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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFor a practical story-first route through the main Resident Evil games, play Resident Evil 0 (optional prequel), Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Code: Veronica, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil 7: biohazard, Village, then Resident Evil Requiem. The first game is also a sensible starting point if you would rather experience the story in release and reveal order.
Resident Evil games in story order
This is a core-game route, not an exhaustive chronology of every spin-off, DLC episode, or animated adaptation. The events of Resident Evil 0 take place on the eve of the Mansion Incident depicted in Resident Evil, which makes the prequel first in strict in-universe order. Capcom calls Requiem the ninth main installment; the route below follows the central series through that entry.
- Resident Evil 0 — Optional prequel set immediately before the first game’s Mansion Incident.
- Resident Evil — The original Mansion Incident story. Choose the original or a remake edition; they are alternate versions of the story, not two events in sequence.
- Resident Evil 2 — The Raccoon City outbreak story.
- Resident Evil 3 — Also set during the Raccoon City events, overlapping with Resident Evil 2.
- Code: Veronica — The next core story after the Raccoon City games.
- Resident Evil 4
- Resident Evil 5
- Resident Evil 6
- Resident Evil 7: biohazard
- Resident Evil Village
- Resident Evil Requiem — The ninth main entry, released in February 2026. Capcom places it in Raccoon City, but its official material cited here does not give a precise in-universe year.
Should you play Resident Evil 0 before the first game?
Choose Resident Evil 0 first if your priority is strict chronology: Capcom describes it as depicting events on the eve of the Mansion Incident. Choose Resident Evil first if you prefer the original release-and-reveal sequence. Resident Evil 0 was released after the first game, so starting with it is a prequel-first choice rather than the order in which players originally encountered the story.
How to handle Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3
Their stories overlap during the Raccoon City period, so there is no need to make the route complicated: finish Resident Evil 2, then play Resident Evil 3. If you want to experiment with closer chronological sequencing, a GamesRadar guide suggests splitting the Resident Evil 3 remake around Resident Evil 2. Treat that as an optional, more cumbersome approach—not a requirement for understanding the games.
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- Return to the series origins - Discover the truth behind what led to the horrors at the Mansion in Resident Evil in this fan-favorite and popular prequel title to the series.
- Completely enhanced visuals - New high-resolution textures have been created from scratch, including 1080p support on next-gen consoles, while still preserving the classic appearance of the original release.
- Fan-favorite Resident Evil characters - Rookie S.T.A.R.S. member Rebecca Chambers and wanted criminal Billy Coen combine skills and buddy up to survive the undead and infected nightmares that await them.
- All original difficulty levels plus new Very Easy Mode for novice players
Do you need to play both the originals and remakes?
No. For the central chronology, an original and its remake are alternate editions of the corresponding story, not consecutive chapters. Pick the edition that suits your platform and preference; you do not need to play both to follow the core route. Availability varies by platform and region, so check the relevant current store listing before choosing.
Capcom’s 2025 Integrated Report describes its approach as evolving story, visuals, and game elements while maintaining a connective throughline, saying, “This approach has been widely embraced by users.” That supports treating the series as connected while recognizing that different editions present a story in different forms.
Rank #2
- Return to the series' origins
- Enhanced visuals
- remastered sound effects
- Wesker mode
Where does Resident Evil Requiem fit?
Resident Evil Requiem was released on February 27, 2026, and is the ninth main installment. Capcom describes it as a Raccoon City story drawing on the series’ lore. The official material referenced here does not establish an exact in-universe year, so place it after Village in this practical core-game route without assigning it a more precise date.
What about Revelations, DLC, and other spin-offs?
The route above focuses on the core games. Revelations and other side stories can be added for players who want more of the series, but the sources cited here do not establish a definitive official canon classification for every spin-off or DLC. There is likewise no single exhaustive order for all add-on content established by these sources, so this guide does not present one as settled fact.
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Rank #3
- Expand the nightmare with two thrilling expansions, combining Survival Horror and Malformations of G B-Files into one immersive bundle.
- Introduces fearsome new bosses including Birkin Stage One and the monstrous Birkin Stage Five mutation, filling entire tiles with danger.
- Play as new survivors with advanced versions of Leon and Claire plus five additional characters, each bringing unique abilities to the fight.
- Adds new weapons, enemies, Hard Mode challenge, and an intense player versus player game mode for ultimate replayability.
- Includes highly detailed miniatures, scenario booklets, cards, and all components needed to escalate tension and terror on the tabletop.
What is coming next for Code: Veronica?
Capcom has announced Resident Evil Veronica, a reimagined remake of the 2000 Code: Veronica, for 2027. It is upcoming, not currently available; Capcom says the release date and further details will be announced later. Until it releases, play the existing Code: Veronica at that point in the story route.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Expansion for Resident Evil: The Board Game; requires the base game to play
- Adds six new scenarios in the Third Floor and underground cave system
- Introduces rotating tiles, boulder traps, poison, and giant Yawn & Black Tiger bosses
- Includes 2 boss miniatures, 11 double-sided game tiles, a rulebook, and 100+ cards
- Expands campaigns with 8+ hours of new board game content or standalone scenarios
Rank #4
- Intense horror experience with dark narrative
- Improved images and refined game mechanics included
- Players take on the role of Leon S Kennedy
- Mission to save the president's daughter from danger
- Challenging environments and strategic combat scenarios await
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