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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteFor the core story in chronological order, play Resident Evil 0 (optional), Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Code: Veronica, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil 7: biohazard, Village, then Resident Evil Requiem. The first game released before 0, but Capcom places 0 on the eve of the Mansion Incident, making it the prequel. If you prefer to discover the series as players originally did, start with Resident Evil and slot 0 in later.
Core Resident Evil games in story order
- Resident Evil 0 — An optional prequel set on the eve of the Mansion Incident. Capcom’s description establishes its position before the first game: Resident Evil 0 official site.
- Resident Evil — The mansion story that begins the central chronology. Choose the original or a remake edition; they are alternative versions, not separate events to play back-to-back.
- Resident Evil 2 — The Raccoon City outbreak story.
- Resident Evil 3 — Also set during the Raccoon City crisis, with events that overlap Resident Evil 2.
- Code: Veronica — The next core story after the Raccoon City events.
- Resident Evil 4
- Resident Evil 5
- Resident Evil 6
- Resident Evil 7: biohazard
- Resident Evil Village
- Resident Evil Requiem — Capcom calls it the ninth main installment and describes it as a Raccoon City story drawing on series lore. The official material cited here does not give its precise in-universe year, so its placement at the end is the practical main-game route rather than a claim about a confirmed calendar date. Capcom announcement.
Capcom’s official Resident Evil guide can help players choose a first or next game: Resident Evil Portal. Store availability and editions vary by platform and region, so check the current listing for the version you intend to play.
How to handle the RE2 and RE3 overlap
The simplest route is to finish Resident Evil 2 and then play Resident Evil 3. Their Raccoon City events overlap, but splitting Resident Evil 3 around Resident Evil 2 is an optional chronology exercise, not a requirement. A guide to the more involved split is available from GamesRadar.
Originals and remakes: choose one edition
Where a remake exists, treat it as another edition of the corresponding story, not an additional chronological chapter. You do not need to play both the original and remake to follow the central route. Pick based on the experience you want, and verify platform and regional availability before buying: editions and storefront catalogs can change.
#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
Release order versus strict chronology
Strict story order puts Resident Evil 0 first because its events precede the mansion incident. Release order begins with Resident Evil, which came out before 0. Starting with the original is a sensible alternative if you would rather encounter the franchise in its original reveal sequence; the two options differ only at the opening of this core route.
Where do Revelations and DLC fit?
This list is deliberately a core-game route, not an exhaustive chronology of every spin-off, DLC episode, or other side story. The sources cited here do not establish a definitive canon classification and placement for every such release. Treat Revelations and other side stories as optional additions rather than prerequisites for this main path; check each game’s episode order if you choose to include its DLC.
Rank #2
- Return to the series' origins
- Enhanced visuals
- remastered sound effects
- Wesker mode
New and upcoming entries
Resident Evil Requiem
Capcom announced Resident Evil Requiem for February 27, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The release date has passed; consult regional stores for current availability and edition details. Capcom describes its setting as a Raccoon City story, but the official sources cited here do not specify an exact in-universe year. See Capcom’s announcement.
Resident Evil Veronica
Capcom has announced Resident Evil Veronica, a reimagined remake of the 2000 Code: Veronica, for 2027. It is upcoming, not an available entry in the route above; Capcom says the release date and further details will be announced later. Capcom announcement.
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Rank #3
- Expand the nightmare with two thrilling expansions, combining Survival Horror and Malformations of G B-Files into one immersive bundle.
- Introduces fearsome new bosses including Birkin Stage One and the monstrous Birkin Stage Five mutation, filling entire tiles with danger.
- Play as new survivors with advanced versions of Leon and Claire plus five additional characters, each bringing unique abilities to the fight.
- Adds new weapons, enemies, Hard Mode challenge, and an intense player versus player game mode for ultimate replayability.
- Includes highly detailed miniatures, scenario booklets, cards, and all components needed to escalate tension and terror on the tabletop.
How large is the series?
Capcom reported more than 201 million cumulative Resident Evil game sales as of March 31, 2026. That company-reported total describes units sold across the franchise, not active players or current sales velocity. Capcom’s March 2026 release.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Expansion for Resident Evil: The Board Game; requires the base game to play
- Adds six new scenarios in the Third Floor and underground cave system
- Introduces rotating tiles, boulder traps, poison, and giant Yawn & Black Tiger bosses
- Includes 2 boss miniatures, 11 double-sided game tiles, a rulebook, and 100+ cards
- Expands campaigns with 8+ hours of new board game content or standalone scenarios
Rank #4
- Intense horror experience with dark narrative
- Improved images and refined game mechanics included
- Players take on the role of Leon S Kennedy
- Mission to save the president's daughter from danger
- Challenging environments and strategic combat scenarios await
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