If Resident Evil 5 and 6 aren’t your thing, start with Resident Evil 2 (the remake) for a modern survival-horror direction. Try Resident Evil 7 biohazard for a very different horror setting and perspective; choose Resident Evil 4 if you still want action but prefer a more focused premise. If you enjoy 7, Resident Evil Village continues Ethan Winters’ story.
Which Resident Evil should you try first?
Resident Evil 2 is the best general starting point if you want to move toward survival horror. Capcom’s official history describes Leon and Claire trying to survive a city devastated by the t-virus, and identifies the game as a remake of the 1998 entry. Capcom’s series history supports the premise and chronology; calling it the strongest fit is a recommendation, not an official ranking.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Resident Evil Origins Collection - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition | $19.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Resident Evil Village Gold ED - PS5 | $24.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Resident Evil Origins Collection (PS4) | $22.05 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Resident Evil Origins Collection - Nintendo Switch | $37.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Resident Evil Origins Collection (Xbox One) | $39.33 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The franchise is framed by Capcom as survival horror, but the title alone doesn’t reveal what you disliked about 5 and 6. You might be looking for more tension, a different perspective, less action, or simply a tighter story. Use the distinctions below to choose rather than assuming one game will suit every reader.
Choose by what you want from the series
| If you want… | Try… | Why it may fit |
|---|---|---|
| A modern survival-horror direction | Resident Evil 2 (remake) | Leon and Claire face a t-virus-devastated city; it revisits the 1998 game in remake form. |
| A markedly different horror setting | Resident Evil 7 biohazard | Ethan searches for Mia at the Baker residence in Louisiana, a setting Capcom describes as the beginning of his steps into survival horror. |
| Action with a focused premise | Resident Evil 4 | Leon confronts a dangerous cult and mind-controlling parasites. It remains an action-oriented option rather than the most horror-focused recommendation here. |
| A follow-up to Resident Evil 7 | Resident Evil Village | It follows Ethan after the Baker House incident as he tries to save his daughter. |
| More of the Raccoon City story | Resident Evil 3 (remake) | Capcom places its story around the events of Resident Evil 2 and identifies it as a remake of the 1999 game. |
These comparisons draw on Capcom’s official premises and chronology. The judgments about atmosphere, action emphasis, and likely fit are editorial guidance, not Capcom ratings.
#1 Best Overall
- Return to the series origins - Discover the truth behind what led to the horrors at the Mansion in Resident Evil in this fan-favorite and popular prequel title to the series.
- Completely enhanced visuals - New high-resolution textures have been created from scratch, including 1080p support on next-gen consoles, while still preserving the classic appearance of the original release.
- Fan-favorite Resident Evil characters - Rookie S.T.A.R.S. member Rebecca Chambers and wanted criminal Billy Coen combine skills and buddy up to survive the undead and infected nightmares that await them.
- All original difficulty levels plus new Very Easy Mode for novice players
Why Resident Evil 7 is a strong alternative
Resident Evil 7 changes the setting from the Raccoon City outbreak to the Baker residence. Capcom’s history says Ethan Winters goes to Louisiana looking for his wife, Mia, whom he thought was dead, and that his search leads to the Baker home. That intimate, contained premise makes 7 a sensible choice if your main objection to 5 and 6 is their more expansive action direction.
It is also a good pick if you want to see whether a different horror approach works for you before following the series into Village. The recommendation is about the premise and contrast—not a guarantee that every player who dislikes 5 and 6 will enjoy 7.
Rank #2
- A New Perspective – See the eighth core entry in the Resident Evil series from a new vantage point in “Third Person Mode.” In addition to the intense first-person view players enjoyed in the initial release of Resident Evil Village, they can now watch Ethan in action and experience his journey from a new angle in Resident Evil Village Gold Edition and the Winters’ Expansion.
