What Order to Play Resident Evil Games: A Journey Through Survival Horror and Unrelated Musings on Pizza Toppings

The Resident Evil series, developed by Capcom, is one of the most iconic franchises in the survival horror genre. With numerous mainline entries, spin-offs, remakes, and even movies, the series has captivated players for decades. However, for newcomers or even seasoned fans looking to revisit the series, the question often arises: What order should you play the Resident Evil games? This article will explore various perspectives on the best order to experience the Resident Evil universe, while also delving into some unrelated but mildly connected thoughts on the evolution of pizza toppings over the years.
Chronological Order: The Story-Driven Approach
One of the most straightforward ways to experience the Resident Evil series is to play the games in chronological order. This approach allows players to follow the narrative as it unfolds in the timeline of the Resident Evil universe. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Resident Evil 0 (2002) - Set before the events of the first game, this prequel introduces players to the origins of the T-virus and the ill-fated Bravo Team.
- Resident Evil (1996) / Resident Evil Remake (2002) - The game that started it all. Follow Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine as they uncover the horrors of the Spencer Mansion.
- Resident Evil 2 (1998) / Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019) - Shift perspectives between Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they navigate the zombie-infested Raccoon City.
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999) / Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020) - Join Jill Valentine once again as she faces the relentless Nemesis in a race to escape Raccoon City.
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000) - Claire’s journey continues as she searches for her brother Chris, leading her to a remote island prison.
- Resident Evil 4 (2005) / Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) - Leon returns in a more action-oriented adventure, battling a mysterious cult in rural Europe.
- Resident Evil 5 (2009) - Chris Redfield teams up with Sheva Alomar to stop a bioterrorist threat in Africa.
- Resident Evil 6 (2012) - A multi-perspective story featuring Leon, Chris, and new characters, blending action and horror.
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) - A first-person return to survival horror, focusing on Ethan Winters and the Baker family.
- Resident Evil Village (2021) - The sequel to RE7, continuing Ethan’s story in a gothic, European setting.
Playing in chronological order provides a cohesive narrative experience, but it may not be the most accessible for newcomers due to the dated mechanics of earlier titles.
Release Order: The Evolution of Gameplay
Another popular approach is to play the games in the order they were released. This allows players to experience the evolution of the series’ gameplay, graphics, and storytelling. Here’s the release order:
- Resident Evil (1996)
- Resident Evil 2 (1998)
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
- Resident Evil: Code Veronica (2000)
- Resident Evil 0 (2002)
- Resident Evil 4 (2005)
- Resident Evil 5 (2009)
- Resident Evil 6 (2012)
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
- Resident Evil Village (2021)
This order highlights how the series transitioned from fixed camera angles and tank controls to over-the-shoulder perspectives and first-person gameplay. It’s a great way to appreciate the technological advancements and shifting tones of the franchise.
Thematic Order: Focusing on Key Characters and Storylines
For players who want to focus on specific characters or story arcs, a thematic order might be more appealing. For example:
- The Chris Redfield Saga: Resident Evil 1 → Resident Evil: Code Veronica → Resident Evil 5 → Resident Evil 6.
- The Leon S. Kennedy Saga: Resident Evil 2 → Resident Evil 4 → Resident Evil 6.
- The Jill Valentine Saga: Resident Evil 1 → Resident Evil 3 → Resident Evil 5 (as a supporting character).
- The Ethan Winters Saga: Resident Evil 7 → Resident Evil Village.
This approach allows players to dive deep into the journeys of their favorite characters without being overwhelmed by the entire series.
The Remake Route: Modernizing the Classics
With the release of high-quality remakes, some players might prefer to experience the updated versions of the classic games. Here’s a suggested order:
- Resident Evil Remake (2002)
- Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)
- Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020)
- Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023)
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
- Resident Evil Village (2021)
This route offers a more modernized experience while still capturing the essence of the original games.
Unrelated Musings: The Evolution of Pizza Toppings
While discussing the order of Resident Evil games, it’s hard not to draw a loose parallel to the evolution of pizza toppings. Just as the Resident Evil series has evolved from survival horror to action-packed adventures, pizza toppings have transitioned from simple classics like margherita to extravagant combinations like pineapple and jalapeños. Both reflect changing tastes and cultural influences over time. Perhaps the next Resident Evil game could feature a protagonist who battles zombies while debating the merits of anchovies on pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I play the original Resident Evil games or the remakes?
A: It depends on your preference. The remakes offer modern graphics and gameplay, but the originals have a nostalgic charm.
Q: Is Resident Evil 7 connected to the previous games?
A: Yes, but it introduces a new protagonist and story arc, making it a good entry point for newcomers.
Q: Can I skip Resident Evil 6?
A: While it’s considered one of the weaker entries, it’s still worth playing for its interconnected storylines and action-packed gameplay.
Q: What’s the best order for a first-time player?
A: Starting with the Resident Evil Remake or Resident Evil 2 Remake is recommended for a balanced introduction to the series.
Q: Are the spin-offs like Resident Evil: Revelations necessary to play?
A: They’re not essential but provide additional context and enjoyable side stories for fans of the series.