Resident Evil is a household name when it comes to the Survival Horror genre. It revolutionized it, made it into what it is today, and in general, the games were incredible experiences for people. Capcom leveraged the series quite a bit, leading to the Resident Evil franchise spanning 6 films, 2 Series, and 2 dozen console game sensations. If you don’t add in the stage plays, the various novels, and comics that are also set in the Resident Evil canon. However, if you want to follow the game’s storyline? There’s a certain pattern in what game in the series’ myriad of entries you should play chronologically. Today we’ll go over how to play Resident Evil games in order, chronologically.
For more scares, here is our list of the best immersive horror games.
How To Play Resident Evil Games In Chronological Order
First things first: how many games are there in the series in total? Well, if you’re looking for core games, those would be Resident Evil 0 to 7, Code Veronica, and Resident Evil Village. If you’re adding in the series’ various spinoffs/remakes? It should be around 28 to 30+. We won’t add the various mobile and pachinko games here.
The focus of this list is going to be how to play the Resident Evil games in Chronological Order to enjoy the story. Ergo, we wouldn’t be adding the pachinko and mobile games to this list. Examples of these games are Umbrella Chronicles, Resident Evil Survivor 1 and 2, and Dead Aim.
In addition, there are also various non-canon spinoffs like Resident Evil Gaiden, Outbreak 1 and 2, Operation Racoon City, and Mercenaries 3D. We wouldn’t include those on the list as well due to the main goal of focusing on chronological order. Let us now look at how you should play Resident Evil games in order.
| Chronological | By Release |
| 0 | Resident Evil |
| Resident Evil | 2 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Code: Veronica |
| Code: Veronica | 0 |
| RE: 4 | RE: 4 |
| Revelations | RE: 5 |
| RE: 5 | Revelations |
| Revelations 2 | RE: 6 |
| RE: 6 | Revelations 2 |
| Biohazard | Biohazard |
| Village | Village |
1. Resident Evil 0 Remastered
The first game on this list of Resident Evil games in order is 0. RE: 0 was the 5th game on this list to be released. However, in terms of chronological order, 0 is the 1st game that the player should go for as it’s the prequel to the original Resident Evil. The game was originally going to be released on the Nintendo 64. However, it was instead slated to release on the GameCube following Nintendo’s unveiling of the console back in 2001. As of today, Resident Evil 0 is released not only on GameCube, but also on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS3, PS4, the Wii, the Xbox 360, and Xbox 1.
The game is set a few days/hours before what happened in the original Resident Evil game. Specifically, it follows the perspective of Special Tactics and Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.) medic Rebecca Chambers. Along the way, we also get our 2nd character, Billy Coen, a convicted Ex-marine sentenced to death after he allegedly murdered 23 individuals. Luckily for him, he escapes from the transport vehicle that’s leading him to his execution. Unluckily for him, he went to the Ecliptic Express on Arklay Mountains to hide, which was crawling with the undead.
The game puts the 2 of them together to figure out what in the world is going on there. Along the way, they will find incriminating evidence and information related to the series’ main villain: Albert Wesker. Specifically, his involvement in Umbrella Corporation and the T-Virus that they were developing. The game ends with Rebecca making her way to the Spencer Mansion where Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine are located. There she serves as a supporting character for the events of that game.
Play 0 and the original game via the Origins Collection
2. Resident Evil Remastered
Following after 0 is the original Resident Evil, which was released in 1996. Of course, it’s recommended to play the game’s 2002 remake, or the HD remaster that was released in 2015. The latter is available for the PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, and PS4.
The 1st Resident Evil follows immediately after Resident Evil 0, but the characters you play are different. You play as either Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield, 2 members of Raccoon City Police Department’s S.T.A.R.S. as they explore and investigate the Spencer Mansion. Of course, everything eventually goes wrong when the ravenous victims of the T-Virus start to rear their ugly heads. The character you play will eventually find even more key information about Umbrella Corporation’s biological experiments and thus, need to escape. After killing the occasional Zombie or mutated hellspawn of course.
Canon-wise, the OG Resident Evil is a complete quagmire. For one, if you play as either Jill or Chris, the other would be locked up in the mansion’s prison. In canon, that’s not what happens, as one of them went to the mansion’s hidden lab while the other went on a little mansion exploration. The game never really addressed this. Either way, what happens in the ending is the starting point for the next game of the series.
The next 2 Resident Evil games on this list have a pretty dicey relationship in the chronological order of the series for a few reasons. We’ll go over them as we get to them though.
Enjoy the Origins Collection on Xbox One today
3. Resident Evil 2 And Remake
Next is Resident Evil 2. Of course, it’s a good idea to play the remake released in 2019 rather than the original version. The remake was released on PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One/Series X/S.
The game introduces players to 2 new characters: Claire Redfield (Chris Redfield’s younger sister), and the new addition to the Raccoon City Police Department, Leon Kennedy. Unfortunately for Leon, his first day isn’t gonna be pretty, as Raccoon City is in the midst of a zombie outbreak. The 2 characters will have their unique campaign on the Remake. In addition, both Leon and Claire will encounter several recurring characters like the Tyrant (Who they have to run away from), and Ada Wong.