- The Story Continues – “Shadows of Rose” resumes the Winters family saga 16 years after the events of Resident Evil Village. The expansion’s new tale follows Rose Winters, the daughter of main protagonist Ethan, as she struggles with her terrifying powers. Explore the warped and twisted world inside the consciousness of the Megamycete in search of a cure.
- The Mercenaries Are Back and Bigger Than Ever – The beloved battle-the-clock mode, “The Mercenaries,” returns with new features. On top of the original content, “The Mercenaries Additional Orders” introduces fan favorites as new playable characters Lady Dimitrescu, Chris Redfield, and Lord Karl Heisenberg, each with their own unique abilities. This added content for Resident Evil Village Gold Edition and the Winters’ Expansion also includes new levels and other improvements.
- Bonus Game – Resident Evil Village will provide access to a free multiplayer experience titled Resident Evil Re:Verse, which releases on Oct. 28, 2022 alongside the launch of Resident Evil Village Gold Edition and the Winters’ Expansion. An all-star cast of iconic characters face off in four to six-player deathmatch battles in classic locations.
- Familiar Faces and Fresh Foes – Resident Evil series hero Chris Redfield returns under a shroud of seemingly sinister motives. Ethan will also encounter a host of new adversaries inhabiting the enigmatic village, all with their own distinctive attacks.
When Resident Evil 4 makes more sense
If you still want combat and momentum, consider Resident Evil 4 instead of looking only for the most horror-focused game. Capcom’s official history centers it on Leon, a dangerous cult, and mind-controlling parasites. Its premise is more focused than a broad outbreak scenario, but it is still an action-oriented choice; pick it for that balance, not because it is the closest match to pure survival horror.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Follow the stories in a useful order
- For a Raccoon City route: start with Resident Evil 2, then consider Resident Evil 3, whose story takes place around the events of 2.
- For Ethan Winters’ story: play Resident Evil 7 before Village. Capcom connects Village to the Baker House incident and follows Ethan as he tries to save his daughter.
Capcom’s official history describes the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 as versions of the 1998 and 1999 games, respectively. These recommendations distinguish remake from original format; they do not claim that a remake replaces every reason to play the original.
Rank #3
- Return to the series' origins
- Enhanced visuals
- remastered sound effects
- Wesker mode
Check the platform and edition before buying
Capcom’s lineup lists games and platform categories, but platform support, editions, and regional availability can vary. Confirm the current listing for your region and the specific edition you want before purchasing.
For series context, Capcom describes Resident Evil as survival horror and says the original game was released in 1996. Its Resident Evil Portal also reports sales of “over a 100 million copies,” without showing a publication year for that figure.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Return to the series' origins - Discover the truth behind the horrors at the Mansion, and all that came before on the Ecliptic Express with this bundle of two fan-favourite titles
- Completely enhanced visuals - Both games now have high-resolution textures that have been created from scratch, including 1080p support on next-gen consoles, while still preserving the classic appearance of the original releases
- Fully remastered sound effects - 5.1 surround support provides a more experiential gaming atmosphere that best matches players' listening environments
- Introducing Wesker Mode - For the first time ever in Resident Evil 0, players can experience the events leading up to the iconic Mansion outbreak playing as alternative character Albert Wesker, including a special themed outfit and amazing new powers. This mode will provide series fans and newcomers with even more ammo to enjoy!
Rank #4
- Return to the series origins - Discover the truth behind the horrors in the Resident Evil mansion, as well as what led up to them, in these titles which mark the beginning of the Resident Evil timeline.
- Relive the classic horror in either its original settings or modified to modern-day standards
- Play as Albert Wesker in Resident Evil 0 - After completing the main campaign, players will be able to take control of the fan-favorite series antagonist, complete with his Uroboros powers from Resident Evil 5, to wreak havoc in the all new Wesker Mode
- Play Anywhere: Play Resident Evil Origins Collection on the go using the Nintendo Switch system's handheld or tabletop mode
