Since its debut in 1996, Resident Evil, known as Biohazard in Japan, has terrified and captivated gamers worldwide, defining the survival horror genre. Created by Capcom, this iconic franchise blends chilling narratives, unforgettable characters like Leon Kennedy and Jill Valentine, and evolving gameplay from tank controls to first-person horror. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned fan, understanding the Resident Evil games in order is key to appreciating the series’ legacy and thrilling evolution. This guide provides a detailed chronological list of all mainline Resident Evil games, including release dates, platforms, and plot highlights, alongside insights into remakes and the franchise’s impact. Dive into the ultimate Resident Evil timeline and discover where to start your zombie-slaying journey!
Brief History of Resident Evil Series
Launched in 1996 by Shinji Mikami and Tokuro Fujiwara, Resident Evil pioneered survival horror, drawing inspiration from Capcom’s 1989 game Sweet Home. Its cinematic storytelling and zombie-filled environments sparked a cultural phenomenon, reviving the zombie genre in pop culture. The series evolved from fixed-camera survival horror to action-packed third-person shooters with Resident Evil 4 (2005) and embraced first-person horror in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017). With over 170 million copies sold by March 2025, it’s Capcom’s best-selling franchise and the top horror game series. Key characters like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Leon Kennedy drive its gripping narratives. Exploring the Resident Evil series order reveals how Capcom balanced horror, action, and innovation over decades.
Resident Evil Games in Order: The Complete Timeline of Capcom’s Horror Classic
Below is the complete list of Resident Evil games in release order, covering mainline titles, remakes, spin-offs, and notable re-releases up to 2025, with a focus on their connection to the main series timeline. Each entry includes release dates, platforms, and a brief description, highlighting key characters, gameplay, and story relevance.
1. Resident Evil (1996)
- Release Date: March 22, 1996
- Platforms: PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Windows
- Description: The game that started it all, Resident Evil introduces the S.T.A.R.S. team investigating a mansion near Raccoon City filled with zombies and bioweapons. Players control Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, solving puzzles and uncovering Umbrella Corporation’s secrets. Its fixed-camera, tank-control gameplay defined survival horror. The story sets up the T-virus outbreak and introduces Albert Wesker as a key antagonist.
- Main Series Connection: First mainline game, establishing the Umbrella Corporation and core characters.
2. Resident Evil 2 (1998)
- Release Date: January 21, 1998
- Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Windows, Dreamcast, GameCube
- Description: Set in zombie-infested Raccoon City, Resident Evil 2 follows rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they navigate a viral outbreak. Featuring dual campaigns, it expands the T-virus narrative and introduces Ada Wong and Sherry Birkin. Its fixed-camera gameplay and puzzles solidified the series’ formula.
- Main Series Connection: Second mainline game, deepening the Raccoon City outbreak and Umbrella’s downfall.
3. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
- Release Date: September 22, 1999
- Platforms: PlayStation, Windows, Dreamcast, GameCube
- Description: Jill Valentine returns in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, escaping Raccoon City while pursued by the relentless Nemesis, a Tyrant sent by Umbrella. The game adds action-oriented mechanics like dodging and a 180-degree turn. It concludes the Raccoon City arc with the city’s destruction.
- Main Series Connection: Third mainline game, wrapping up Raccoon City’s story.
4. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica (2000)
- Release Date: February 3, 2000
- Platforms: Dreamcast, PlayStation 2 (as Code: Veronica X), GameCube
- Description: Claire Redfield searches for her brother Chris, landing in an Umbrella prison facility. Joined by Chris, she uncovers the Ashford family’s twisted experiments. Code: Veronica retains fixed-camera gameplay and expands the narrative beyond Raccoon City, focusing on Umbrella’s global reach.
- Main Series Connection: Fourth mainline game, bridging Raccoon City events to global bioterrorism.
5. Resident Evil Survivor (2000)
- Release Date: January 27, 2000
- Platforms: PlayStation, Windows
- Description: A first-person shooter, Survivor follows Ark Thompson on Sheena Island, another Umbrella testing ground. Players battle zombies and uncover Umbrella’s experiments. Its light-gun mechanics deviate from traditional gameplay but tie into the T-virus narrative.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off set during the Raccoon City era, expanding Umbrella’s experiments.
