Man, trying to remember every single Resident Evil game is like trying to count zombies during an outbreak. One minute you're confident, the next you realize you've missed half of them. Seriously though, if you've ever wondered "how many Resident Evil games actually exist?" or "which ones should I play?", you're not alone. I've been knee-deep in this series since the PS1 days, and let me tell you—this franchise has more twists than the Spencer Mansion corridors. So grab your herb mix and let's break down all of the Resident Evil games.
Back in '96, I rented the original from Blockbuster and barely slept for a week. Those creaky doors and zombie dogs scarred me for life—in the best way possible. Today? We've got over 30 titles spanning consoles, handhelds, and even mobile. But here's the kicker: Capcom loves rebranding and remaking these games, so even hardcore fans get confused. We'll cut through the noise and lay out everything you need to know about all Resident Evil games in order.
The Complete Timeline of Resident Evil Releases
Don't trust those "definitive lists" that skip the weird spin-offs. We're covering everything—mainline, remakes, multiplayer experiments, even Japan-only mobile titles. This table organizes every single entry by release year with key details:
| Official Title | Release Year | Platforms | Game Type | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil | 1996 | PS1, Saturn, PC | Survival Horror | The original that started it all |
| Resident Evil 2 | 1998 | PS1, N64, Dreamcast | Survival Horror | Introduced Leon Kennedy & Claire Redfield |
| Resident Evil 3: Nemesis | 1999 | PS1, Dreamcast | Survival Horror | Featuring the unstoppable Nemesis |
| Resident Evil Survivor | 2000 | PS1, PC | Light Gun Shooter | First-person spinoff |
| Resident Evil Code: Veronica | 2000 | Dreamcast, PS2, GameCube | Survival Horror | Considered "true" RE4 by many |
| Resident Evil Gaiden | 2001 | Game Boy Color | Action RPG | Non-canon handheld exclusive |
| Resident Evil Remake | 2002 | GameCube, PS4, XB1, Switch, PC | Survival Horror Remake | Gold standard for remakes |
| Resident Evil 0 | 2002 | GameCube, PS4, XB1, Switch, PC | Survival Horror Prequel | Billy Coen & Rebecca Chambers |
| Resident Evil 4 | 2005 | GameCube, PS2, Wii, PC | Action Horror | Revolutionized third-person shooting |
| Resident Evil 5 | 2009 | PS3, XB360, PS4, XB1, Switch, PC | Action Co-op | First full co-op campaign |
| Resident Evil Revelations | 2012 | 3DS, PS3, XB360, Wii U, Switch, PC | Survival Horror | Return to horror after RE5 |
| Resident Evil 6 | 2012 | PS3, XB360, PS4, XB1, Switch, PC | Action Shooter | Most divisive mainline entry |
| Resident Evil 7: Biohazard | 2017 | PS4, XB1, Switch Cloud, PS5, XSX, PC | First-Person Horror | Soft reboot with new protagonist |
| Resident Evil 2 Remake | 2019 | PS4, XB1, PS5, XSX, PC | Survival Horror Remake | Critically acclaimed reimagining |
| Resident Evil Village | 2021 | PS4/5, XB1/XSX, Stadia, PC | First-Person Action Horror | Sequel to RE7 featuring Ethan Winters |
| Resident Evil 4 Remake | 2023 | PS4/5, XSX, PC | Survival Horror Remake | Modern reimagining of 2005 classic |
That's 16 entries, but we're missing some. What about Dead Aim or The Mercenaries 3D? Exactly why people lose track. Let me tell you about the time I imported Resident Evil: Director's Cut Dual Shock Edition from Japan just for the terrible new soundtrack—worth every penny for the cringe.
Breaking Down The Mainline Games
When people ask about all of the Resident Evil games, they usually mean the core stories starring Leon, Chris, Jill and crew. Here's the essential chronology:
| Game | Timeline Year | Protagonists | Setting | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil 0 | 1998 | Rebecca & Billy | Train & Training Facility | Shows immediate prequel to RE1 |
| Resident Evil 1 | 1998 | Chris/Jill | Spencer Mansion | Origins of T-Virus outbreak |
| Resident Evil 3 (First Half) | 1998 | Jill | Raccoon City Streets | Occurs before/during RE2 |
| Resident Evil 2 | 1998 | Leon & Claire | Raccoon City Police Station | Peak of outbreak, G-Virus intro |
| Resident Evil 3 (Second Half) | 1998 | Jill | Raccoon City Destruction | City's final hours |
| Code: Veronica | 1998 | Claire & Chris | Rockfort Island | Continues Claire's story post-RE2 |
| Resident Evil 4 | 2004 | Leon | Rural Spain | Introduces Las Plagas parasite |
| Resident Evil 5 | 2009 | Chris & Sheva | Kijuju, Africa | Uroboros virus, Wesker's end |
| Resident Evil 6 | 2013 | 4 Campaign Characters | Global Locations | C-Virus pandemic |
Notice how RE3 wraps around RE2? That always trips people up. I remember playing them back-to-back in 2000 and getting whiplash from the timeline jumps. And yes, Code Veronica absolutely should've been called RE4—it continues Claire and Chris' stories directly.
