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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFor most newcomers who want modern third-person survival horror, start with Resident Evil 2 (2019). Choose Resident Evil 7: Biohazard if you specifically want first-person horror, or the 2002 remake of Resident Evil if you want to begin with the series’ original story. You do not need to play every earlier game first: pick the entry that best matches the experience you want.
Choose by the kind of experience you want
The most useful first question is not “What is the complete story order?” but “Which version of Resident Evil sounds most appealing to play?” The series has several plausible entry points, and Capcom’s beginner guide, published October 18, 2024, is explicitly intended to help players choose a first or next game. That is a better approach than treating a long-running franchise as a mandatory checklist.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Resident Evil 2 - PlayStation 5 | $15.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Resident Evil 2 Remake PS4 | $23.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Resident Evil 2 Remake - PS5 - UK PAL | $24.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Resident Evil 3 - PlayStation 5 | $18.13 | Buy on Amazon |
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| If you want… | Start with… | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| A modern third-person survival-horror introduction | Resident Evil 2 (2019 remake) | PlayStation describes it as retaining the series’ roots while updating visuals and gameplay. |
| First-person horror and a new storyline | Resident Evil 7: Biohazard | Its official introduction describes a new beginning for the series and a first-person perspective. |
| The earliest core story in remake form | Resident Evil (2002 remake) | It retells the original game’s opening story in the remake version released in 2002. |
| A more action-oriented entry set later than Resident Evil 2 | Resident Evil 4 | Its official introduction places Leon’s story after the events of Resident Evil 2. Treat its suitability as a beginner pick as a preference-based judgment, not an official ranking. |
| To continue Ethan Winters’ story | Resident Evil Village, after Resident Evil 7 | The official introductory descriptions connect the two games as part of Ethan’s continuing story. |
For an undecided newcomer, Resident Evil 2 (2019) is the safest general recommendation in this guide because it offers a contemporary way into the series’ survival-horror roots. “Safest” here means the best all-around match for someone who wants a modern entry point, not that every player will prefer it or that it is officially designated the universally best starting game.
Think of the choices as different doorways rather than rungs on one required ladder. Resident Evil 2 is the broad default if your preferences are still open. Resident Evil 7 is the more decisive pick when you already know you want first-person horror. The 2002 Resident Evil remake is for someone who values the historical opening more than a contemporary presentation. Resident Evil 4 is a reasonable preference-led start for players who want the later, more action-oriented direction. The best first game is the one whose style makes you want to play, not necessarily the oldest one or the entry with the biggest reputation.
#1 Best Overall
- TERRIFYING ZOMBIES WAITING AROUND EVERY CORNER -- Driven by insatiable hunger, these creatures act on instinct, gnashing their teeth, ripping at flesh, and devouring their victims. The new immersive camera lets you feel their fangs as they sink into your flesh.
- RACCOON CITY, REBUILT IN INTRICATE DETAIL -- The characters, environments, and story have all been rebuilt from the ground up to create a terrifying world that feels both nostalgic and new.
- NEW FOR PLAYSTATION5 – Upgraded features new to the PlayStation5 version of the game include a higher frame rate, 3D audio, added ray tracing, and engaging DualSense support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers.
Why Resident Evil 2 (2019) is the default recommendation
The 2019 remake is a strong first choice if your goal is to sample the core survival-horror identity in a modern presentation. PlayStation’s description emphasizes that it preserves the series’ roots while bringing updated visuals and gameplay. That combination makes it a useful bridge: it gives you a contemporary starting point without beginning with a much later, more action-oriented entry.
It is also a sensible choice if you are curious about the series’ history but do not want to begin with an older release. You can experience a story positioned early in the series’ narrative without first working through the 1996 original or the 2002 remake. The official introduction to Resident Evil 4 places Leon’s later story after the events of Resident Evil 2, so the 2019 game also gives context for that later option.
Choose it if you want:
- A modernized version of an early series story.
- A third-person entry rather than the first-person perspective used in Resident Evil 7.
