Resident Evil Games In Order offer a thrilling journey through survival horror. At polarservicecenter.net, we understand the importance of getting the most out of your gaming experience, which is why we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the Resident Evil universe. Explore the chronology, discover hidden gems, and enhance your gameplay with our expert insights for video game players.
1. Understanding the Resident Evil Timeline
The Resident Evil series boasts a complex and engaging timeline that spans numerous games, each contributing to the overarching narrative. To truly appreciate the series, it’s essential to understand the chronological order of the games, which isn’t always the same as their release date. Here’s a breakdown of the main entries in the Resident Evil universe, placed in chronological order:
1.1 Resident Evil 0 (2002)
Resident Evil 0 serves as a prequel, taking place just before the events of the original Resident Evil. The game follows S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team member Rebecca Chambers and escaped convict Billy Coen as they investigate a series of bizarre murders in the Arklay Mountains. Their investigation leads them to an abandoned Umbrella Corporation training facility, where they uncover the origins of the T-virus.
1.2 Resident Evil (1996)
The game that started it all, Resident Evil introduces players to the S.T.A.R.S. Alpha Team as they investigate the disappearance of their Bravo Team in the Arklay Mountains. Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, along with their teammates, find themselves trapped in a mysterious mansion filled with zombies and other horrors. This mansion turns out to be another Umbrella facility, where the T-virus has been unleashed.
Resident Evil [1996]
The original Resident Evil game, released in 1996, laid the foundation for the survival horror genre.
1.3 Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Resident Evil 2 takes place two months after the events of the first game, focusing on the outbreak of the T-virus in Raccoon City. Leon S. Kennedy, a rookie police officer, and Claire Redfield, Chris’s sister, arrive in the city and find themselves caught in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. They must navigate the infested streets and uncover the truth behind Umbrella’s sinister activities.
1.4 Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
Set concurrently with the events of Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis follows Jill Valentine as she attempts to escape Raccoon City before it is destroyed by a nuclear missile. She is relentlessly pursued by Nemesis, a Tyrant-type bioweapon designed to eliminate all S.T.A.R.S. members.
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis [1999]
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis introduced the terrifying Nemesis, a relentless pursuer of the protagonist Jill Valentine.
1.5 Resident Evil: Code – Veronica (2000)
Resident Evil: Code – Veronica advances the timeline by a couple of months and sees Claire Redfield continue the search for her brother Chris that began in RE 2. This time Claire’s search takes her to an Umbrella facility in France, where she escapes captivity and follows the trail to the southmost region of Earth. Chris Redfield, one of the protagonists from the original game, returns as a second playable character in Code Veronica. Chris, like Claire, is looking for his sibling, and the search results in a meeting with series antagonist Albert Wesker.
Claire Redfield in Resident Evil: Code Veronica
Claire Redfield’s search for her brother Chris leads her to a remote Umbrella facility in Resident Evil: Code Veronica.
1.6 Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Resident Evil 4, arguably the series’ most beloved entry, puts players back in the shoes of Leon Kennedy six years after his time in Racoon City during RE 2. Leon travels to a rural village in Spain on a mission to rescue the U.S. president’s daughter. There, Leon encounters a cult and explores its ties to a mind-controlling parasite. The story that unfolds weaves together the narratives of two characters from Resident Evil’s past: Albery Wesker and Ada Wong.
1.7 Resident Evil Revelations (2012)
Resident Evil Revelations is set between the events of RE 4 and 5. It explores another consequence of Umbrella’s bioweapon development and introduces players to the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA). Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield are now BSAA agents, with Jill serving as the game’s primary protagonist. The duo head to the Mediterranean to combat the use of T-Abyss, a new variant of the T-Virus.
Jill Valentine in Resident Evil Revelations
Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield investigate a new variant of the T-Virus in the Mediterranean in Resident Evil Revelations.