6. Resident Evil Survivor 2 – Code: Veronica (2001)
- Release Date: November 8, 2001
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, Arcade
- Description: A light-gun shooter retelling Code: Veronica’s story, featuring Claire and Chris. It uses first-person gameplay with arcade-style mechanics, focusing on action over puzzles. While non-canonical, it reinforces the Code: Veronica narrative.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off retelling the fourth mainline game’s events.
7. Resident Evil Gaiden (2001)
- Release Date: December 14, 2001
- Platforms: Game Boy Color
- Description: This action-adventure game follows Barry Burton and Leon S. Kennedy investigating a cruise ship outbreak. Its RPG-style combat and top-down perspective are unique but non-canonical. It loosely ties to Umbrella’s bioterrorism research.
- Main Series Connection: Non-canonical spin-off with minor ties to mainline characters.
8. Resident Evil (Remake) (2002)
- Release Date: March 22, 2002
- Platforms: GameCube, Wii, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows
- Description: A ground-up remake of the 1996 original, with enhanced graphics, new areas, and refined tank controls. Chris and Jill investigate the Spencer Mansion, uncovering Umbrella’s T-virus experiments. It adds Crimson Head zombies and deeper lore, remaining faithful to the original story.
- Main Series Connection: Remake of the first mainline game, considered the definitive version.
9. Resident Evil Zero (2002)
- Release Date: November 12, 2002
- Platforms: GameCube, Wii, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows
- Description: A prequel to the original, Resident Evil Zero follows S.T.A.R.S. medic Rebecca Chambers and convict Billy Coen in an Umbrella training facility. It introduces partner-switching mechanics and expands the T-virus origin story, connecting directly to the first game.
- Main Series Connection: Prequel to the first mainline game, part of the core timeline.
10. Resident Evil: Dead Aim (2003)
- Release Date: February 13, 2003
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Description: A light-gun shooter, Dead Aim follows Bruce McGivern battling a T-virus outbreak on a cruise ship. It blends first-person shooting and third-person exploration, tying into Umbrella’s final days. The story is set post-Raccoon City but is less critical to the main narrative.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off set after Code: Veronica, loosely tied to Umbrella’s collapse.
11. Resident Evil Outbreak (2003)
- Release Date: December 11, 2003
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Description: Set during the Raccoon City outbreak, Outbreak is an online multiplayer game featuring civilian survivors. Its episodic scenarios expand on Resident Evil 2 and 3’s events, with cooperative gameplay and classic survival horror mechanics.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off set during the second and third mainline games’ timeline.
12. Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2 (2004)
- Release Date: September 9, 2004
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Description: A sequel to Outbreak, this online game continues civilian stories in Raccoon City. It refines cooperative gameplay and adds new scenarios, maintaining the survival horror style. It further fleshes out the Raccoon City outbreak alongside Resident Evil 2 and 3.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off set during the second and third mainline games’ timeline.
13. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
- Release Date: January 11, 2005
- Platforms: GameCube, PlayStation 2, Wii, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Description: A pivotal shift to over-the-shoulder third-person gameplay, Resident Evil 4 follows Leon S. Kennedy rescuing the U.S. President’s daughter from a Spanish cult using the Las Plagas parasite. Its action-heavy mechanics redefined the series and influenced action-adventure games.
- Main Series Connection: Fifth mainline game, introducing bioterrorism post-Umbrella.
14. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (2007)
- Release Date: November 13, 2007
- Platforms: Wii, PlayStation 3
- Description: A rail shooter recapping Resident Evil 0, 1, and 3, with new scenarios showing Umbrella’s downfall. Featuring Chris, Jill, and Wesker, it uses first-person gameplay. It bridges mainline events, focusing on Umbrella’s collapse.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off summarizing the first, third, and prequel mainline games.