- A starting point that balances recognizable series roots with contemporary presentation.
It may not be the right first game if first-person perspective is specifically what you want, or if your main priority is the original 1996-era experience. In those cases, the alternatives below are more direct matches.
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One useful distinction: “early story” and “old game” are not the same thing here. The 2019 Resident Evil 2 remake offers a modernized presentation of an early series story, while the 2002 remake of Resident Evil is itself an older release that covers the opening story. If you are choosing based on how the game feels to play today, the release era matters; if you are choosing based on where you want to enter the story, either can make sense.
Choose Resident Evil 7 for first-person horror
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is the clearest choice for players who want a first-person perspective. PlayStation characterizes it as a new beginning for the series and explicitly notes that perspective, making it a distinct route into Resident Evil rather than simply another way to experience the same introductory style as Resident Evil 2.
“New beginning” does not mean you should assume it has no connection to anything else in the franchise. The key practical point for a newcomer is that the official introductory material presents Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village as a connected Ethan Winters story. If that storyline appeals, start with Resident Evil 7 and follow it with Village.
Choose this route if first-person immersion is a deciding factor or if you want to follow the Ethan Winters thread from its beginning. If you prefer third-person play, Resident Evil 2 is a better match for the preference described by the official introductions used here.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →For someone comparing these two as first games, the decision can be simple: choose Resident Evil 7 because you actively want its first-person approach and connected Ethan story, not because you think you must complete it before trying the rest of the series. Choose Resident Evil 2 if you would rather start with a modern third-person introduction. Either route is a valid entry into the franchise.
Rank #2
- Based on the release of 1998 but completely rebuilt for a deeper narrative experience
- new over the shoulder camera mode and modernized control scheme
- a more modern take on the survival horror experience
- RE engine, Resident Evil 2 delivers breathtakingly photorealistic visuals in 4K
- zombies are brought to life with a horrifyingly realistic wet gore Effect.zombies react in real time taking instant visible damage, making every bullet count.engage in frenzied combat with enemies, explore dark menacing corridors & solve puzzles.a terrifying constant fight for survival.enjoy separately playable campaigns for both Leon and Claire
Choose the 2002 remake to begin with the original story
If you want to start where the franchise’s core story began, play the 2002 remake of Resident Evil. Capcom’s franchise history distinguishes the original release in 1996 from the remake version released in 2002. The remake is therefore a way to approach the series’ opening story without playing the original 1996 release.
This is a different choice from picking a modern remake as a general entry point. The 2002 game comes from an earlier era of game design and presentation than the 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2. Choose it because you want that historical starting point, not because you expect it to feel interchangeable with a contemporary remake.
- Pick the 2002 remake if historical context and the earliest core story matter most.
- Pick Resident Evil 2 (2019) if you want a more modern presentation while still entering through an early series story.
Both are legitimate starts; the difference is what you want from the first game. There is no need to finish the 2002 remake before trying the 2019 remake unless playing in historical sequence is part of the appeal for you.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Capcom lists the original game’s 1996 release and the remake’s 2002 release as separate milestones in the franchise history. That distinction is worth keeping in mind when shopping: a title that simply says Resident Evil may not tell you at a glance which release or edition it refers to. Check the full product name and edition details rather than relying on the franchise name alone.
Choose Resident Evil 4 if action matters more than starting at the beginning
Resident Evil 4 is a reasonable option if you are drawn to a more action-oriented direction and would rather begin at a later point in the story. The official introduction places Leon’s story after the events of Resident Evil 2, but the available official recommendation material does not call it the best beginner game. Calling it a good fit for an action-preferring newcomer is an editorial judgment based on that preference, not a universal or official recommendation.
If you want the broad story relationship to be clearer, play Resident Evil 2 first and then Resident Evil 4. If you simply want to start with the later action-focused option and accept that you are not beginning at the earliest point in that thread, Resident Evil 4 can still be your first game. The decision is about how much you value context versus the style you most want to play.
