Franchise Directory

Resident Evil

The Resident Evil franchise has 12 entries. Play in Release Order for newcomers, Chronological Order for lore completionists.

12
Total Games
1996
Franchise Start
0
Delisted Count
Moderate – Simple
CIB Complexity
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OwnedYour shelfOwn#TitleYearPlatformCIBComplete In BoxCIB $WarningsFakes · Region · AudioFind / Buy
1
Resident EvilEssential
Original long box commands 3x premium over jewel case reprint
1996PS1ModerateWhat is CIB? →
2
Resident Evil 2Essential
1998PS1Moderate
⚠️
3
Resident Evil 3: NemesisEssential
1999PS1Moderate
⚠️
4
Resident Evil Code: Veronica XRecommended
2001PS2Simple
5
Resident Evil 4Essential
Digital versions are typically the later HD/remaster ports; original PS2 experience is disc-only.
2005PS2Simple
⚠️
6
Resident Evil 5Recommended
2009PS3Simple
7
Resident Evil 6Optional
2012PS3Simple
8
Resident Evil 7: BiohazardEssential
2017PS4Simple
9
Resident Evil VillageEssential
2021PS5Simple
10
Resident Evil 2 RemakeRecommended
2019PS4
11
Resident Evil 3 RemakeRecommended
2020PS4
12
Resident Evil 4 RemakeRecommended
2023PS5Simple

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Which Resident Evil Games Are Essential?

Essential marks the installments that carry the spine of Resident Evil's main story and world-building — the ones collectors and lore-focused players treat as must-play for the core narrative. On GameOrder, Essential titles include Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, and Resident Evil Village.

Recommended entries meaningfully enrich the franchise — strong stories, fan favorites, or connective tissue that pays off after the essentials, without being strictly required. Recommended picks here: Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Resident Evil 5, and Resident Evil Code: Veronica X.

Optional games are fair to skip for continuity; they are side paths, experiments, or lighter fare that fans can pick up when they want more, not when they need the main plot. Optional tagged titles: Resident Evil 6.

Spinoff titles sit apart from the primary saga — different genres, timelines, or branding — and are best treated as extras after you know the heart of the series. No Spinoff tags appear on these rows.

If you enjoyed Resident Evil

📖 New to Resident Evil? Read our beginner's guide →