15. Resident Evil 5 (2009)
- Release Date: March 5, 2009
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Description: Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar battle bioterrorism in Africa, confronting Albert Wesker’s plan to unleash a global virus. Its cooperative gameplay and third-person shooter mechanics build on Resident Evil 4. The story resolves Wesker’s arc.
- Main Series Connection: Sixth mainline game, focusing on post-Umbrella bioterrorism.
16. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (2009)
- Release Date: November 17, 2009
- Platforms: Wii, PlayStation 3
- Description: A rail shooter retelling Resident Evil 2 and Code: Veronica, with a new Leon-centric scenario in South America. It emphasizes narrative over action, using first-person gameplay. It reinforces key mainline events.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off recapping the second and fourth mainline games.
17. Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (2011)
- Release Date: June 2, 2011
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
- Description: A standalone action game focusing on the Mercenaries mode, featuring characters like Chris and Jill. It emphasizes score-based combat with minimal story, loosely tied to the main series through character inclusion.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off with minor ties to mainline characters and settings.
18. Resident Evil: Revelations (2012)
- Release Date: January 26, 2012
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Windows
- Description: Set between Resident Evil 4 and 5, Revelations follows Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield investigating a bioterrorist threat on a cruise ship. It blends survival horror and action, using third-person gameplay. The story introduces the BSAA’s early missions.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off bridging the fifth and sixth mainline games.
19. Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (2012)
- Release Date: March 20, 2012
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows
- Description: A team-based shooter set during Resident Evil 2 and 3, players control Umbrella operatives or government agents in Raccoon City. Its action focus and non-canonical story deviate from survival horror but expand the outbreak’s perspective.
- Main Series Connection: Non-canonical spin-off set during the second and third mainline games.
20. Resident Evil 6 (2012)
- Release Date: October 2, 2012
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Description: Featuring multiple campaigns with Leon, Chris, and others, Resident Evil 6 tackles global bioterrorist attacks. Its action-heavy gameplay allows movement while shooting, marking a departure from horror roots. The story connects major characters across the timeline.
- Main Series Connection: Seventh mainline game, expanding global bioterrorism.
21. Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015)
- Release Date: February 24, 2015
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows
- Description: Set between Resident Evil 5 and 6, Claire Redfield and Moira Burton face a mysterious island outbreak. Its episodic structure blends horror and action, with cooperative gameplay. The story ties into the BSAA’s ongoing fight.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off bridging the sixth and seventh mainline games.
22. Umbrella Corps (2016)
- Release Date: June 21, 2016
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows
- Description: A competitive multiplayer shooter, Umbrella Corps features mercenaries in Umbrella-themed arenas. Its minimal story and focus on online battles make it a standalone experience with loose ties to the franchise.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off with negligible mainline story connections.
23. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
- Release Date: January 24, 2017
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Description: A return to survival horror, Resident Evil 7 uses a first-person perspective. Ethan Winters searches for his missing wife in a Louisiana mansion, facing the Baker family and the BOW Eveline. Its horror focus and RE Engine visuals revitalized the series.
- Main Series Connection: Eighth mainline game, introducing new characters and bioterrorism threats.
24. Resident Evil 2 (Remake) (2019)
- Release Date: January 25, 2019
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Description: A reimagining of Resident Evil 2, with over-the-shoulder third-person gameplay and modern graphics. Leon and Claire navigate Raccoon City’s outbreak, facing Mr. X and Umbrella’s experiments. It refines the original story while staying faithful.
- Main Series Connection: Remake of the second mainline game, considered canonical.
25. Resident Evil 3 (Remake) (2020)
- Release Date: April 3, 2020
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Description: A remake of Resident Evil 3, following Jill Valentine’s escape from Raccoon City, pursued by Nemesis. It features updated third-person gameplay and a streamlined story, emphasizing action while retaining horror elements.
- Main Series Connection: Remake of the third mainline game, considered canonical.
26. Resident Evil: Resistance (2020)
- Release Date: April 3, 2020
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows
- Description: A multiplayer survival game bundled with Resident Evil 3 Remake, Resistance pits survivors against a Mastermind controlling traps and monsters. Set in Raccoon City, it’s non-canonical but uses series themes.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off tied to the third mainline game’s setting.
