The Resident Evil series, also known as Biohazard in Japan, has been a dominant force in the survival horror genre since its inception. With its blend of atmospheric horror, thrilling combat, and intricate storylines, the franchise has captured the hearts of millions of gamers worldwide. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, understanding the chronological order of these games is essential for grasping the intricate storyline.
In this article, we’ll delve into the Resident Evil games in order of release, discuss their plotlines, and explain their importance in the franchise.
The Origins of Resident Evil
Before diving into the list of games, it’s worth discussing how this legendary franchise came to be. The first Resident Evil game was released in 1996, developed and published by Capcom. It was inspired by earlier horror titles such as Sweet Home and Alone in the Dark, but it brought something new to the table – a blend of horror and action that had never been seen before.
The original Resident Evil not only established the survival horror genre but also introduced us to iconic characters like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Albert Wesker, as well as the sinister Umbrella Corporation.
The Key Elements of Resident Evil
- Survival Horror: Limited resources, puzzles, and an eerie atmosphere.
- Zombies and Mutants: Umbrella’s experiments on biological weapons lead to terrifying creatures.
- Iconic Characters: A cast of heroes and villains that evolve throughout the franchise.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how the series evolved over time.
Main Resident Evil Games in Release Order
The mainline Resident Evil games follow the core story of the franchise, often focusing on the Umbrella Corporation’s experiments and the heroes who fight to survive the resulting outbreaks. Below is a list of these titles in the order they were released:
1. Resident Evil (1996)
The game that started it all. Players take control of either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, two members of S.T.A.R.S. (Special Tactics and Rescue Service) as they investigate a series of bizarre murders in the Arklay Mountains. This leads them to a mansion teeming with zombies, mutated creatures, and the dark secrets of Umbrella Corporation.
2. Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Set two months after the first game, Resident Evil 2 follows Leon S. Kennedy, a rookie cop, and Claire Redfield, Chris’s sister, as they battle through Raccoon City during a full-blown outbreak. It further develops the Umbrella storyline and introduces new iconic characters such as Ada Wong.
3. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
Taking place both before and after Resident Evil 2, this game focuses on Jill Valentine as she tries to escape Raccoon City while being hunted by the terrifying Nemesis, a new bio-weapon sent by Umbrella to eliminate any remaining S.T.A.R.S. members.
4. Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000)
This entry follows Claire Redfield as she searches for her brother Chris. It introduces the sinister Ashford family and explores more of Umbrella’s history, marking an important transition in the series’ storyline.
5. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Considered one of the best entries in the series, Resident Evil 4 follows Leon S. Kennedy as he attempts to rescue the U.S. President’s daughter from a mysterious cult in rural Spain. This game marks a shift from traditional survival horror to a more action-oriented gameplay style.
6. Resident Evil 5 (2009)
Set in Africa, Resident Evil 5 continues the action-heavy gameplay introduced in RE4. Chris Redfield returns as the protagonist, joined by Sheva Alomar. They uncover the source of the Progenitor Virus, the precursor to all the bio-weapons created by Umbrella.
7. Resident Evil 6 (2012)
With three intersecting campaigns, Resident Evil 6 offers a complex narrative featuring multiple returning characters like Leon, Chris, and Ada. The game received mixed reactions for leaning too far into action, but it still holds a pivotal place in the franchise’s overarching plot.
8. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
Resident Evil 7 marked a return to survival horror roots with a new first-person perspective. It introduces Ethan Winters, a new protagonist, who finds himself trapped in a Louisiana plantation inhabited by the terrifying Baker family. The game also brought back the tension and resource management elements from the original titles.
9. Resident Evil Village (2021)
A direct sequel to Resident Evil 7, this game follows Ethan as he ventures into a mysterious European village to rescue his daughter. Resident Evil Village expands on the gameplay of RE7, blending horror with larger-than-life action sequences and introducing memorable enemies like Lady Dimitrescu.
Resident Evil Spin-Off Games
While the mainline games are the core of the franchise, there are numerous spin-offs and side stories that further explore the world of Resident Evil. Here are some notable spin-offs:
1. Resident Evil: Outbreak (2003)
This online multiplayer game set during the Raccoon City outbreak lets players control ordinary citizens trying to survive. It provides a unique perspective on the series’ lore.
2. Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (2007)
A rail-shooter game that recaps key events from the earlier Resident Evil titles, providing additional backstory on the downfall of the Umbrella Corporation.
3. Resident Evil: Revelations (2012)
Originally released on the Nintendo 3DS, Revelations fills in the gaps between Resident Evil 4 and 5. The game follows Chris and Jill as they investigate a new bioterrorist threat on the high seas.
4. Resident Evil: Resistance (2020)
Included with the Resident Evil 3 remake, Resistance is an asymmetrical multiplayer game where one player controls a mastermind trying to stop four survivors from escaping.
Chronological Timeline of Resident Evil
Now that we’ve covered the release order, let’s break down the events of the series in chronological order:
- Resident Evil 0 (2002) – Prequel to the original game, follows Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen.
- Resident Evil (1996) – The first zombie outbreak in the Arklay Mansion.
- Resident Evil 2 (1998) and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999) – The outbreak in Raccoon City.
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000) – Claire’s search for her brother Chris.
- Resident Evil 4 (2005) – Leon’s mission in Spain.
- Resident Evil 5 (2009) – Chris’s battle against the remnants of Umbrella.
- Resident Evil 6 (2012) – The global bio-terrorism threat.
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) – Ethan’s fight for survival against the Bakers.
- Resident Evil Village (2021) – Ethan’s quest to save his daughter.
Resident Evil Remakes: Enhancing the Classics
Several Resident Evil games have been remade with modern graphics and gameplay improvements, making them more accessible to new players while offering nostalgia to long-time fans. These remakes are not only visually stunning but also expand on the original stories in meaningful ways:
- Resident Evil (2002) – A remake of the original game with enhanced graphics, new areas, and improved gameplay mechanics.
- Resident Evil 2 (2019) – A faithful recreation that blends classic horror with modern gameplay.
- Resident Evil 3 (2020) – An action-packed reimagining of Jill’s escape from Raccoon City.
These remakes have revitalized the franchise and are a great starting point for newcomers.
Future of Resident Evil Games
Capcom shows no signs of slowing down with Resident Evil. The success of RE7 and Village has proven that the franchise still resonates with players. There are already rumors of a Resident Evil 9, continuing the story of Ethan Winters or potentially returning to the roots of classic characters like Leon or Jill.
Additionally, fans are eagerly awaiting a possible remake of Resident Evil Code: Veronica, which would be a logical step after the success of the RE2 and RE3 remakes.
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The Resident Evil series has grown into one of the most beloved and enduring franchises in gaming history. Whether you’re experiencing the terror of the Arklay Mansion in the original game or battling Lady Dimitrescu in the Village, each Resident Evil title offers a unique blend of horror, action, and mystery.
Understanding the order of the games, both in terms of release and chronology, allows players to fully appreciate the complex and interconnected storyline that Capcom has crafted over the years. With more remakes and new entries on the horizon, there has never been a better time to dive into the world of Resident Evil.
So, gear up, grab your herbs and ammo, and get ready to face the horrors that await.