1.8 Resident Evil 5 (2009)
Resident Evil 5 is set five years after RE 4. Chris Redfield, as part of the BSAA, flies to Africa with his partner Sheva Alomar to prevent the black market sale of a bioweapon. The people of Kijuju, however, have already been infected with an enhanced version of the mind-controlling parasite seen in RE 4. It’s a larger-scale story than past Resident Evils, though Chris also embarks on the more personal mission of finding his long-lost partner, Jill Valentine. We also learn of Albert Wesker’s latest nefarious plot. Unlike past games in the series, RE 5 can be played cooperatively; the second player controls Sheva.
Chris Redfield in Resident Evil 5
Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar team up to prevent the sale of a bioweapon in Africa in Resident Evil 5.
1.9 Resident Evil Revelations 2 (2015)
Resident Evil Revelations 2 is set between RE 5 and 6. It brings Claire Redfield back into the spotlight for the first time since Code Veronica. The game is split into four episodes, with each episode divided into two parts: a past sequence with Clarie and Moira Burton and a present sequence with Barry Burton (Moira’s father) attempting to locate them. The story introduces another antagonistic Wesker.
Claire Redfield in Resident Evil Revelations 2
Claire Redfield returns to the spotlight in Resident Evil Revelations 2, set between the events of Resident Evil 5 and 6.
1.10 Resident Evil 6 (2012)
Resident Evil 6 is an action-heavy adventure that tells an even more sprawling (and convoluted) tale than that of RE 5. It weaves together four campaigns starring Leon Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Ada Wong, and a mercenary named Jake Muller. The BSAA introduced in Revelations plays an important role in 6, as the quartet of protagonists work to squash the bioterrorist group Neo-Umbrella and prevent the spread of yet another mutant-creating virus (the C-Virus).
Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 6
Resident Evil 6 features four interwoven campaigns with protagonists Leon Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Ada Wong, and Jake Muller.
1.11 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
With Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Capcom reinvented the franchise in several ways: It’s RE’s return to mass acclaim and fandom following the largely disappointing fifth and sixth entries, it introduces a new protagonist in Ethan Winters, and most notably it switches the series’ longrunning perspective from third-person to first-person. Despite all these changes, RE 7 still exists on the series canonical timeline, presumably taking place in the modern-day sometime after RE 6. The game is set in rural Louisiana, with the first part taking place in the home of the wonderfully insane Baker family. Its ties to past RE games are rather loose, though many of the series staples are here: clandestine human experimentation, bioweapons, and toward the end, a familiar face.
Ethan Winters in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard introduces Ethan Winters and shifts to a first-person perspective, marking a significant reinvention of the franchise.
1.12 Resident Evil Village (2021)
Resident Evil Village is a continuation (and the conclusion) of Ethan Winters’s story, set three years after the events of RE 7. Biohazard and Village stand on their own as a duology of games. Though Village includes a few more ties to the series’ past, including a more prominent role for the aforementioned “familiar face” and further information about the origins of Umbrella. A post-credits scene extends the timeline even further.
1.13 Bonus: Shadows of Rose DLC (2022)
Picking up shortly after Village’s post-credits scene (16 years after the main story of Village), Shadows of Rose progresses the Resident Evil timeline further than any game before it. Assuming the events of Village take place in 2021, Shadows of Rose brings the franchise into the near future of 2037. The 3-4 hour DLC stars Ethan’s daughter Rose, who attempts to rid herself of the unwanted powers inherited from her father.
Rose Winters in Shadows of Rose DLC
Shadows of Rose DLC advances the Resident Evil timeline further than any previous installment, focusing on Ethan’s daughter Rose.