The evidence here supports that broad relationship, not a comprehensive chronology of every release, remake, or spin-off. There is no need to turn this choice into a franchise-wide sequence project.
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When comparing Resident Evil 4 with the other starting points, think about your priority rather than trying to crown one as objectively superior. It is the option to consider when a later story setting and a more action-oriented direction sound more appealing than starting with the series’ early survival-horror roots. If you are unsure whether that later context will matter to you, the modern-entry route places Resident Evil 2 first; if you are already set on the style, beginning with Resident Evil 4 is a reasonable choice.
Rank #3
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Two simple play routes
Use one of these light-touch routes if you want an order rather than a single starting recommendation. Neither requires completing the entire franchise.
Modern entry route
- Start with Resident Evil 2 (2019) if you want a modern third-person introduction to the series’ roots.
- Continue with Resident Evil 4 (2023) if you are interested in Leon’s later story and the more action-oriented direction. The official material establishes the broad relationship between the stories, not every chronology detail.
Ethan Winters route
- Play Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.
- Continue with Resident Evil Village, which the official introductory descriptions connect to the continuing Ethan Winters story.
Historical opening
Begin with the 2002 remake of Resident Evil if you specifically want the earliest core story in remake form. From there, choose a next game based on whether you want the modernized early-series route, Leon’s later story, or the Ethan Winters games. The available guidance does not establish a required complete order for every mainline game and spin-off, so a full chronology is not necessary to make a good first choice.
These routes are intentionally short. They answer the practical question of where to start and what connected game to consider next without claiming that every game between two entries is required. If you only want to try one title, stop after your chosen first game and decide whether you want more based on the style you enjoyed.
How to make the choice in a minute
- Decide on perspective. If you specifically want first-person horror, choose Resident Evil 7. If that is not a priority, compare the other routes.
- Decide whether modern presentation or historical starting point matters more. Choose Resident Evil 2 (2019) for a modernized entry into an early story; choose the 2002 remake of Resident Evil for the original story in its remake form.
- Decide whether you want a later, more action-oriented start. If so, Resident Evil 4 is a reasonable preference-based pick. If you want its broad story predecessor first, play Resident Evil 2 before it.
- Follow connected stories in order when you choose them. Play Resident Evil 7 before Village if you want the Ethan Winters storyline from its beginning.
- Check your exact edition before buying. Confirm that the edition is for your hardware platform and is available in your region; the existence of a named game or edition does not establish current stock or compatibility for a particular listing.
If you are still undecided after those checks, use the default: Resident Evil 2 (2019) for a modern third-person introduction. That recommendation is deliberately conditional, not a claim that every player must start there. The alternatives are more fitting when you already know that first-person horror, the historical opening, or a later action-oriented entry is what you want.
Buying and availability checks
Game editions and platform versions can differ, so verify the exact edition, platform, and regional availability before purchasing. Capcom’s official lineup supports the existence of named games and editions, but it does not establish live retailer stock or whether a particular physical SKU is available where you live. No current price, retailer inventory, or specific physical edition can be inferred from those lineup listings.
Use the game title and platform you intend to play as the core of your search, then check that the product page names the correct edition and hardware. This matters especially when choosing between the two very different starting points that share a franchise name: the 2002 remake of Resident Evil and the 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2. Do not assume that a listing for a game title automatically applies to your device or region.
Before checkout, confirm three details together: the game and edition named on the listing, the platform or hardware the product is meant for, and whether that exact listing is available in your region. A title appearing in an official lineup confirms that the game or edition exists; it is not a live inventory check. Since prices and stock change, compare current retailer listings directly rather than relying on a static recommendation to imply a particular cost or availability.
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What the series’ scale does—and does not—tell you
Capcom’s 2025 integrated report puts total Resident Evil series sales at over 170 million units. That figure shows the franchise’s scale, but it does not tell you which game will suit your preferences or prove that a particular entry is the right first one. The choice still comes down to the distinctions that matter for you: modern third-person survival horror, first-person horror, the historical opening story, or a later action-oriented direction.
