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If you want a clear first step into Resident Evil, play Resident Evil 2 (2019): Capcom USA staff explicitly recommend it as a jumping-on point. If an isolated sci-fi setting and a single haunted mining ship sound more appealing, start with the Dead Space remake (2023). Neither is a universal winner; choose by premise and confirm the game is available for your platform.
Which series should you play first?
For most newcomers curious about Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2 (2019) is the most straightforward entry. In Capcom USA’s October 18, 2024 guide, staff say: “If you’re a new player, start out with Resident Evil 2 (2019). It’s a great jumping-on point for the series.” Capcom’s guide does not name the individual staff members.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Dead Space | $53.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Steamforged Games Exclusive Resident Evil Into The Darkness Expansion Board Game | $46.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion | $19.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Resident Evil The Board Game: Bleak Outpost | $24.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness - The Beginning | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Choose the Dead Space remake instead if you’re drawn to sci-fi survival horror focused on one ship and one protagonist. EA’s premise follows engineer Isaac Clarke aboard the USG Ishimura, where the crew has been killed, his colleague Nicole is missing, and hostile Necromorphs stalk the ship.
What distinguishes the two starting points?
| If you want… | Start with… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A publisher-endorsed way into the series | Resident Evil 2 (2019) | Capcom USA staff specifically recommend it to new players. |
| An isolated sci-fi setting and a story centered on one survival scenario | Dead Space (2023 remake) | EA’s description centers on Isaac Clarke and the USG Ishimura. |
| A longer-running series with games across console generations | Resident Evil | Capcom says the franchise began in 1996 and has spanned generations of consoles. |
| A specific platform match | Check the local store listing first | EA names the remake’s launch platforms; Capcom’s newcomer guide does not give a complete platform list for Resident Evil 2 (2019). |
These are ways to match the games to your interests, not measured genre scores. The publisher sources cited here do not establish a fair head-to-head ranking for difficulty, playtime, puzzle density, combat emphasis, or scare frequency across the two franchises.
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- Fight with Weapons and Telekinesis
- Graphics, Effects, and Sound Increase the Horror
- True Zero-G Effects
- Dead Space for Xbox 360 is sure to please any action, adventure gamer looking for a bloody battle against deadly aliens
- Gameplay takes place on the USG Ishimura where the crew has been infected by an alien scourge
What to expect from Resident Evil
Resident Evil began in 1996 and has grown across multiple generations of consoles. Its long history can make the series look like a substantial commitment, but you do not need to treat the whole catalog as homework: Capcom USA staff point new players to Resident Evil 2 (2019).
Capcom staff also offer a separate, explicitly subjective suggestion for players who prioritize scares: “Resident Evil 7 biohazard is the scariest one! Play that one to lose sleep.” That is staff opinion, not a comparative measurement of the games. The same Capcom guide notes that Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 7 biohazard, and Resident Evil Village have VR versions; that does not mean the entire series supports VR.
Rank #2
- 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
For scale, Capcom reported more than 174 million cumulative Resident Evil game units sold since the series began in 1996, as of June 30, 2025. This is a franchise-wide sales total, not a measure of current players or a verdict on which game is best to start with. Capcom’s September 2025 corporate release reports the figure.
What to expect from the Dead Space remake
EA released the remake on January 27, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Its story sends engineer Isaac Clarke to repair the mining starship USG Ishimura; he finds the crew slaughtered, Nicole missing, and Necromorphs aboard. EA’s launch announcement gives the release date and platforms.
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- As consciousness returns and you blink shadows from your eyes, all you can hear is the ringing in your ears. At first, you think it might be from the bells, as you recall racing through the Clock Tower in search of gears to sound the great bell.
- Then the blood drains from your face as the memories begin to surface. You thought you’d escaped Raccoon City. But it isn’t over yet.
- Continue your desperate escape with 11 hours of new gameplay, nine gripping new scenarios, three terrifying new enemy types, and two large-and-lethal bosses.
- This expansion will drastically change the course of your Resident Evil 3: The Board Game campaign, taking you beyond the built-up city streets to brand new locations plagued by new enemies.
- But new enemies aren’t your only threat. To move forward, you must adapt to new gameplay mechanics introduced by the changed environment. Creep silently through the City Hospital. Wade through flood water in the City Park.
EA describes Isaac as using engineering tools and skills to fight Necromorphs strategically, solve puzzles, and turn malfunctioning ship systems to his advantage. The remake also updates the suit and arsenal, and Gunner Wright returned as Isaac’s voice and in-game face. EA’s current Dead Space page describes the game as rebuilt from the ground up with enhanced audio and visuals and gameplay improvements. Its store options and sales status can change, so check the live listing for current availability and edition details.
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EA’s announcement names PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC for the Dead Space remake. Capcom’s recommendation article does not enumerate the platforms for Resident Evil 2 (2019), so check your regional console or PC store for the exact edition before buying or following a product link. Store availability and edition details can vary by region.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Enter the Guard House and underground Aqua Ring in tense new scenarios featuring sinister new mechanics. You’ll encounter flooded tiles, undead insects, the ferocious Neptune, and the constant threat of Plant-42’s searching vines dragging you into the depths...
- Are you brave enough to explore this strange world and face these two huge new bosses, so large they take up multiple squares?
- Including six gripping new scenarios, this expansion adds 8 hours of extra gameplay to your Resident Evil: The Board Game campaigns. Or, play each scenario as a terrifying standalone experience.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
