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Resident Evil Games in Story Order: A Full Guide

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Resident Evil Games in Story Order: A Full Guide

This guide lays out the complete Resident Evil storyline from the 1998 Mansion Incident to the present, so you can play the games in narrative order and follow every twist, betrayal, and viral outbreak as it happens. You’ll get the exact chronological sequence, which titles are essential, and how to handle remakes, spin-offs, and timeline quirks. No prior knowledge needed—just a desire to experience the survival horror saga the way the story actually unfolds.

What You’ll Need

  • Access to the games (any platform—PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Switch, or mobile).
  • Optional: a notepad or digital document to track character connections and plot points.
  • Optional: a friend to play co-op entries (Resident Evil 5, 6, Revelations 2) if you prefer.

Step-by-Step

  1. Start with the origin: Resident Evil 0 (2002). This prequel shows how the T-virus outbreak began at the Arklay Mountains training facility. Play as Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen. It sets up the mansion incident and introduces the Umbrella Corporation’s role.
  2. Play Resident Evil (1996 or 2002 remake). The original mansion incident. Choose Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine. This is the foundation of the entire series—the S.T.A.R.S. team, the Spencer Mansion, and the first encounter with the Tyrant.
  3. Continue with Resident Evil 2 (1998 or 2019 remake). Two months after the mansion, the T-virus spreads to Raccoon City. Play as Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield. This introduces the G-virus, William Birkin, and the iconic Lickers. The remake is faithful to the story.
  4. Play Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999 or 2020 remake). Set before, during, and after RE2’s events. You control Jill Valentine as she tries to escape Raccoon City while hunted by Nemesis. The remake condenses some plot but keeps the core narrative.
  5. Watch or play the side story: Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000). Takes place three months after Raccoon City’s destruction. Claire Redfield is captured and sent to Rockfort Island, where she uncovers the Ashford family’s connection to Umbrella and the T-Veronica virus. Essential for the Wesker storyline.
  6. Play Resident Evil 4 (2005 or 2023 remake). Six years later, Leon is now a government agent sent to rescue the president’s daughter from a cult in rural Spain. This introduces the Las Plagas parasite and marks a shift to action-oriented gameplay. The story is crucial for subsequent games.
  7. Play Resident Evil: Revelations (2012). Set between RE4 and RE5, this follows Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they investigate a bio-terrorist attack on a cruise ship. It introduces the Fenris virus and the organization Veltro, which ties into later events.
  8. Play Resident Evil 5 (2009). Set in 2009, Chris Redfield teams up with Sheva Alomar to stop a bio-terrorism threat in Africa. This reveals the origins of the Uroboros virus and the fate of Albert Wesker. The story concludes the Wesker saga.
  9. Play Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015). Set between RE5 and RE6. Claire Redfield and Moira Burton are kidnapped and taken to a remote island, while Barry Burton searches for them. This introduces the T-Phobos virus and the Overseer, setting up the next era.
  10. Play Resident Evil 6 (2012). Set in 2013, this has four interwoven campaigns: Leon and Helena, Chris and Piers, Jake and Sherry, and Ada Wong. The C-virus causes a global outbreak. The story is complex but essential for the franchise’s direction.
  11. Play Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017). Set in 2017, Ethan Winters searches for his missing wife in a derelict plantation in Louisiana. This returns to survival horror and introduces the Baker family and the E-Series mold. It’s a soft reboot but connects to the wider lore.
  12. Play Resident Evil Village (2021). Direct sequel to RE7, set three years later. Ethan Winters is now living with his wife Mia and daughter Rose, but a new threat forces him to a European village. This reveals the origins of the mold and the connection to the Umbrella Corporation’s founder.
  13. Optional: Play the spin-offs for extra lore. Titles like Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles (2007) and Darkside Chronicles (2009) recap events from RE0, RE1, RE2, and Code Veronica in an on-rails shooter format. They add minor details but aren’t essential.

Common Mistakes

  • Playing by release order instead of story order. This can confuse the timeline, especially with remakes and retcons. Stick to the chronological list above.
  • Skipping Code Veronica. Many players jump from RE3 to RE4, but Code Veronica is crucial for understanding Wesker’s return and Claire’s full arc.
  • Ignoring the remakes’ differences. The remakes of RE2 and RE3 alter some plot points (e.g., the order of events, character roles). They are generally compatible with the story, but be aware of minor changes.
  • Thinking RE7 is a complete reboot. It’s a new story arc, but it connects to the larger lore through the Connections organization and the Umbrella founder’s backstory in Village.
  • Forgetting the spin-offs that matter. Some spin-offs like Umbrella Corps (2016) are non-canon or have minimal impact. Focus on the mainline titles and Revelations series.

Tips

  • Play the remakes where available. The RE1 remake (2002), RE2 remake (2019), RE3 remake (2020), and RE4 remake (2023) are all excellent and modernize the gameplay while preserving the story.
  • Keep a timeline reference. The Resident Evil wiki has a detailed timeline if you get confused. But avoid spoilers if you’re playing for the first time.
  • Play the co-op games with a friend. RE5 and RE6 are more fun with a partner, and the story is easier to follow when you’re discussing it.
  • For the best experience, play in order of release for the older titles. If you’re a newcomer, starting with RE0 might be tough due to its dated mechanics. You can start with RE1 remake and then go back to RE0 if you want.
  • Don’t skip the files and documents. They contain essential lore about the viruses, characters, and Umbrella’s history. Read them to fully understand the story.

Troubleshooting

  • If you can’t find a specific game: Many older titles are available on modern platforms via remasters or digital stores. For example, Code Veronica is on PS4, Xbox One, and PC via the PS2 Classics or HD remaster. If a game is unavailable, watch a detailed story recap video to stay on track.
  • If you’re confused about the timeline: The series has retcons, and the spin-offs can be contradictory. Stick to the mainline numbered titles and Revelations. If something doesn’t align, it’s likely a retcon—just accept it and move on.
  • If you’re stuck on a difficult boss or puzzle: Use a walkthrough for that specific section, but avoid reading ahead for story spoilers. The Resident Evil community has countless guides.
  • If you’re playing the remakes and notice differences from the originals: That’s normal. The remakes are designed to be standalone experiences. They don’t invalidate the originals; they just offer a different take.
  • If you’re playing RE6 and feel overwhelmed by the multiple campaigns: Play them in the order they appear: Leon, then Chris, then Jake, then Ada. This is the intended narrative flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play the spin-off games to understand the story?

No, the mainline numbered titles and the Revelations series are sufficient. Spin-offs like Umbrella Chronicles and Darkside Chronicles are recaps and add minor details, but they’re optional.

Are the remakes canon?

Yes, the remakes are considered canon. They replace the originals in the timeline, though some minor changes exist. The core story remains the same.

Should I play RE0 before RE1?

Yes, in story order, RE0 comes first. However, if you’re new to the series, you might find RE0’s mechanics dated. It’s fine to start with RE1 remake and then go back to RE0.

Is Resident Evil 7 a reboot?

No, it’s a continuation with a new protagonist. It introduces a new storyline but connects to the larger lore through the Connections organization and the mold’s origins revealed in Village.

What about Resident Evil: Outbreak and other multiplayer titles?

Outbreak (2003) is set during the Raccoon City outbreak and is canon, but it’s not essential. Other multiplayer titles like Resistance (2020) are non-canon or spin-offs that don’t affect the main story.

Can I play the games in release order instead?

Yes, but you’ll experience the story out of chronological order. Release order is fine for gameplay evolution, but for narrative clarity, use the story order in this guide.

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