27. Resident Evil Village (2021)
- Release Date: May 7, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
- Description: A sequel to Resident Evil 7, Village follows Ethan Winters in a European village, facing lycans and a cult led by Mother Miranda. Its first-person gameplay blends horror and action, with Chris Redfield tying it to the broader series.
- Main Series Connection: Ninth mainline game, continuing Ethan’s story and BSAA involvement.
28. Resident Evil Re:Verse (2022)
- Release Date: October 28, 2022
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows
- Description: A multiplayer deathmatch game with Resident Evil characters like Leon and Jill. Players transform into monsters upon death, with minimal story. It’s a bonus with Village but lacks significant narrative ties.
- Main Series Connection: Spin-off with loose character-based connections.
29. Resident Evil 4 (Remake) (2023)
- Release Date: March 24, 2023
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
- Description: A reimagining of Resident Evil 4, with updated third-person gameplay and enhanced visuals. Leon rescues the President’s daughter from the Los Illuminados cult, refining the original’s story and mechanics. It sold over three million copies in days.
- Main Series Connection: Remake of the fifth mainline game, considered canonical.
30. Resident Evil Requiem (2026)
- Release Date: February 27, 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
- Description: The upcoming ninth mainline game, Resident Evil Requiem, is set in Raccoon City, about 30 years after its destruction in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis to continue the series’ legacy. Details are scarce, but it’s expected to build on Village’s story, potentially involving the BSAA or new bioterrorism threats. Grace is pursued by a monster, similarly to Mr. X and Lady Dimitrescu of previous Resident Evil games.
- Main Series Connection: Tenth mainline game, continuing the core narrative.
Resident Evil Story Timeline vs. Release Order
The release order differs from the in-universe story timeline. The chronological story order starts with Resident Evil Zero (1998, prequel), followed by Resident Evil (1998), Resident Evil 2 and 3 (1998, concurrent), Code: Veronica (1998-1999), Resident Evil 4 (2004), Revelations (2004-2005), Resident Evil 5 (2009), Revelations 2 (2011), Resident Evil 6 (2012-2013), Resident Evil 7 (2017), and Village (2021). Spin-offs like Outbreak and Umbrella Chronicles fit within this timeline, while remakes align with their original stories. New players should follow release order to appreciate gameplay evolution and narrative context, starting with the 1996 original or its 2002 remake.
Why Play Resident Evil Games in Order?
Playing Resident Evil games in release order lets you trace the series’ evolution from tank controls to modern shooters, understanding gameplay shifts and story progression. Newcomers can start with Resident Evil 2 Remake for its accessible horror and modern mechanics, while veterans may revisit classics like Resident Evil 4 for nostalgia. Release order highlights Capcom’s design growth and connects spin-offs and remakes to the mainline saga, enriching the experience.
FAQs About Resident Evil Series
What is the first Resident Evil game?
Resident Evil (1996) is the first, introducing the S.T.A.R.S. team and Umbrella’s T-virus. Its 2002 remake is recommended for modern players.
Should I play the original or remake?
Remakes (Resident Evil 2002, RE2 2019, RE3 2020, RE4 2023) offer updated graphics and gameplay, ideal for newcomers, but originals provide retro charm for purists.
Are spin-offs worth playing?
Spin-offs like Revelations and Outbreak add lore and variety but are less essential. Revelations is great for story fans; others suit action enthusiasts.
What’s the latest Resident Evil game in 2025?
As of August 2025, Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) is the latest released game. Resident Evil Requiem is set for 2026.
Conclusion:
Exploring Resident Evil games in order immerses you in a chilling saga of survival horror, from the 1996 classic to the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem in 2026. This guide covers every mainline title, remake, and key spin-off, offering a roadmap for fans and newcomers. Start with Resident Evil 2 Remake for a modern entry or dive into the original for retro thrills. Comment your favorite Resident Evil game below and check out our character guides for more! For more: Wikipedia.org
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