Honestly, trying to figure out the Resident Evil games release order is like trying to navigate the Spencer Mansion without a map. You think you've got it figured out with the numbered titles, and then Capcom drops a "Code: Veronica" or a "Revelations" and suddenly the timeline is a tangled mess of T-Virus strains.
If you're standing at the edge of this 30-year-old rabbit hole, don't just jump in blind. Most people make the mistake of trying to play chronologically. They start with Resident Evil Zero because, well, "Zero" comes before "One," right? Huge mistake.
The classic era (1996–2003)
The series kicked off in 1996 with a game that basically invented the term "survival horror." You had tank controls, fixed camera angles, and voice acting that was so campy it became legendary.
- Resident Evil (1996): The OG. Chris, Jill, and a very suspicious Wesker.
- Resident Evil 2 (1998): Leon and Claire’s bad first day in Raccoon City.
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999): Jill being stalked by a giant in a trash bag.
Then things got weird. Most people assume the next big step was Resident Evil 4, but they forget about the "side" games that actually matter more to the plot than some of the numbered ones. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica (2000) is basically the real Resident Evil 3 in terms of story. It wraps up the Claire/Chris arc and brings back a certain villain we all thought was toast.
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Around 2002, Capcom decided to remake the first game. The Resident Evil Remake (often called REmake) is a masterpiece. It’s dark, it’s terrifying, and it introduced the "Crimson Heads"—zombies that get back up faster and meaner if you don't burn them. Shortly after, we got Resident Evil Zero, a prequel that, quite frankly, is a bit of a slog if you aren't already a hardcore fan.
The action shift and the identity crisis (2005–2016)
2005 changed everything. Resident Evil 4 dropped and shifted the camera to an over-the-shoulder perspective. It was a revolution. It was also the moment the series started leaning way more into "action hero" territory and less into "scared out of your mind."
- Resident Evil 5 (2009): Co-op focused. Chris Redfield punches a literal boulder.
- Resident Evil: Revelations (2012): Originally on the 3DS, this tried to bring back the horror on a cruise ship.
- Resident Evil 6 (2012): The "Michael Bay" of the series. Four campaigns, tons of explosions, and a lot of confused fans.
Between these, we had dozens of spin-offs like The Umbrella Chronicles and Operation Raccoon City. Unless you're a completionist, you can mostly ignore the light-gun shooters. They’re fun for a weekend, but they don't hit that survival horror itch.
The modern renaissance and the 2026 future
Capcom finally read the room in 2017. They realized we wanted to be scared again. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard switched to first-person and felt like a soft reboot. It was gross, intimate, and legitimately frightening.
Then came the "Remake Era." Starting in 2019, Capcom began rebuilding the classics from the ground up.
- Resident Evil 2 (2019 Remake)
- Resident Evil 3 (2020 Remake)
- Resident Evil Village (2021) – Basically RE8, with vampires and werewolves.
- Resident Evil 4 (2023 Remake)
And that brings us to the present. As of early 2026, the hype is all about Resident Evil Requiem (widely known as Resident Evil 9). It’s scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. Rumor has it we're heading back to a more sprawling, open-world-ish environment, though Capcom is being tight-lipped about whether we'll see Leon or Jill as the lead.
What most people get wrong about the order
If you play Resident Evil Zero first, you’re going to spoil the big twists of the first game. It’s a prequel, but it’s a prequel meant to be played after you know the lore.
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The best way to experience the Resident Evil games release order is to follow the evolution of the tech. Start with the RE1 Remake (2002). It keeps the old-school feel but looks gorgeous even today. Then, move through the modern remakes of 2, 3, and 4. You’ll get a consistent story and modern controls without the "clunk" of the 90s.
Why the release order matters for the story
Capcom likes to retcon. If you play chronologically, the jumps in gameplay and graphical quality will give you whiplash. Imagine going from the 2023 RE4 Remake back to a 2000 Dreamcast game because it takes place "next" in the timeline. It’s a recipe for burnout.
By following the release order, you see how the Umbrella Corporation mystery unfolds naturally. You feel the same confusion Jill and Chris felt. You witness the world slowly realizing that zombies were just the tip of the iceberg.
Actionable steps for your first playthrough
- Skip the 1996 original unless you have a deep love for retro polygons. Start with the 2002 HD Remaster of the first game.
- Play RE2 and RE3 Remakes back-to-back. They happen almost at the same time in Raccoon City, and the engine is identical, so it feels like one massive game.
- Don't ignore Code: Veronica. Even though it doesn't have a "number," it's essential for understanding the rivalry between Chris Redfield and Albert Wesker.
- Prepare for Resident Evil Requiem. If you're starting now, you have just enough time to blast through the "Winters Saga" (RE7 and Village) before the new game drops in February.
The series is currently in its strongest state ever. Whether you're playing on a PC or waiting for the new Switch 2 versions of Village and Requiem, just remember: save your ammo, aim for the head, and never trust a guy in sunglasses at night.