Rank #4
- CLASSIC RESIDENT EVIL GAMEPLAY -- Overcome chilling encounters in a relentless fight for survival that ratchets up the intensity through nail-biting exploration and gripping puzzle-solving.
- EXPLORE RACCOON CITY FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE -- Get even closer to the action with an over-the-shoulder camera and updated control scheme, drawing you into every bloodcurdling encounter.
- SURVIVE TOGETHER IN THE MULTIPLAYER MODE -- Bring up to four friends into the carnage with Resident Evil Resistance, a multiplayer survival horror experience included in the Resident Evil 3 package. Available as a PlayStation 4 title compatible on all PlayStation 5 devices. Includes code necessary for redemption, requires additional download not on disc.
- NEW FOR PLAYSTATION5 – Upgraded features new to the PlayStation5 version of the game include a higher frame rate, 3D audio, added ray tracing, and engaging DualSense support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers.
Popularity can help explain why there are so many ways to approach the series, but it is not a substitute for matching a game to your tastes. A newcomer interested in the Ethan Winters thread has a clear two-game route; someone curious about the opening story can begin with the remake; and a player who wants a contemporary general entry has a straightforward starting point in Resident Evil 2 (2019). None of those decisions requires treating sales totals as a quality ranking.
Final recommendation by reader type
- Not sure yet? Start with Resident Evil 2 (2019).
- Want first-person horror? Start with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, then play Resident Evil Village if you want the connected Ethan Winters follow-up.
- Want the original story first? Choose the 2002 remake of Resident Evil.
- Want a more action-oriented later entry? Consider Resident Evil 4; playing Resident Evil 2 first gives the broad preceding story context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play every Resident Evil game in order?
No. Capcom’s beginner guide is designed to help players choose a first or next game, and these entry points let you start by preference rather than completing a franchise-wide checklist. Play connected stories in sequence when that context matters to you: Resident Evil 7 before Village, for Ethan Winters, or Resident Evil 2 before Resident Evil 4 for the broad story relationship.
Which Resident Evil game is best for a newcomer?
For most newcomers seeking a modern third-person survival-horror entry, start with Resident Evil 2 (2019). It is a general recommendation, not an official universal ranking. Choose Resident Evil 7 if first-person horror is the draw, or the 2002 remake of Resident Evil if you want the earliest core story in remake form.
Should I play Resident Evil 2 or Resident Evil 7 first?
Choose Resident Evil 2 (2019) for a modern third-person introduction to the series’ roots. Choose Resident Evil 7: Biohazard if you specifically want first-person horror and the beginning of Ethan Winters’ connected story, which continues in Resident Evil Village.
Is the 2002 Resident Evil remake the same as the 2019 Resident Evil 2 remake?
No. They are remakes of different games. Capcom’s franchise history lists the original Resident Evil release in 1996 and its remake in 2002; Resident Evil 2 (2019) is a modernized version of a different early-series story. Check the complete title and edition when buying so you select the intended game.
Can I start with Resident Evil 4?
Yes, if a later story setting and a more action-oriented direction appeal to you. The official introduction places Leon’s story after Resident Evil 2, so playing that first gives broad context. Treat Resident Evil 4 as a preference-based option rather than an official or universally best beginner recommendation.
What should I check before buying my first game?
Confirm the exact game and edition, the hardware platform it is for, and regional availability. Capcom’s lineup confirms that named games and editions exist, but does not establish current stock, a specific physical SKU, or a live price for your region.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Start with Resident Evil 2 (2019) if you want the most broadly suitable modern introduction. Pick Resident Evil 7: Biohazard for first-person horror and continue with Village for Ethan Winters’ story; choose the 2002 Resident Evil remake for the historical opening, or consider Resident Evil 4 if you prefer a later, more action-oriented entry. You do not need to finish the whole series before you begin.
Quick Recap
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