Hey guys! Let's dive into the thrilling world of Resident Evil! For fans and newcomers alike, it’s super useful to have a complete rundown of all the games in this legendary survival horror series. This article gives you all the details you could ever want about every Resident Evil game ever made. So, grab your weapons, check your inventory, and let’s get started!

Main Series Games

The main series Resident Evil games form the core of the franchise, which introduces the overarching plot, main characters, and core gameplay mechanics. These titles are essential for understanding the complete Resident Evil storyline. Each game brings something new to the table, whether it's innovative gameplay, unforgettable characters, or groundbreaking graphics. Let's explore the main games that have made Resident Evil such a lasting phenomenon.

Resident Evil (1996)

Resident Evil, originally released in 1996 for the PlayStation, started it all. As a member of S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics and Rescue Service), you're sent to investigate a series of strange murders in the Arklay Mountains. The investigation leads you to a mysterious mansion filled with zombies, mutated creatures, and deadly traps. You can choose to play as either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses. The fixed camera angles and limited resources created a sense of tension and dread that defined the survival horror genre. This game wasn't just a hit; it became a cultural phenomenon, setting the standard for horror games for years to come. The suspenseful atmosphere, challenging puzzles, and terrifying enemies made Resident Evil an instant classic. The success of the original Resident Evil paved the way for numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations, solidifying its place in gaming history. The game's innovative approach to horror, combined with its compelling storyline, captivated players and established a loyal fan base that continues to grow with each new release.

Resident Evil 2 (1998)

Resident Evil 2, released in 1998, takes place in Raccoon City amidst a full-blown zombie outbreak caused by the T-virus. You play as either Leon S. Kennedy, a rookie cop on his first day, or Claire Redfield, Chris’s sister, who is searching for him. The dual-scenario system offers different perspectives on the same events, enriching the storyline and adding replay value. Resident Evil 2 ramps up the action and horror, introducing iconic enemies like the Licker and the relentless Tyrant. The game improved on its predecessor with refined graphics, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a more expansive environment to explore. The immersive atmosphere and heart-pounding encounters made Resident Evil 2 a defining entry in the series. Players praised the game for its balance of horror, action, and puzzle-solving, which contributed to its critical and commercial success. The compelling narrative, coupled with the engaging characters, ensured that Resident Evil 2 remains a fan favorite and a benchmark for survival horror games.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)

In Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, released in 1999, you once again play as Jill Valentine as she attempts to escape the zombie-infested Raccoon City before it's destroyed. The main antagonist, Nemesis, is a towering bio-weapon programmed to eliminate all S.T.A.R.S. members. Nemesis relentlessly pursues Jill throughout the game, creating intense and unpredictable encounters. The game introduces the Dodge mechanic, adding a new layer of strategy to combat. The story runs parallel to the events of Resident Evil 2, providing additional insights into the Raccoon City incident. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis offers a thrilling and action-packed experience, with a greater emphasis on combat compared to its predecessors. The constant threat of Nemesis and the sense of urgency make this game a standout entry in the series. Players appreciated the enhanced gameplay mechanics and the expanded lore, which solidified Resident Evil 3: Nemesis's position as a classic in the survival horror genre.

Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000)

Resident Evil Code: Veronica, released in 2000, marks a significant graphical upgrade as the first Resident Evil game for the Dreamcast. Claire Redfield continues her search for her brother, Chris, leading her to a remote island controlled by Umbrella Corporation. The game features a more complex storyline, delving into the origins of the T-virus and the enigmatic Ashford family. Chris eventually joins Claire, and together they face new and terrifying enemies. Code: Veronica retains the series' classic survival horror elements while introducing fully 3D environments, allowing for dynamic camera angles. The game's intricate plot, challenging puzzles, and visually stunning graphics made it a critical success. Players lauded the game for its cinematic presentation and engaging characters, which added depth to the Resident Evil universe. Resident Evil Code: Veronica is considered a pivotal entry in the series, bridging the gap between the classic and modern Resident Evil games.