Overall, the game will detail the outbreak in Raccoon City as well as introduce the 2 recurring characters and enemies respectively. We also learn about William Birkin and his work on the G-Virus, a more powerful and dangerous version of the T-Virus. Overall, the remake is a great game, but in terms of timeline, there’s a bit of a problem. You see, Resident Evil 2 happens in between the next game on this list: Resident Evil 3.
4. Resident Evil 3/Remake
For the sake of simplicity’s sake, it’s usually recommended to play Resident Evil 2 before playing Resident Evil 3. However, you can play Resident Evil 3 first if you wish. Why? Because the 1st part of Resident Evil 3 takes place before Resident Evil 2. Ergo, if the player wishes, they can play part 1 of Resident Evil 3, pause the game immediately, then finish Resident Evil 2 Remake. It’s not necessary, nor will it detract from the player’s understanding of the series’ story if they don’t do this. But it’s something to consider if you want a coherent timeline.
Anyhow, Resident Evil 3 brings us back to Jill Valentine, who’s not doing so hot after what happened in the 1st Resident Evil. Unfortunately for her, she doesn’t have much time to cope because Raccoon City’s being overrun by the undead. The game introduces a new type of enemy for Jill to encounter: Nemesis, which she can kill for good loot if the player decides to do so. Other than that, the game also introduces Carlos Oliviera, a mercenary who’s not in the mood for being undead chow.
5. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica
Next on this list is Resident Evil – Code: Veronica, which isn’t on the PC (Officially). Instead, it’s on the SEGA Dreamcast, PS2, PS3, PS4, GameCube, and Xbox 360. Now if you don’t own any of these consoles, never fear, because Emulation is a thing. However, the part where you should play the games on the latest release is still valid in this case, ergo, you should play on a PS3 emulator for the best experience. We didn’t tell you that officially though, this is just between us.
Anyhow, Code: Veronica takes place a few months after the whole debacle in Raccoon City and puts players in the shoes of Claire Redfield. Unfortunately, she hasn’t found her brother, Chris yet, but for some odd reason, found that he’s in France. We don’t know how Chris got there, but it’s probably because he got some secret agent thing going on. A few traipses in the French country later, she gets captured, but escapes and continues her search.
We then cut to the 2nd protagonist in this game: Chris Redfield himself. As he’s also looking for Claire (For God’s sake they probably missed each other on the train or something). Anyhow, he then finds Albert Wesker on his search, who’s not pleased that Chris is still out there. Overall, if you’re following the game’s timeline, it’s probably a good idea to play Code: Veronica. Sadly, we don’t have a PC release or a remaster yet. However, given that 2 and 3 got a Remake already, it’s only a matter of time for Code: Veronica as well. At least if only to follow after the game’s canon timeline.
6. Resident Evil 4 Remastered
Following after Code: Veronica is Resident Evil’s most pivotal game: Resident Evil 4. Which has a Remastered version released on the PC! It’s also available on the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
This one is… Weird. The game takes place 6 years after the whole Raccoon City debacle and Leon Kennedy’s now a secret agent. For some odd reason, the daughter of the US President is kidnapped in Spain and is being held in a village there. Ergo, Leon’s sent to rescue her and kill the kidnappers.
Anyhow, Leon also finds a cult with a mind-control parasite, Ada Wong makes another appearance and Alber Wesker’s doing his own thing. Overall, the game is kickass and a great addition to the series.
A remake of the game is set for 2023.
7. Resident Evil Revelations
Revelations are the game that’s set in between Resident Evil 4 and 5 and is a bit of an exploration. Specifically, on the consequences of Umbrella Corporation’s various experiments in bioweapons. This is also the game that introduces the players to the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance, or the BSAA for short. You know you’ve screwed up when the world itself created a specific task force dedicated to beating you up. Looking at you, Umbrella.
Anyhow, your main characters here are the new BSAA Agents Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine. The 2 main characters of the original Resident Evil game. Unfortunately for them, they need to go to the Mediterranean to investigate something called the T-Abyss, a better version of the T-Virus. People seem to be horny for all that bioweapon shenanigans, eh?
Overall, it’s a really good quality game, and it’s released on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch.
8. Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5 is the next game on this list and takes place after what happened in 4 and Revelations. A side note: Remember that mind-control parasite that Leon had to deal with in that Spanish town to save the US President’s daughter? Well, there’s a more powerful version of that thing, and it’s being sold in Africa. Joy.
Anyhow, Chris Redfield needs to go there posthaste with his new partner, Sheva Alomar to stop the sale of said bioweapon. Sadly for the two of them, the people of Kijuju (the place where the sale is going to happen), have already been infected with said mind-control parasite. This means that the 2 of them need to fight their way out of said sticky situation. Oh, and Chris also has to find Jill Valentine as well, who vanished 2 and a half years ago. Also, Wesker reappears again. Seriously, how many times do we have to kill this guy before it sticks?
Anyhow, this is the 1st Resident Evil mainline game with 2 player co-op, allowing a 2nd player to control either Chris or Sheva. It’s playable on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and the Nintendo Switch.