2. How to Play the Resident Evil Games by Release Date
Playing the Resident Evil games in release order offers a unique perspective on how the series has evolved over time. Here’s a list of the main titles in order of their release:
- Resident Evil (1996)
- Resident Evil 2 (1998)
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
- Resident Evil: Code – Veronica (2000)
- Resident Evil 0 (2002)
- Resident Evil 4 (2005)
- Resident Evil 5 (2009)
- Resident Evil: Revelations (2012)
- Resident Evil 6 (2012)
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015)
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
- Resident Evil Village/Shadow of Rose (2021/2022)
Note: Mainline Resident Evil games are indicated with an asterisk ().*
3. Exploring the Spin-Offs and Side Stories
The Resident Evil universe extends beyond the main numbered entries with numerous spin-offs and side stories that offer additional insights into the world and its characters.
3.1 Resident Evil Survivor (2000)
Resident Evil Survivor is a first-person shooter spin-off where players assume the role of Vincent Goldman, an amnesiac who finds himself on a zombie-infested island. As Vincent recovers his memories, he uncovers the truth behind the island’s bio-organic weapons research facility and his connection to it.
3.2 Resident Evil Gaiden (2001)
Resident Evil Gaiden is an action-adventure game for the Game Boy Color. Leon S. Kennedy investigates a mysterious cruise ship overrun by zombies and discovers a new type of bioweapon. The game features a unique combat system and multiple endings based on player choices.
3.3 Resident Evil: Dead Aim (2003)
Resident Evil: Dead Aim combines first-person shooting with third-person exploration. Players control Bruce McGivern, a U.S. government agent, and Fongling, a Chinese intelligence operative, as they investigate a cruise ship taken over by a terrorist group led by Morpheus Duvall.
3.4 Resident Evil Outbreak (2003)
Resident Evil Outbreak is the first online multiplayer Resident Evil game, allowing players to team up and survive the zombie outbreak in Raccoon City. The game features multiple scenarios and playable characters, each with unique abilities and storylines.
3.5 Resident Evil Outbreak File #2 (2004)
Resident Evil Outbreak File #2 is a direct sequel to Resident Evil Outbreak, continuing the story of the survivors in Raccoon City. The game adds new scenarios, characters, and features, enhancing the online multiplayer experience.
3.6 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (2007)
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is a rail shooter that retells the events of Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil, and Resident Evil 3 from Umbrella Corporation’s perspective. The game features new characters, scenarios, and insights into Umbrella’s activities.
3.7 Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (2009)
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles is another rail shooter that explores the events of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil: Code Veronica from Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield’s perspectives. The game delves deeper into the characters’ backstories and motivations.
3.8 Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (2012)
Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City is a team-based shooter that puts players in the roles of Umbrella Security Service (USS) soldiers tasked with eliminating evidence of Umbrella’s involvement in the Raccoon City outbreak. The game features multiple campaigns and playable characters, each with unique abilities and storylines.
3.9 Umbrella Corps (2016)
Umbrella Corps is a competitive multiplayer shooter where players take on the roles of mercenaries working for rival corporations in the post-Raccoon City world. The game features fast-paced combat and a variety of game modes.
4. Understanding the Different Game Versions
Many Resident Evil games have been re-released, remastered, or remade over the years. Understanding the differences between these versions can enhance your gaming experience.
4.1 Remasters
Remasters typically feature improved graphics, enhanced audio, and minor gameplay tweaks. Examples include Resident Evil HD Remaster and Resident Evil 4 HD.
4.2 Remakes
Remakes are more substantial re-imaginings of the original games, often featuring completely rebuilt graphics, updated gameplay mechanics, and expanded storylines. Examples include Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil 3 Remake, and Resident Evil 4 Remake.
4.3 Director’s Cuts
Director’s Cuts often include additional content, such as new enemies, areas, and storylines. Resident Evil: Director’s Cut is a notable example.
5. Optimizing Your Gameplay Experience
To fully enjoy the Resident Evil series, consider these tips for optimizing your gameplay experience:
5.1 Choose the Right Difficulty Level
Select a difficulty level that matches your skill level and experience with survival horror games. Lower difficulties offer more resources and easier enemies, while higher difficulties provide a greater challenge.
