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For the existing games, play Resident Evil 4, then Resident Evil 5, then Resident Evil 6. RE5 before RE6 is the key continuity choice; RE4 is a useful lead-in, not a formal prerequisite. As of October 7, 2026, Capcom has announced a Resident Evil Code: Veronica remake for 2027, but has not confirmed remakes of RE5 or RE6 in the sources available here. If you are new to the series, Capcom USA staff recommends starting with Resident Evil 2 (2019).
What order should you play Resident Evil 4, 5, and 6?
The most practical route through this numbered-game stretch is Resident Evil 4 → Resident Evil 5 → Resident Evil 6. This puts the games in a straightforward order and preserves the clearest continuity link: Capcom USA’s official recap says RE6 follows incidents after RE5 and features returning characters. Capcom USA’s 2015 series recap is the source for that relationship.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Resident Evil Origins Collection - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition | $19.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Resident Evil Village Gold ED - PS5 | $24.46 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Resident Evil Origins Collection (PS4) | $22.05 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Resident Evil Origins Collection - Nintendo Switch | $37.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Resident Evil Origins Collection (Xbox One) | $39.33 | Buy on Amazon |
Including RE4 is an editorial recommendation to add another numbered-series installment before RE5. It is not a claim that RE4 is required to understand either later game.
Which route should you choose?
| Route | Continuity and character context | Newcomer accessibility | Time commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil 4 → 5 → 6 | Provides the recommended numbered-entry sequence, with RE5 immediately before RE6. | Best if you already know the series or want to focus on these games. | Three games; no playtime figures are established here. |
| Resident Evil 2 (2019) → 4 → 5 → 6 | Adds an earlier series entry before the recommended numbered-game sequence. | Strong choice for newcomers: Capcom USA staff recommends RE2 (2019) as a jumping-on point. | Four games; no playtime figures are established here. |
| Explore Revelations entries as well | May offer more series material, but their necessity and exact placement are not established by the accessible official text cited here. | For players who want to explore beyond the numbered route. | Additional games; no playtime figures are established here. |
For the shortest numbered-game route
Choose RE4, RE5, then RE6. This keeps the recommendation focused while placing the direct RE5-to-RE6 continuity link in order.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
If you are new to Resident Evil
Start with RE2 (2019), then continue with RE4, RE5, and RE6. Capcom USA staff wrote: “If you’re a new player, start out with Resident Evil 2 (2019). It’s a great jumping-on point for the series.” The guide attributes that recommendation to staff collectively, not to a named individual. Read Capcom USA’s Resident Evil: Where to Play guide.
If you want more lore
You can explore the Revelations games, but the accessible official sources cited here do not establish that they are necessary before RE5 or RE6, or give a definitive placement for them. Treat them as optional exploration rather than inserting them into a required order.
Rank #2
- A New Perspective – See the eighth core entry in the Resident Evil series from a new vantage point in “Third Person Mode.” In addition to the intense first-person view players enjoyed in the initial release of Resident Evil Village, they can now watch Ethan in action and experience his journey from a new angle in Resident Evil Village Gold Edition and the Winters’ Expansion.
- The Story Continues – “Shadows of Rose” resumes the Winters family saga 16 years after the events of Resident Evil Village. The expansion’s new tale follows Rose Winters, the daughter of main protagonist Ethan, as she struggles with her terrifying powers. Explore the warped and twisted world inside the consciousness of the Megamycete in search of a cure.
- The Mercenaries Are Back and Bigger Than Ever – The beloved battle-the-clock mode, “The Mercenaries,” returns with new features. On top of the original content, “The Mercenaries Additional Orders” introduces fan favorites as new playable characters Lady Dimitrescu, Chris Redfield, and Lord Karl Heisenberg, each with their own unique abilities. This added content for Resident Evil Village Gold Edition and the Winters’ Expansion also includes new levels and other improvements.
- Bonus Game – Resident Evil Village will provide access to a free multiplayer experience titled Resident Evil Re:Verse, which releases on Oct. 28, 2022 alongside the launch of Resident Evil Village Gold Edition and the Winters’ Expansion. An all-star cast of iconic characters face off in four to six-player deathmatch battles in classic locations.
- Familiar Faces and Fresh Foes – Resident Evil series hero Chris Redfield returns under a shroud of seemingly sinister motives. Ethan will also encounter a host of new adversaries inhabiting the enigmatic village, all with their own distinctive attacks.
Do I need to play Resident Evil 4 before RE5?
No formal requirement is established. RE4 is a useful lead-in if you want another numbered entry before RE5, but the recommended order should not be mistaken for a prerequisite list.
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Yes, if you want the clearest continuity order. Capcom USA’s recap places RE6 after events in RE5 and notes returning characters. That supports playing RE5 first; it does not mean every player must finish it to start RE6.
Rank #3
- Return to the series' origins
- Enhanced visuals
- remastered sound effects
- Wesker mode
Can I skip straight to Resident Evil 6?
You can choose to start with RE6, but playing RE5 first gives you the more direct context for the events and returning characters described in Capcom USA’s recap. If you are new to the franchise and want an entry point before this pair, Capcom USA staff recommends RE2 (2019).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are the Resident Evil 5 and 6 remakes confirmed?
No. As of October 7, 2026, the Capcom announcement cited here confirms a Resident Evil Code: Veronica remake planned for 2027; it does not announce RE5 or RE6 remakes. Capcom’s June 8, 2026 announcement says, “The release date, along with further details, will be announced at a later date,” referring to Code: Veronica. Read Capcom’s official announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Return to the series' origins - Discover the truth behind the horrors at the Mansion, and all that came before on the Ecliptic Express with this bundle of two fan-favourite titles
- Completely enhanced visuals - Both games now have high-resolution textures that have been created from scratch, including 1080p support on next-gen consoles, while still preserving the classic appearance of the original releases
- Fully remastered sound effects - 5.1 surround support provides a more experiential gaming atmosphere that best matches players' listening environments
- Introducing Wesker Mode - For the first time ever in Resident Evil 0, players can experience the events leading up to the iconic Mansion outbreak playing as alternative character Albert Wesker, including a special themed outfit and amazing new powers. This mode will provide series fans and newcomers with even more ammo to enjoy!
Rank #4
- Return to the series origins - Discover the truth behind the horrors in the Resident Evil mansion, as well as what led up to them, in these titles which mark the beginning of the Resident Evil timeline.
- Relive the classic horror in either its original settings or modified to modern-day standards
- Play as Albert Wesker in Resident Evil 0 - After completing the main campaign, players will be able to take control of the fan-favorite series antagonist, complete with his Uroboros powers from Resident Evil 5, to wreak havoc in the all new Wesker Mode
- Play Anywhere: Play Resident Evil Origins Collection on the go using the Nintendo Switch system's handheld or tabletop mode
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.
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