The Remake Revolution
Capcom's remakes aren't just cash grabs—they're full reimaginings. The RE1 Remake on GameCube actually scared me more than the original with those crimson heads bursting from doors. Here's how the remakes compare:
| Remake Title | Original Release | Gameplay Changes | Canon Status | Where to Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RE1 Remake (2002) | 1996 | Fixed camera, new areas | Considered definitive | All modern platforms |
| RE2 Remake (2019) | 1998 | Over-the-shoulder camera | New canon interpretation | PS4/5, XB1/XSX, PC |
| RE3 Remake (2020) | 1999 | Streamlined campaign | Condensed version | PS4/5, XB1/XSX, PC |
| RE4 Remake (2023) | 2005 | Modern controls, new mechanics | Enhanced original | PS4/5, XSX, PC |
That RE3 Remake? Controversial opinion: I missed the clock tower section. Cutting it felt like serving pizza without cheese. Still fun, but incomplete. The RE2 Remake though? Chef's kiss—perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Spinoffs You Might've Missed
Capcom experimented hard between main releases. Some hidden gems in these:
- Outbreak Files 1 & 2 (2003-2004) - Early online multiplayer with virus mechanics
- Revelations Duology (2012-2015) - Return to horror on 3DS/consoles
- Survivor Series (2000-2003) - Light gun games with infamous voice acting
- Operation Raccoon City (2012) - Team-based shooter (non-canon)
- Umbrella Corps (2016) - Multiplayer disaster (avoid unless morbidly curious)
- Resistance (2020) - Asymmetrical multiplayer bundled with RE3 Remake
I sunk 100+ hours into Outbreak on PS2. Nothing like frantically typing "HELP!" with a controller while a hunter chews your leg. Wish they'd remaster these—the scenarios were brilliantly tense.
Mobile & Handheld Oddities
Seriously obscure stuff most fans never touch:
- Gaiden (2001) - Game Boy Color RPG with terrible combat
- Deadly Silence (2006) - DS remake of RE1 with touchscreen puzzles
- The Mercenaries 3D (2011) - 3DS port of RE4/5 minigame
- Umbrella Chronicles (2007) - Wii light gun retelling of early games
Deadly Silence actually nailed the DS features—using the mic to revive partners was genius. Meanwhile, Mercenaries 3D? Fun gameplay buried under permanent save data. Why Capcom?
Which Resident Evil Games Should You Play Today?
Skip the homework—follow this priority guide:
| For New Players | For Horror Purists | For Action Fans | Skip Unless Curious |
|---|---|---|---|
| RE2 Remake (2019) | RE1 Remake (2002) | RE4 Remake (2023) | Umbrella Corps (2016) |
| RE7: Biohazard (2017) | RE7: Biohazard (2017) | RE5 (2009) | Gaiden (2001) |
| RE4 Remake (2023) | RE2 Remake (2019) | Resident Evil 6 (2012) | Survivor (2000) |
If you only play one? RE2 Remake. Perfect balance of modern controls and classic horror. RE7 comes close but that ship section drags. And RE6? Look, I'll defend its co-op madness—playing as Leon in Tall Oaks is peak campy RE—but Chris' campaign feels like Call of Duty fan fiction.
Burning Questions About All Resident Evil Games
How many Resident Evil games exist total?
Depends how you count ports. Core releases: 28. With mobile/arcade: 30+. But only about 20 are considered "main" experiences.
Do I need to play them in order?
Not strictly. RE1-3 and Code Veronica share continuity, but RE4 onward work standalone. Play RE7 before Village though.
Why are Resident Evil remakes replacing originals?
They're not—they coexist. Play originals for history, remakes for accessibility. Except RE1 Remake, which supersedes the 1996 version.
What's the scariest Resident Evil game?
RE7 in VR. Nothing compares to Jack Baker chasing you in first-person. Non-VR? RE1 Remake's crimson heads still haunt me.
Which Resident Evil has the best replay value?
RE4 (original or remake). Mercenaries mode, unlockable weapons, and speedrun incentives make it endlessly fun.
Are there any Resident Evil games not about zombies?
Plenty! RE4 has parasite-controlled villagers, RE5 has Majini, RE6 has J'avo, RE7/8 have molded and lycans.
The Future of Resident Evil
Rumors are swirling about RE5 Remake and RE9. Code Veronica deserves a remake more though—it's the missing link between classics and modern titles. Whatever comes next, one thing's certain: Capcom will keep reinventing this series. Maybe we'll even get that Outbreak remake fans have begged for since 2010.
At the end of the day, exploring all of the Resident Evil games is like touring a museum of horror innovation. Some exhibits aged poorly (looking at you, quick time events), others defined genres. Whether you're here for the lore, the scares, or just suplexing villagers in RE4, there's something for everyone. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to replay the RE2 Remake for the 12th time. That police station hallway still gives me chills.
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