5.2 Manage Your Resources
Resource management is crucial in Resident Evil games. Conserve ammunition, health items, and other resources by avoiding unnecessary conflicts and exploring thoroughly for hidden supplies.
5.3 Explore Thoroughly
Take your time to explore each environment thoroughly, as many Resident Evil games contain hidden items, puzzles, and secrets that can aid your progress.
5.4 Use Headphones
Using headphones can enhance the atmosphere and provide crucial audio cues, such as enemy locations and environmental hazards.
5.5 Learn Enemy Patterns
Pay attention to enemy attack patterns and behaviors to effectively dodge, block, and counter their attacks.
6. The Future of Resident Evil Games
There’s plenty to look forward to from this iconic horror series. In late 2023, Capcom confirmed they’re working on more RE remakes, and some reports suggest Resident Evil Zero and Code Veronica are up next. Earlier this month, Resident Evil 7 became the most recent RE game available to play on Apple devices. It’s also looking pretty likely that the original Resident Evil game will be coming to PC in the near future. Capcom isn’t just looking to previous games, however. The studio recently confirmed that Resident Evil 9 is in development. Helmed by Resident Evil 7’s director Koshi Nakanishi, it remains to be seen whether RE9 will bring back an existing character or introduce a new protagonist to take the place of Ethan Winters.
7. The Impact of Resident Evil on Gaming Culture
The Resident Evil series has had a profound impact on gaming culture, shaping the survival horror genre and influencing countless other games.
7.1 Pioneering Survival Horror
Resident Evil is credited with popularizing the survival horror genre, introducing elements such as limited resources, challenging puzzles, and a focus on atmosphere and tension.
7.2 Memorable Characters
The series features a cast of memorable characters, including Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Leon S. Kennedy, and Claire Redfield, who have become iconic figures in gaming.
7.3 Influential Storytelling
Resident Evil’s intricate storylines, filled with conspiracies, betrayals, and terrifying creatures, have captivated players for decades and inspired numerous adaptations in film, television, and other media.
8. Exploring Fan Theories and Lore
The Resident Evil series has a rich and complex lore that has spawned numerous fan theories and interpretations.
8.1 The Origins of the T-Virus
The origins of the T-virus and its connection to the Progenitor Virus are a subject of much speculation and debate among fans.
8.2 The Motivations of Albert Wesker
Albert Wesker’s motivations and ultimate goals have been a central mystery throughout the series, with fans offering various theories about his true intentions.
8.3 The Fate of Raccoon City
The destruction of Raccoon City and its long-term consequences are a recurring theme in the series, with fans pondering the ethical and moral implications of Umbrella’s actions.
9. Tips for Newcomers to the Series
If you’re new to the Resident Evil series, here are some tips to help you get started:
9.1 Start with Resident Evil HD Remaster
Resident Evil HD Remaster is an excellent starting point, as it provides a faithful recreation of the original game with improved graphics and controls.
9.2 Play on a Lower Difficulty
Begin on a lower difficulty level to familiarize yourself with the gameplay mechanics and enemy types.
9.3 Use a Guide
Don’t be afraid to use a guide or walkthrough if you get stuck, as many Resident Evil games feature challenging puzzles and obscure clues.
9.4 Take Breaks
Survival horror games can be intense and stressful, so take breaks as needed to avoid burnout.
10. Addressing Common Technical Issues
Even the best games can sometimes suffer from technical issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them. If the below issues are not resolve you can always contact polarservicecenter.net for further assistance.
10.1 Game Crashing
- Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.
- Verify Game Files: Use the game platform’s tool to verify the integrity of game files.
- Lower Graphics Settings: Reduce the graphics settings to see if it resolves the issue.
10.2 Performance Issues
- Close Background Applications: Close unnecessary applications running in the background.
- Adjust Graphics Settings: Lower the resolution, textures, and other graphical settings.
- Update System: Make sure your operating system is up to date.
10.3 Controller Issues
- Check Controller Connection: Ensure the controller is properly connected or paired.
