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For a compact route through the existing games, play Resident Evil 4 → Resident Evil 5 → Resident Evil 6. If you are new to the series, start with Resident Evil 2 (2019), then follow that order. As of October 7, 2026, Capcom has announced a Resident Evil Code: Veronica remake for 2027, but has not confirmed remakes of Resident Evil 5 or Resident Evil 6. These recommendations are for the released games, not a confirmed remake schedule.
Which Resident Evil games should you play first?
The most direct numbered-entry route is Resident Evil 4, then Resident Evil 5, then Resident Evil 6. Resident Evil 4 is a useful series lead-in, but it is not a formal prerequisite for either later game. The important continuity choice is to play Resident Evil 5 before Resident Evil 6: Capcom USA’s official series recap says Resident Evil 6 follows incidents after Resident Evil 5 and brings back characters. (Capcom USA’s 2015 recap.)
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Resident Evil Origins Collection - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition | $19.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Resident Evil Triple Pack - Nintendo Switch | $38.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Resident Evil Origins Collection - Nintendo Switch | $37.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Resident Evil Origins Collection (PS4) | $22.05 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Resident Evil 4 - PS5 | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Route | Order | Continuity and character context | Newcomer accessibility | Time commitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact numbered route | Resident Evil 4 → Resident Evil 5 → Resident Evil 6 | Preserves the clearest order for the RE5-to-RE6 connection; RE4 adds earlier numbered-series context. | Reasonable if you already know the series or want to jump into these numbered entries. | Three games; no playtime figures are established here. |
| Newcomer route | Resident Evil 2 (2019) → Resident Evil 4 → Resident Evil 5 → Resident Evil 6 | Adds an earlier series starting point before the same numbered-game sequence. | Best fit for a new player: Capcom USA staff recommends RE2 (2019) as a jumping-on point. | Four games; no playtime figures are established here. |
| More lore | Either route, with Revelations entries explored separately | Official pages name the Revelations games, but accessible official text does not establish their necessity or precise placement for this route. | For players who want to explore beyond the core numbered sequence. | More games; no playtime figures are established here. |
Should you play Resident Evil 2 (2019) first?
If you are new to Resident Evil, it is a sensible starting point, not a required step before RE5 or RE6. Capcom USA staff wrote: “If you’re a new player, start out with Resident Evil 2 (2019). It’s a great jumping-on point for the series.” The guide attributes that recommendation to staff collectively rather than to a named individual. (Capcom USA’s 2024 guide.)
For the goal of reaching RE5 and RE6, add Resident Evil 4 after RE2 if you want more numbered-series context. If you mainly want to reach the fifth and sixth games, you can omit RE2 and begin with RE4—or start directly with RE5 if you are comfortable entering the series there.
#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
Do you need to play Resident Evil 4 before RE5?
No formal prerequisite is established. Resident Evil 4 is included in the recommended route because it gives you another numbered-series installment before RE5, not because Capcom says it must be played first. Skip it if your priority is getting to RE5 quickly.
Should you play RE5 before RE6?
Yes, if you want the clearest continuity and character context. Capcom USA’s recap places the events covered by Resident Evil 6 after incidents in Resident Evil 5 and notes returning characters. Playing RE5 first gives that sequence its intended order; this is a recommendation for context, not a claim that RE6 cannot be played on its own. (Capcom USA’s recap.)
Rank #2
- Play anywhere: play Resident Evil Triple Pack on the go using the Nintendo Switch system's handheld or at home in tabletop mode.
- Two-player local and online co-op: experience Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 locally or online with a friend.
- Game enhancements: includes a variety of game improvements for both Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6.
- Includes map packs, special costumes, plus the game modes from Resident Evil 4, 5, and 6.
Can you skip straight to Resident Evil 6?
You can, but you will miss the earlier context that RE5 provides for RE6’s later events and returning characters. If you want the shortest route that preserves that connection, play RE5 before RE6. RE4 and RE2 (2019) are optional additions rather than established requirements.
Are the Resident Evil 5 and 6 remakes confirmed?
No. As of October 7, 2026, Capcom has not confirmed remakes of Resident Evil 5 or Resident Evil 6. Capcom’s June 8, 2026 announcement is for a Resident Evil Code: Veronica remake planned for 2027. Its press release says, “The release date, along with further details, will be announced at a later date,” referring to that project. (Capcom’s announcement.)
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- 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
Do you need to play the Revelations games?
Not for the compact route above: the available official material does not establish the Revelations entries as necessary before RE5 or RE6, nor does it provide a firm placement for them in this particular sequence. If you want to explore them for additional series material, treat that as an optional detour rather than a required step.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- Return to the series' origins
- Enhanced visuals
- remastered sound effects
- Wesker mode
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