Resident Evil 4 (2005)

Resident Evil 4, released in 2005, represents a major shift in gameplay and tone for the series. Leon S. Kennedy, now a government agent, is sent to rescue the President’s daughter, Ashley Graham, from a mysterious cult in rural Spain. The game introduces an over-the-shoulder camera perspective, allowing for more precise aiming and a greater sense of immersion. Resident Evil 4 emphasizes action and combat, with hordes of infected villagers (Ganados) attacking Leon from all directions. The game also features a dynamic merchant system, allowing players to purchase and upgrade weapons. Resident Evil 4's innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and thrilling story revitalized the series and set a new standard for action-horror games. Players and critics alike praised the game for its intense pacing, engaging combat, and memorable characters. Resident Evil 4 is widely regarded as one of the best video games ever made and remains a benchmark for the action-horror genre.

Resident Evil 5 (2009)

Resident Evil 5, released in 2009, continues the story of Chris Redfield as he investigates a new bio-terror threat in Africa. Partnered with Sheva Alomar, Chris faces hordes of infected Majini in a co-op gameplay experience. The game builds upon the action-oriented gameplay of Resident Evil 4, with a greater emphasis on teamwork and cooperative strategies. Resident Evil 5 features stunning graphics and exotic locations, adding to the immersive experience. The storyline delves into the origins of the Umbrella Corporation and the Progenitor virus. While Resident Evil 5 received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide. Players appreciated the co-op gameplay and the expanded lore, but some criticized the game for its departure from the series' survival horror roots. Nonetheless, Resident Evil 5 remains a significant entry in the Resident Evil franchise.

Resident Evil 6 (2012)

Resident Evil 6, released in 2012, is the most ambitious and divisive entry in the series. The game features four interconnected storylines, each with its own unique characters and gameplay styles. Players take on the roles of Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Jake Muller, and Ada Wong as they face a global bio-terror outbreak. Resident Evil 6 combines action, horror, and adventure elements, with each campaign offering a different experience. The game features a vast array of enemies, weapons, and locations, providing hours of gameplay. While Resident Evil 6 received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide. Players appreciated the variety of gameplay styles and the expanded storyline, but some criticized the game for its convoluted plot and over-reliance on action. Despite its flaws, Resident Evil 6 remains a notable entry in the Resident Evil franchise.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, released in 2017, marks a return to the series' survival horror roots. The game introduces a new protagonist, Ethan Winters, who is searching for his missing wife, Mia, in a derelict plantation in Louisiana. Resident Evil 7 is played from a first-person perspective, creating a more intimate and terrifying experience. The game emphasizes exploration, puzzle-solving, and resource management, with a focus on creating a sense of dread and vulnerability. Resident Evil 7 features a disturbing new enemy family, the Bakers, who are infected with a mysterious mold. The game's immersive atmosphere, terrifying enemies, and compelling story revitalized the series and earned critical acclaim. Players praised the game for its return to survival horror and its innovative use of the first-person perspective. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is considered a major success and a welcome return to form for the Resident Evil franchise.

Resident Evil Village (2021)

Resident Evil Village, released in 2021, continues the story of Ethan Winters as he finds himself in a mysterious European village in search of his kidnapped daughter. The game combines elements of survival horror and action, with a focus on exploration and combat. Resident Evil Village features a variety of terrifying enemies, including werewolves, vampires, and other supernatural creatures. The game's stunning graphics, immersive atmosphere, and engaging storyline earned critical acclaim. Players praised the game for its blend of horror and action, its memorable characters, and its ties to the Resident Evil lore. Resident Evil Village is a commercial success and a worthy successor to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, solidifying the series' place as a leader in the survival horror genre.

Spin-Off Games

Besides the main series, Resident Evil has a huge collection of spin-off games. These titles explore different genres and storylines within the Resident Evil universe, providing new perspectives on the core themes and characters. While they may not be essential for understanding the main plot, these spin-offs offer unique gameplay experiences and expand the world of Resident Evil in exciting ways. Let's take a look at some of the most notable spin-off games.

Resident Evil Survivor (2000)

Resident Evil Survivor, released in 2000, is a first-person shooter spin-off set on an island infested with zombies. The game features a new protagonist, Ark Thompson, who suffers from amnesia and must uncover the truth about the island's secrets. Resident Evil Survivor deviates from the series' traditional gameplay, focusing on action and shooting rather than exploration and puzzle-solving. The game received mixed reviews, with some praising its innovative approach and others criticizing its lack of polish. Despite its flaws, Resident Evil Survivor remains a notable entry in the Resident Evil franchise, showcasing the series' willingness to experiment with new genres and gameplay styles.

