Evil 3 (1999)

Jill Valentine holding a gun and loading it in the Resident Evil 3 remake.
Resident Evil 3 was the final mainline game released on the PS1. It was remade with the RE Engine and released in 2020. |

Jill Valentine’s desperate escape from Raccoon City introduces relentless bio-weapon Nemesis. The remake streamlines exploration while intensifying chase sequences, condensing urban environments for heightened pacing. Time-sensitive decisions and adaptive enemies create persistent tension throughout the campaign.

Resident Evil – Code: Veronica (2000)

Claire Redfield with a gun pointed at her in Resident Evil Code Veronica.
Resident Evil Code Veronica was originally released as a Dreamcast exclusive. |

Claire’s search for her brother Chris leads to a Antarctic research facility housing new biological threats. This Dreamcast exclusive introduced real-time environments and dual-wielding mechanics, bridging classic gameplay with technical innovations.

Resident Evil 4 (2005)

Leon Kennedy holding a gun in the Resident Evil 4 remake.
Resident Evil 4 is one of the most groundbreaking games in the series. A remake was released in 2023. |

Leon’s mission to rescue the president’s daughter introduced revolutionary over-the-shoulder combat and dynamic enemy behaviors. The 2023 remake preserves strategic shooting mechanics while enhancing environmental interactivity and narrative depth.

Resident Evil Revelations (2012)

Jill Valentine onboard an abandoned cruise ship in Resident Evil Revelations.
The spin-off Revelations game was originally released for the 3DS, before heading to consoles. |

This handheld-originated title returns to claustrophobic horror aboard a haunted cruise liner. Episodic structure and weapon customization options complement the series’ traditional exploration elements.

Resident Evil 5 (2009)

Chris and Sheva looking at something below them in Resident Evil 5.
Resident Evil 5 built on the action-focused blueprint that RE4 laid before it. |

Cooperative play defines this African outbreak scenario, pairing veteran Chris Redfield with local agent Sheva Alomar. While expanding action elements alienated some fans, inventory management innovations and set-piece battles create explosive moments throughout.

Resident Evil Revelations 2 (2015)

Claire Redfield attacking a monstrous creature in Resident Evil Revelations 2.
Revelations 2 is currently the final game released in the Resident Evil spin-off series. |

Split narrative perspectives highlight this prison island mystery, introducing stealth mechanics and asymmetric co-op gameplay. Environmental storytelling layers reveal connections to franchise antagonists while experimenting with survival mechanics.

Resident Evil 6 (2012)

Leon Kennedy holding a gun in a tense standoff with another character in Resident Evil 6.
Resident Evil 6 features four intersecting campaigns, including one with RE2 and RE4 hero Leon. |

Four intersecting campaigns explore global bioweapon threats through perspectives including Leon Kennedy and Albert Wesker’s son. Despite mixed reception for its action focus, the title delivers varied gameplay styles and massive scale conflicts beyond previous installments.

Resident Evil 7 (2017)

Ethan Winters holding his hands up trying to protect himself from Jack Baker in Resident Evil 7.
Resident Evil 7 is the first game in the series to ditch the third-person perspective and go first-person. |

Shifting to first-person immersion, this Louisiana bayou nightmare emphasizes psychological tension over action. Protagonist Ethan Winters’ search for his missing wife introduces persistent stalker enemies and environmental puzzles reminiscent of early franchise entries.

Resident Evil Village (2021)

Lady Dimitrescu, flanked by other sinister characters, looking at Ethan Winters in Resident Evil Village.
Village is the eighth Resident Evil gane, and the concluding chapter of Ethan’s story. |

Ethan’s final chapter transports players to a mutant-infested European village blending gothic horror with biological experimentation. Diverse environments and enemy types demand adaptive strategies, culminating in revelations about Winters’ familial legacy.

Historical Release Sequence

Chris Redfield about to shoot a zombie in the original Resident Evil game from 1996.
The original Resident Evil game, in all its 90s’ glory. |

For purists preferring original development timelines:

  • Resident Evil 4 Remake – (2023)
  • Resident Evil Village – (2021)
  • Resident Evil 3 Remake – (2020)
  • Resident Evil 2 Remake – (2019)
  • Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – (2017)
  • Resident Evil: Revelations 2 – (2015)
  • Resident Evil 6 – (2012)
  • Resident Evil: Revelations – (2012)
  • Resident Evil 5 – (2009)
  • Resident Evil 4 – (2005)
  • Resident Evil 0 – (2002)
  • Resident Evil 1 Remake – (2002)
  • Resident Evil: Code – Veronica – (2000)
  • Resident Evil 3: Nemesis – (1999)
  • Resident Evil 2 – (1998)
  • Resident Evil – (1996)

Supplementary titles include experimental gameplay formats and cooperative modes:

  • Umbrella Corps – (2016)
  • Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City – (2012)
  • Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D – (2011)
  • Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles – (2009)
  • Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles – (2007)
  • Resident Evil Outbreak: File 2 – (2004)
  • Resident Evil Outbreak – (2003)
  • Resident Evil: Dead Aim – (2003)
  • Resident Evil Gaiden – (2001)
  • Resident Evil Survivor 2 – (2001)
  • Resident Evil Survivor – (2000)

Future Franchise Developments

Grace Ashcroft at her desk in the FBI offices in Resident Evil Requiem, which is also known as Resident Evil 9.

February 2026 marks the launch of Resident Evil Requiem (RE9), featuring new protagonist Grace Ashcroft combating biological threats in reimagined Raccoon City locales. Players can toggle between first and third-person perspectives, with Nintendo Switch 2 functionality confirmed post-launch.

Mobile strategy title Resident Evil Survival Unit will debut later this year, combining legacy characters in tactical outbreak scenarios across multiple historical timelines.