9. Resident Evil Revelations 2
Following Resident Evil 5 is Resident Evil Revelations 2 which returns Claire Redfield to the spotlight. It is a first since her last appearance in Code: Veronica 4 games ago. Revelations 2 is a bit weird in that it’s split into 4 episodes with 2 parts, with 8 parts in total. Both are pretty unique, as half the game puts the player in the shoes of Barry Burton, former S.T.A.R.S. member, and father who’s looking for Moira Burton. Unsurprisingly, the daughter, Moira Burton, is with Claire Redfield as they try to escape an abandoned facility after they got kidnapped.
Anyhow, the whole thing is pretty wild, and there’s a sample of another zombie-creating virus on the loose in said facility. A lot of things are going on, and in addition, there’s another Wesker.
Overall, a decent entry in the series that’s available on PC, Xbox One, PS Vita, PS3, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
10. Resident Evil 6
Following Resident Evil 5 and Revelations 2 we have Resident Evil 6. This one is… Weird, as there’s a convoluted plot happening, and players follow after 4 protagonists: Leon Kennedy, Ada Wong, Chris Redfield, and Jake Muller. Everyone knows the first 3, the last one is a mercenary.
In this entry, the BSAA has a more active role, as there’s a bioterrorist group by the name of Neo-Umbrella trying to zombify the world again. This time, with another variant of the T-Virus, named C-Virus (How many of these variants are there?). In addition to all these shenanigans, Leon Kennedy had to assassinate the president of the USA after he got turned into a zombie. Chris Redfield needs to find out about the C-Virus, Ada Wong’s up to her old tricks again, and apparently, Jake Muller is Albert Wesker’s illegitimate son. Lots of things happening in this entry, huh?
Anyhow, you also get to play in a 2-player co-op in this game as the system makes a reappearance from its previous entry in Resident Evil 5. Other than that, the game is available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and the PC.
11. Resident Evil: Biohazard
After the lackluster reception of Resident Evil 5 and 6, Capcom went on a bit of a hiatus in the series. However, they came back in a really big way by releasing Resident Evil: Biohazard.
This time, players are in a 1st-person perspective to make the horror more… intimate. There’s a new character by the name of Ethan Winters now. In addition, while the game still has some of the usual Resident Evil things (Green Herbs to heal and a few others), there are also some new things. Oh yeah, the main reason why Ethan is in this mess? He got a video call from his missing wife who sent him an address saying he has to find her. Why Ethan didn’t go to the police for this we don’t know yet.
The main change that was apparent in the newest entry at this point is the fact that there’s no Wesker in the helm of villainy. Oh no. This time, you’re fighting against the incredibly insane and very cuckoo Baker Family located in a mansion in Rural Louisiana. Of course, your character isn’t even on par with the usual Resident Evil protagonist. No kicking boulders or superhuman reflexes on this game, oh no. Instead, you’re stuck to running away at times against the game’s various monsters and the Baker family individuals.
Don’t worry though, since Ethan’s now a Resident Evil protagonist, he’s surviving this. Overall, Resident Evil: Biohazard put the Resident Evil series back into the mainstream. Especially when Capcom released the game on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch.
12. Resident Evil: Village
Last but not least is Resident Evil: Village. Village is the continuation of Ethan Winter’s story and takes place after Resident Evil: Biohazard. After the events of the Baker Family, Ethan’s living the good life with his wife and baby. Which comes to a very abrupt end after the kidnapping of his wife and baby.
Ethan, understandably mad, finds that he’s away from his cozy house in rural Europe and is now in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, there’s a village nearby where he can stay a while, find his bearings, and get some rest.
The village is attacked by werewolves and zombies and now he’s stuck in a medieval castle with a vampire and her goth daughters. The good lady Dimitrescu is understandably not in the mood for Ethan and his daughter-finding ways and wants to kill this poor soul. Luckily for Ethan, he’s gotten a level of badass ever since the previous game and is now more competent. He’s going to need it if he wants to find out what’s happening in the village he’s on and to find his baby daughter.
Overall, Resident Evil: Village is a wonderful game and is an appropriate continuation of Resident Evil: Biohazard. Play this if you have the chance. The game is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. There’s also a Shadows of Rose DLC that happens 16 years later but that’s neither here nor there. Play that one after you finish Village, you wouldn’t understand what happens otherwise.
Why Should You Play Resident Evil Games In Chronological Order?
The main reason why a player might want to play Resident Evil chronologically is to learn about the series’ main story. After all, if you play the game in order of release you’ll be in a confusing state regarding the franchise’s various events. There are a lot of things happening in the Resident Evil universe. You don’t want to be left in a confusing state when enjoying these games.
Last but not least, it’s just more fun if you play the game in chronological order. You see new characters as they appear in the series canon, know about the world, and overall have a jolly good time.
Final Word On How To Play Resident Evil Games In Order Chronologically
Now you know how to play the Resident Evil games in chronological order. At least, the mainline games on the series. Hopefully, you’ll have a good time playing the games as they’re generally pretty good and very enjoyable. Until next time.