Resident Evil Gaiden (2001)

Resident Evil Gaiden, released in 2001 for the Game Boy Color, is a unique spin-off that blends action and adventure with a top-down perspective. The game follows Leon S. Kennedy and Barry Burton as they investigate a mysterious cruise ship infested with zombies. Resident Evil Gaiden features a unique combat system and a twisting storyline that challenges the series' canon. The game received mixed reviews, with some praising its innovative gameplay and others criticizing its technical limitations. Despite its mixed reception, Resident Evil Gaiden remains a notable entry in the Resident Evil franchise, demonstrating the series' versatility and willingness to explore new platforms and gameplay styles.

Resident Evil: Dead Aim (2003)

Resident Evil: Dead Aim, released in 2003, combines first-person shooting with third-person exploration. The game follows Bruce McGivern, an agent of the U.S. government, as he investigates a bio-terror outbreak on a cruise ship. Resident Evil: Dead Aim features a unique control scheme that allows players to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives. The game received mixed reviews, with some praising its innovative gameplay and others criticizing its clunky controls. Despite its flaws, Resident Evil: Dead Aim remains a notable entry in the Resident Evil franchise, showcasing the series' experimentation with different gameplay mechanics.

Resident Evil Outbreak (2003) and Resident Evil Outbreak File #2 (2004)

Resident Evil Outbreak, released in 2003, is the first online multiplayer Resident Evil game. Players take on the roles of eight ordinary citizens trying to survive the zombie outbreak in Raccoon City. Resident Evil Outbreak features a variety of scenarios, each with its own unique challenges and storylines. The game emphasizes teamwork and cooperation, with players working together to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. Resident Evil Outbreak File #2, released in 2004, builds upon the original game with new scenarios, characters, and gameplay mechanics. While the online multiplayer component was innovative for its time, it was limited by technical issues and regional restrictions. Despite its flaws, Resident Evil Outbreak and Resident Evil Outbreak File #2 remain notable entries in the Resident Evil franchise, showcasing the series' ambition and willingness to experiment with online multiplayer gameplay.

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (2007) and Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (2009)

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles, released in 2007, and Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, released in 2009, are rail shooter games that retell key events from the Resident Evil series. The Umbrella Chronicles covers events from Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil, and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, while The Darkside Chronicles covers events from Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil Code: Veronica. These games offer a more action-oriented experience, with players shooting their way through hordes of zombies and mutated creatures. The Umbrella Chronicles and The Darkside Chronicles feature cooperative multiplayer gameplay, allowing players to team up and tackle the challenges together. These games received mixed reviews, with some praising their faithful retelling of classic Resident Evil storylines and others criticizing their repetitive gameplay. Despite their flaws, The Umbrella Chronicles and The Darkside Chronicles remain notable entries in the Resident Evil franchise, providing a fun and accessible way for fans to revisit key moments from the series.

Resident Evil: Revelations (2012) and Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015)

Resident Evil: Revelations, released in 2012, and Resident Evil: Revelations 2, released in 2015, are episodic games that return to the series' survival horror roots. Resident Evil: Revelations follows Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they investigate a bio-terror plot aboard a derelict cruise ship. Resident Evil: Revelations 2 features two interconnected storylines, with Claire Redfield and Moira Burton searching for a missing group of Terra Save members, and Barry Burton searching for his daughter, Moira. These games emphasize exploration, puzzle-solving, and resource management, with a focus on creating a sense of dread and vulnerability. Resident Evil: Revelations and Resident Evil: Revelations 2 feature cooperative multiplayer gameplay, allowing players to team up and tackle the challenges together. These games received positive reviews, with critics praising their return to survival horror and their engaging storylines. Resident Evil: Revelations and Resident Evil: Revelations 2 are considered important entries in the Resident Evil franchise, bridging the gap between the main series games and the spin-off titles.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A comprehensive list of all the Resident Evil games. From the original Resident Evil to the latest installments like Resident Evil Village, the series has consistently delivered thrilling and terrifying experiences. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the franchise, there's a Resident Evil game out there for everyone. Dive in, explore the horrors, and remember to conserve your ammo! Happy gaming, everyone! Don't forget to share this with your friends who love Resident Evil or are looking to get into it!