Resident Evil Games in Order: Best First Playthrough Route

To get the most coherent story and the smoothest difficulty curve, the best first playthrough route for the Resident Evil series is to play in release order, starting with the 2002 remake of the first game, then Resident Evil 2 (2019 remake), Resident Evil 3 (2020 remake), and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, before moving on to the more action-oriented titles like Resident Evil 4 (2023 remake) and Resident Evil Village. This route respects the evolution of gameplay mechanics and avoids the narrative confusion that comes from jumping between the classic fixed-camera games and the modern first-person entries. Below is a detailed breakdown of why this order works, what to expect from each game, and how to handle the series’ many spin-offs and alternate versions.

Why Release Order Beats Chronological Order

Many newcomers assume that playing the games in chronological story order (Resident Evil 0, 1, 2, 3, Code Veronica, etc.) is the best approach. However, the series’ timeline is messy: Resident Evil 0 was released after the third game, and its story assumes you already know the characters and the mansion incident. More importantly, gameplay evolved dramatically over the decades. The early games use fixed camera angles and “tank controls,” while later games use over-the-shoulder cameras and free movement. Playing in release order lets you experience the mechanics as they were refined, so you never have to go backward in control schemes. It also mirrors what long-time fans experienced, making the story reveals land in the intended order.

The Core Route: 7 Essential Games

If you want a complete but manageable first playthrough, focus on these seven titles in this exact order:

• Resident Evil (2002 remake) – The definitive version of the first game. It teaches you the series’ core survival horror loop: limited ammo, item management, and puzzle-solving. Play as Jill Valentine for your first run; she has more inventory slots and an easier time.
• Resident Evil 2 (2019 remake) – A modern reimagining that keeps the tension but updates the controls. Play Leon A and Claire B for the canonical story.
• Resident Evil 3 (2020 remake) – Shorter and more action-focused, but it directly continues the Raccoon City outbreak and introduces Jill’s story. It also sets up the Nemesis, a persistent threat.
• Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – A soft reboot in first-person perspective. It returns to the series’ roots with a single location (the Baker plantation) and a strong horror focus. No prior knowledge is needed, but playing it after the Raccoon City arc gives you a nice palate cleanser.
• Resident Evil Village – Directly follows RE7 and expands the first-person gameplay. It includes more action and a castle setting that pays homage to the classic games.
• Resident Evil 4 (2023 remake) – This is the game that redefined the series with its over-the-shoulder aiming and action set-pieces. The remake modernizes it while keeping the iconic village and castle levels. It takes place after RE3 and before RE7 chronologically, but playing it after the first-person games works better because it feels like a bridge.
• Resident Evil 5 or 6 (optional) – These are co-op action games that lean heavily into shooting. They are not essential for the main story, but if you want to see where the series went before the reboot, they are worth a try. Play them with a friend, as the AI partner is frustrating.

What About the Spin-Offs and Code Veronica?

Resident Evil Code: Veronica is often cited as a mainline game because it continues Claire’s story after RE2 and introduces the Wesker children plotline. However, it was originally a Dreamcast exclusive and has aged poorly in terms of controls. For a first playthrough, you can skip it and watch a story recap on YouTube. The same goes for Resident Evil 0, which is a prequel that is notoriously difficult due to the lack of item boxes. The Revelations games (1 and 2) are side stories that are fun but not essential. The Umbrella Chronicles and Darkside Chronicles are rail shooters that recap the story but are not necessary for understanding the main plot.

How to Choose Between the Original and Remake Versions

For the first three games, you have the choice between the original 1990s versions and the remakes. The 2002 remake of RE1 is universally considered superior to the original, so play that. For RE2 and RE3, the 2019 and 2020 remakes are the better experiences for modern players, but they cut some content (like the A/B scenarios in RE2). If you want the full original story, you can play the originals via emulation, but they require patience with tank controls. For RE4, the 2023 remake is the best entry point, but the original is still beloved and has more campy charm. For RE7 and Village, there are no remakes, so you play the originals.

Common Mistakes New Players Make

One of the biggest mistakes is playing the games on hard difficulty for the “true” experience. The series is notoriously unforgiving, and the standard difficulty is already challenging. Another mistake is hoarding ammo and herbs out of fear. The games are designed to give you just enough resources, so use them. Also, don’t ignore the knife; it’s surprisingly powerful in the remakes. Finally, don’t be afraid to look up a walkthrough for the puzzle-heavy sections. The mansion in RE1 is a maze, and getting stuck for hours can kill the momentum.

Difficulty and Accessibility Options

Modern remakes of RE2, RE3, and RE4 include difficulty options and accessibility features like auto-aim and high-contrast mode. RE7 and Village also have a “Voices of the Baker” feature that provides audio descriptions. If you’re playing on PC, you can mod the games for more forgiving gameplay. For the 2002 RE1 remake, there is no easy mode, but you can choose the “Original” control scheme or the “Alternate” scheme that uses the left stick for movement. The latter is much easier for modern players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play Resident Evil 0 before the first game?

No. Resident Evil 0 is a prequel that was released in 2002, and it assumes you know who the characters are. It also has a different inventory system (no item boxes) that makes it harder. Play it after the first game if you want more background on the mansion incident.

Can I skip Resident Evil 6?

Yes. Resident Evil 6 is widely considered the low point of the series, with over-the-top action and a convoluted story that spans four campaigns. It has almost no bearing on the main plot, and you can jump from RE5 to RE7 without missing anything important.

Is Resident Evil 4 (2023) better than the original?

For a first-time player, the 2023 remake is the better choice. It has modern controls, updated graphics, and a more serious tone. However, the original still has its fans who prefer the campy dialogue and the unique pacing. Both are valid, but the remake is more accessible.

What order should I play the remakes vs. the originals?

Play the remakes for RE1, RE2, RE3, and RE4. They are all superior in terms of gameplay and presentation. The only original that might be worth playing is the original RE4 if you want to see the meme-worthy lines, but it’s not necessary.

Are the spin-offs like Umbrella Corps or Operation Raccoon City worth playing?

No. These are non-canonical multiplayer shooters that are widely panned. They don’t add to the story and are only for hardcore fans who want to see alternate takes on the universe.

How long does it take to beat the core route?

Each game takes roughly 8–12 hours on a first playthrough, so the seven-game route will take about 70–80 hours. If you want a shorter experience, you can skip RE3 and RE5, but you’ll miss some context for the later games.

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