Best Of
10 Best Resident Evil Games to Play
Explore ten Resident Evil games, from classic survival horror to Requiem and modern remakes, with clear edition guidance and official trailers.
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Resident Evil can mean a slow walk through a locked mansion, a desperate fight in a village, or a campaign built around a co-op partner. That variety is what makes choosing a starting point tricky. This list balances the series’ different styles, from puzzle-heavy survival horror to more action-focused adventures. Each remake is identified separately from its original, and the recommendations avoid major story spoilers. Pick the atmosphere and pace that appeal to you; there is no need to work through every release in order.
Looking for more scares beyond this franchise? Our best horror games on pc guide offers a wider range of settings and horror styles.
10. Resident Evil 0
Rebecca Chambers and escaped prisoner Billy Coen share the spotlight in this prequel, with a character-switching system that makes even a simple errand feel risky. One person can hold their position while the other solves a problem elsewhere, and inventory space becomes a constant consideration. It is a good choice if the older games’ careful movement and resource planning appeal to you. The item-management system can feel demanding, though, so this is better as a follow-up than a first introduction to the series.
Resident Evil 0 – Launch Trailer | PS4, PS3 — PlayStation. Watch on YouTube.
9. Resident Evil Revelations 2
Revelations 2 pairs its horror campaign with two-character teamwork. The partners have different abilities, which encourages you to think about who should investigate, fight, or help the other character through a dangerous area. Its episodic structure also makes the campaign easy to tackle in shorter sittings. Check the exact package before buying: individual episodes and complete collections are different purchases. It is particularly worth considering if you like cooperative problem-solving, although supported co-op features vary by mode and platform.
Resident Evil Revelations 2 – Launch Trailer | PS Vita — PlayStation. Watch on YouTube.
8. Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5 pushes the series toward coordinated action, with Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar sharing ammunition, healing supplies, and a constant stream of threats. It works best when you want a partner-driven campaign rather than a lonely horror story. The need to stop and manage equipment keeps encounters tense even when the shooting becomes more explosive. Solo players have an AI companion, but should expect a different rhythm from the more isolated entries. Check local and online co-op support for your chosen version.
Resident Evil 5 & Resident Evil 6 – Nintendo Switch Trailer – Nintendo E3 2019 — Nintendo of America. Watch on YouTube.
7. Resident Evil 3 — Remake
The 2020 remake follows Jill Valentine through a collapsing Raccoon City while Nemesis turns familiar streets into places you would rather leave quickly. Compared with Resident Evil 2’s remake, it is a more direct, action-led adventure, with dodging and urgent escapes taking a larger role. That makes it a useful choice for someone who wants a compact campaign with strong forward momentum. It also differs substantially from the 1999 original, so the two should not be treated as interchangeable editions of the same experience.
Resident Evil 3 – Launch Trailer — Resident Evil. Watch on YouTube.
6. Resident Evil — HD Remaster
This is the HD edition of the 2002 remake, rather than the original 1996 release. The Spencer Mansion remains a wonderfully interconnected puzzle box: a locked door, a missing key, or a suspicious room can change your whole route. Fixed camera angles and limited supplies ask you to move thoughtfully instead of charging ahead. Choose it for the series’ classic survival-horror structure. If modern controls and an over-the-shoulder view matter more to you, Resident Evil 2’s remake is a more approachable first step.
Resident Evil HD Remastered Launch Trailer (Nintendo Switch) — Resident Evil. Watch on YouTube.
5. Resident Evil Village
Village takes Ethan Winters through a collection of striking locations, moving between exploration, unsettling surprises, and increasingly dangerous fights. Its first-person perspective keeps threats close, while the merchant and upgrade systems give you more room to shape your equipment than in Resident Evil 7. The changing settings are a large part of the appeal, so it is worth going in with as little advance knowledge as possible. Play 7 first if you want the clearest introduction to Ethan’s story and the relationships driving this sequel.
Resident Evil Village – Launch Trailer — Resident Evil. Watch on YouTube.
4. Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
Resident Evil 7 strips the series back to a much more intimate nightmare. Ethan’s search for his missing wife leads to the Baker household, where cramped spaces, scavenged supplies, and a first-person camera make ordinary doors feel threatening. It is a strong starting point for players who want horror to come first, even though it belongs to a longer series. The slower investigation and limited resources reward patience. If you prefer plentiful ammunition and a steady combat rhythm, Resident Evil 4 or 5 may suit you better.
Resident Evil 7 biohazard and Resident Evil Village – Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Trailer — Resident Evil. Watch on YouTube.
3. Resident Evil 2 — Remake
The 2019 remake gives Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield separate routes through Raccoon City’s outbreak, with the police station serving as its unforgettable centerpiece. You gradually understand how rooms connect, which paths are safe, and where a precious supply item might be worth a detour. The over-the-shoulder controls feel familiar without removing the pressure of scarce ammunition. It is an excellent introduction to the series’ central balance of exploration, puzzles, and survival. Leon and Claire’s campaigns offer different perspectives rather than a simple change of costume.
iPhone/iPad/Mac Resident Evil 2 Launch Trailer — Resident Evil. Watch on YouTube.
2. Resident Evil Requiem
Requiem brings Grace Ashcroft and Leon Kennedy into a new chapter that draws on the series’ long history. Their contrasting roles give the game room to explore vulnerability alongside more confident action, making it a particularly interesting choice for players who enjoy both sides of Resident Evil. It belongs in a current franchise comparison rather than a list frozen around the older releases. If you are new to the series, earlier games can add context to returning people and places, but avoid spoiler-heavy summaries before beginning.
Resident Evil Requiem – Launch Trailer | PS5 Games — PlayStation. Watch on YouTube.
1. Resident Evil 4 — Remake
The 2023 remake sends Leon into a rescue mission that keeps changing the questions it asks of you. Positioning matters as much as accuracy: an enemy behind you, a narrow route, or a badly timed reload can turn an ordinary encounter into a scramble. The knife-parry system and flexible weapons give you satisfying ways to respond. Choose this edition for a modern action-horror campaign with room for experimentation. The 2005 original remains a separate recommendation, with its own controls, pacing, and unmistakable character.
Resident Evil 4 – Launch Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games — PlayStation. Watch on YouTube.
Which Game Should You Start With?
For a first visit, choose Resident Evil 2’s remake for balanced survival horror, 7 for a more frightening first-person experience, or 4’s remake for action. The HD mansion game is the clearest route into the older design style. Check editions carefully: a remake, an HD remaster, a VR mode, and an original release can mean very different purchases.