- Update Controller Drivers: Update the drivers for your controller.
- Configure Controller Settings: Check the game’s settings for controller configuration options.
10.4 Audio Problems
- Check Audio Devices: Ensure the correct audio device is selected and properly connected.
- Update Audio Drivers: Update your audio drivers.
- Adjust Volume Levels: Check the volume levels in the game and on your system.
11. Essential Merchandise for Resident Evil Fans
For dedicated Resident Evil fans, collecting merchandise is a great way to show their passion for the series.
11.1 Collector’s Editions
Collector’s Editions often include exclusive items such as figurines, art books, and special packaging.
11.2 T-Shirts and Apparel
T-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel featuring iconic characters and logos are popular among fans.
11.3 Figurines and Statues
Figurines and statues of characters like Leon S. Kennedy, Jill Valentine, and Nemesis are highly sought after by collectors.
11.4 Soundtracks
Soundtracks featuring the haunting music from the games can enhance your Resident Evil experience.
12. The Best Resident Evil Games to Start With
If you’re looking for the best entry points into the Resident Evil series, consider these titles:
12.1 Resident Evil HD Remaster
A faithful recreation of the original game, offering a classic survival horror experience.
12.2 Resident Evil 2 Remake
A modern reimagining of a beloved classic, with stunning graphics and updated gameplay.
12.3 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
A reinvention of the series, with a focus on horror and atmosphere.
13. Understanding the Appeal of Resident Evil
The Resident Evil series has captivated gamers for decades, thanks to its unique blend of horror, action, and puzzle-solving.
13.1 Survival Horror Gameplay
The emphasis on resource management, tension, and atmosphere creates a unique and thrilling gameplay experience.
13.2 Engaging Storylines
The series features intricate storylines filled with memorable characters, conspiracies, and terrifying creatures.
13.3 Constant Evolution
The Resident Evil series has consistently evolved and reinvented itself, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.
14. Resident Evil Games in Order: A Quick Recap
Here’s a quick recap of the Resident Evil games in chronological order:
- Resident Evil 0
- Resident Evil
- Resident Evil 2
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica
- Resident Evil 4
- Resident Evil: Revelations
- Resident Evil 5
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2
- Resident Evil 6
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- Resident Evil Village
- Shadows of Rose DLC
15. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Resident Evil Games
15.1 What is the best order to play the Resident Evil games?
Playing in chronological order (Resident Evil 0, 1, 2, 3, etc.) helps understand the storyline, but release order shows the evolution of gameplay and graphics.
15.2 Which Resident Evil game should I start with?
Resident Evil HD Remaster or Resident Evil 2 Remake are excellent starting points for newcomers.
15.3 Are all Resident Evil games canon?
Most main entries are canon, but some spin-offs may have questionable canonicity.
15.4 What makes Resident Evil so popular?
Its blend of horror, action, puzzle-solving, and engaging storylines.
15.5 What is the scariest Resident Evil game?
Many consider Resident Evil 7: Biohazard to be the scariest due to its first-person perspective and focus on psychological horror.
15.6 How long does it take to complete all Resident Evil games?
It varies, but completing all main entries could take over 200 hours.
15.7 Will there be more Resident Evil remakes?
Capcom has confirmed they are working on more remakes.
15.8 What platforms are Resident Evil games available on?
Resident Evil games are available on various platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
15.9 How do I fix common technical issues in Resident Evil games?
Update drivers, verify game files, and adjust graphics settings. If these tips do not resolve the technical issues, feel free to contact polarservicecenter.net.
15.10 Are there any co-op Resident Evil games?
Yes, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, and Resident Evil Revelations 2 feature co-op modes.
Navigating the Resident Evil series can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the franchise, understanding the chronological order, exploring the spin-offs, and optimizing your gameplay can enhance your enjoyment. If you encounter any technical issues or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to visit polarservicecenter.net for expert support.
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