Yes. You can start with Resident Evil 4; earlier games are optional, not required background. PlayStation’s official Resident Evil 4 FAQ says the survival-horror game “can be enjoyed without any prior knowledge of the series.”
Do you need to play the other Resident Evil games first?
No. Resident Evil 4 gives you a new mission and immediate stakes, so you do not need to know the earlier games’ plots to follow its basic story. You can play it first without completing the series in release order.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Resident Evil 4 - PS4 | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Resident Evil 4 - PS5 | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Resident Evil 4 - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition | $18.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Resident Evil Origins Collection - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition | $19.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Resident Evil 4 | $73.68 | Buy on Amazon |
What does Resident Evil 2 add?
The main optional connection is Leon S. Kennedy: he is the protagonist of Resident Evil 4 and previously appeared in Resident Evil 2. Ada Wong also returns from Resident Evil 2. Playing that game first gives you more background on these characters, especially Leon, but it is not a prerequisite.
| Start with | Best fit | What you gain |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil 4 | You want to play RE4 now. | The game’s story works without prior series knowledge, according to PlayStation’s official FAQ. |
| Resident Evil 2, then RE4 | You want more of Leon’s earlier story before meeting him in RE4. | Added character context; it is optional for understanding RE4. |
Which Resident Evil 4 are you considering?
Resident Evil 4 can mean the original game, released in 2005, or its 2023 remake. Capcom describes the remake as a reworking of the original’s story with modernized gameplay; PlayStation calls it a ground-up remake with a reimagined storyline. It is not simply a frame-for-frame copy.
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#1 Best Overall
- Reawaken a Classic – Resident Evil 4 preserves the essence of the original game, now reconstructed using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine to deliver realistic visuals and additional narrative depth to the iconic story that was not possible at the time of the original release.
- Modernized Gameplay – The team from 2019’s Resident Evil 2 returns to build upon the series’ modern approach to survival horror. Engage in frenzied combat with the Ganados villagers, explore a European village gripped by madness, and solve puzzles to access new areas and collect useful items for Leon and Ashley’s constant struggle to survive.
- Overwhelming Hordes – Face hordes of rabid enemies that threaten to overwhelm Leon with even more diverse methods of attack than in the original release.
- Survive on a Knife’s Edge – Years of intense training have taught Leon new ways to use his knife, helping to even the odds against the unrelenting onslaught of enemies. By parrying enemy attacks, you can avoid debilitating damage and evade lunging enemies seeking to grab Leon and hold him in place. Make smart use of scavenged knives to deliver precise finishing moves on vulnerable enemies, and even use the element of surprise to quietly dispatch unsuspecting foes before they break.
- Reimagined Story – Resident Evil 4 dials up the original release’s key feelings of loneliness and the fear of enemies blinded by zealotry, while providing more nuanced depictions of the character motivations and relationships that defined the 2005 survival horror icon.
The remake follows Leon six years after the events of Resident Evil 2. He is sent to a secluded European village to investigate the disappearance of U.S. President’s daughter Ashley Graham. Capcom’s launch announcement identifies the mission, while PlayStation describes the game as a mix of horror and action.
Capcom lists the remake’s release date as March 24, 2023, and its platforms as PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The PlayStation product page is scoped to PS4 and PS5; check the platform catalog or retailer listing for current regional availability and edition details.
Rank #2
- Reawaken a Classic – Resident Evil 4 preserves the essence of the original game, now reconstructed using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine to deliver realistic visuals and additional narrative depth to the iconic story that was not possible at the time of the original release.
- Modernized Gameplay – The team from 2019’s Resident Evil 2 returns to build upon the series’ modern approach to survival horror. Engage in frenzied combat with the Ganados villagers, explore a European village gripped by madness, and solve puzzles to access new areas and collect useful items for Leon and Ashley’s constant struggle to survive.
- Overwhelming Hordes – Face hordes of rabid enemies that threaten to overwhelm Leon with even more diverse methods of attack than in the original release.
- Survive on a Knife’s Edge – Years of intense training have taught Leon new ways to use his knife, helping to even the odds against the unrelenting onslaught of enemies. By parrying enemy attacks, you can avoid debilitating damage and evade lunging enemies seeking to grab Leon and hold him in place. Make smart use of scavenged knives to deliver precise finishing moves on vulnerable enemies, and even use the element of surprise to quietly dispatch unsuspecting foes before they break.
- Survive on a Knife’s Edge – Years of intense training have taught Leon new ways to use his knife, helping to even the odds against the unrelenting onslaught of enemies. By parrying enemy attacks, you can avoid debilitating damage and evade lunging enemies seeking to grab Leon and hold him in place. Make smart use of scavenged knives to deliver precise finishing moves on vulnerable enemies, and even use the element of surprise to quietly dispatch unsuspecting foes before they break.
Should you start with RE4?
If RE4 is the game you want to play, start there. Choose Resident Evil 2 first only if you specifically want Leon’s earlier story and extra context for returning characters. Neither choice requires you to play the rest of the series first.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- Legendary Visuals - Resident Evil 4 features a breathtaking visual style and effects.
- Behind the Camera View - The camera follows you from behind and allows for intuitive and comfortable movement in this survival horror third-person shooter.
- Hordes of Enemies - Tackle creatures that defy the laws of nature, including horrific new creatures infested by a threat called Las Plagas.
- Advanced AI - Enemies are smarter than ever and will use their cunning abilities to team up and attack the player en masse.
- Mercenaries Mode - A fast-paced test of skill where you can play as fan favorites like Wesker or Hunk on a mission to wipe out hordes of enemies to earn the high score
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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