For a first trip through Resident Evil, follow the core series in introduction order rather than rearranging every scene into fictional chronology. A practical route is Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, Code: Veronica, Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Village, and Requiem. Remakes can replace the corresponding originals for a modern first playthrough.
That is a recommended reading of the series, not a requirement to finish every game before enjoying one. The more useful starting question is whether you want classic exploration, modern third-person combat, or first-person horror.
What is a manageable first-play order?
| Stage | Games | Why this sequence helps |
|---|---|---|
| Establish the foundations | Resident Evil; 2; 3 | Meet the original situation before later expansions |
| Explore early-series connections | Code: Veronica; 0 | Add background after the initial introductions |
| Follow the action-heavy middle | 4; 5; 6 | Continue through the numbered sequence |
| Follow the later main entries | 7: Biohazard; Village; Requiem | Keep the later releases in order |
Capcom’s series history documents the older releases and remakes. Requiem extends that history as the ninth main entry, identified in Xbox’s official preview. This route focuses on the central sequence rather than every spin-off, multiplayer title, expansion, or mobile release.
Should you start with Resident Evil 0?
Not necessarily. A prequel’s position in fictional time does not make it the most useful introduction. Starting with the first game’s situation lets you encounter its mysteries before expanding the background.
A chronological replay can be interesting once you already know the broad story. It is less useful if organizing the timeline becomes an obstacle to playing anything at all. You also do not need to stop one game halfway through to interleave overlapping events from another.
Should you play the originals or the remakes?
Choose one version of each story for your first route. The remake of the first Resident Evil and the later remakes of 2, 3, and 4 are separate productions from their originals. They are not simply identical games with sharper images.
If your interest is genre history, playing originals and remakes in pairs makes the comparison itself worthwhile. If your interest is following the characters, completing every version first can turn a welcoming route into a large obligation.
Check the exact product name, release year, and available platform. Storefront bundles can group different versions in ways that are confusing when several products share a number.
Can you begin with Resident Evil 4 or Resident Evil 7?
Yes, provided you accept that some references will have more context later. Pick 4 if its third-person rescue adventure appeals to you; pick 7 if a first-person horror entry sounds more inviting. Continue from 7 into Village to keep that sequence together.
Starting with a game whose controls and premise interest you is better than abandoning the series because you believe there is a mandatory entrance examination.
Where do Revelations and the other games fit?
Treat the Revelations games and other side entries as branches to explore after the main route gives you a sense of which characters and play styles you enjoy. Consult Capcom’s lineup for official titles and platforms.
For an expanded series project, maintain separate lists for original release order, fictional chronology, and remakes. Combining all three into one unlabeled list is what makes many play-order guides harder to use than the games themselves.