Research-backed game lineage

Resident Evil

Resident Evil is included in the Series Atlas after independent recognition and an authoritative game-by-game roster audit. Editions, simple ports, DLC, bundles, canceled projects, and cameo-only appearances are excluded.

31 curated games 1998–2027 release span 0 connected branches
Resident Evil 2 coverResident Evil 3: Nemesis coverResident Evil Survivor coverResident Evil Code: Veronica coverResident Evil Gaiden cover

Genre profile

Primary-root profile.

4 primary-root changes across the researched chronology.

Observed shapeAction-Adventure31 researched entries
Frameworks

Subgenres representedSurvival Horror 19Character Action 2Rail Shooter 2

Entry points

Starting points.

Use the researched chronology, ratings, and remake relationships to select a starting title.

Chronological startResident Evil 2Mainline · 1998Highest ratedResident Evil 4 RemakeRemake · 2023Most recent mainlineResident Evil RequiemMainline · 2026Remaster routeResident Evil Code: Veronica X HDRemaster · 2011

Release chronology

All researched entries.

Ordered by researched series position, then original release date. Ports, DLC, and duplicate editions are intentionally excluded.

Primary root

31 games in this lineage

02 Resident Evil 2 cover
Mainline1998

Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 is a sequel to the first Resident Evil title. Like the previous game in the series, Resident Evil 2 is a 3D action-adventure using three-dimensional polygon characters over two-dimensional pre-rendered backgrounds, with the action viewed through a variety of cinematic fixed camera angles in each room. Players can choose to play as one of two possible characters; each goes through the same initial scenario but with differences in the type of weaponry they find and the people they meet along the way.

Jan 21, 199869/100
03 Resident Evil 3: Nemesis cover
Mainline1999

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis is a survival horror video game and the third instalment in the Resident Evil series. Like its two predecessors, it is a third-person action-adventure game with polygonal characters on pre-rendered backgrounds with cinematic camera angles. Although the game uses the same basic engine and gameplay as the previous games, the gameplay is improved by features such as auto-targeting, a 180-degree spin, and a new dodge move that allows Jill to avoid enemy attacks. The PC and Dreamcast versions include all eight of Jill's possible costumes, as well as the mercenary mini-game Operation Mad Jackal, which allows players to play as one of the three Umbrella soldiers. On the PlayStation version, these special features must be unlocked by beating the game with a high score.

Sep 22, 199981/100
04 Resident Evil Survivor cover
Mainline2000

Resident Evil Survivor

Resident Evil Survivor is the first Resident Evil title to be rendered in real time as opposed to making use of pre-rendered backdrops. Levels are explored in first person, and when enemies are encountered the press of a button will bring up a targeting reticle for shooting. As with most light-gun games there is infinite pistol ammunition available, but limited ammunition for more powerful weapons. At the end of each level two doors are presented which both lead to different levels, although all paths eventually lead to the same ending.

Jan 27, 200058/100
05 Resident Evil Code: Veronica cover
Mainline2000

Resident Evil Code: Veronica

Resident Evil Code: Veronica is the fourth video game in Capcom's Resident Evil survival horror series. The game continues the survival horror gameplay of its predecessors: the protagonist explores the surroundings, fighting monsters and solving puzzles. However, it is the first game in the series to do away with pre-rendered backgrounds using a fully polygonal 3D engine instead, which allows for features such as real-time lighting and camera movement. Still, such movements are only used sparingly, and the use of perspective is mostly unchanged from earlier installments: the camera automatically switches to different static angles showing protagonists, monsters and rooms from different spooky viewpoints.

Feb 3, 200070/100
06 Resident Evil Gaiden cover
Mainline2001

Resident Evil Gaiden

Resident Evil Gaiden is a Resident Evil game for the Game Boy Color. It is non-canon, as its plot is contradicted by the main series in key parts and its events are ignored. The game features three playable characters and consists of exploring areas, collecting items and combating enemies in the process. Unlike previous entries in the series, Resident Evil Gaiden assumes a top-down perspective for the environment portions that, upon approaching an enemy, changes to a first-person combat mode with a reticle constantly moving to the left and right. To attack, the player has to press the action button while the reticle is in range of the enemy.

May 21, 200159/100
08 Resident Evil Zero cover
Mainline2002

Resident Evil Zero

Resident Evil Zero is a third-person survival horror video game and a prequel to the first Resident Evil. The gameplay remains largely the same as previous entries in the series but also introduces what it calls a partner zapping system, which allows you to switch between the two characters Rebecca and Billy at any time. This feature must be used at times, as the game requires both characters to work together to solve some puzzles. New to the game are a bunch of terrifying enemies, like the mutant centipede, new areas to explore, and the ability to drop items on the ground instead of having to find an item box.

Nov 12, 200274/100
09 Resident Evil: Dead Aim cover
Mainline2003

Resident Evil: Dead Aim

Resident Evil: Dead Aim is a survival-horror game released exclusively for the PlayStation 2 under the Gun Survivor title, which was used for several games made for the Namco light gun controllers. The game is played in two camera angles: the player moves from a third-person perspective while walking, which changes to a first-person perspective while aiming the gun. You'll pick up several guns through the course of the game, including a magnum, a shotgun, and an assault rifle. But like in other Resident Evil games, zombies are difficult to put down permanently and ammo can be very scarce.

Feb 13, 200365/100
10 Resident Evil Outbreak cover
Mainline2003

Resident Evil Outbreak

Resident Evil Outbreak is a survival-horror game released exclusively for the PlayStation 2. The gameplay is similar to the previous Resident Evil games and consists mainly of exploring, solving puzzles, finding items and surviving. It was the first Resident Evil game with multiplayer capability, using the PlayStation 2's online network. Up to four players could participate simultaneously in one scenario. Alternately, in single-player mode, the player is accompanied by two AI-controlled characters.

Dec 11, 200368/100
11 Resident Evil 4 cover
Mainline2005

Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 is the sixth installment in the Resident Evil series and is often noted for its departure from the fixed camera angles of earlier titles. It introduced an over-the-shoulder third-person perspective, faster-paced gunplay, and more dynamic controls. The game features larger, more open environments and a new AI system that enables enemies to coordinate attacks and attempt to corner the player. Enemies exhibit more human-like behavior, such as climbing ladders, opening doors, and using weapons.

Jan 11, 200584/100
12 Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles cover
Mainline2007

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is an on-rails light gun shooter video game developed by Capcom and Cavia as part of the Resident Evil series. The game exposes the Umbrella Corporation's meddling throughout the Resident Evil series through narration from Albert Wesker, a former Umbrella scientist, and hidden documents pertaining to the organization's secret motives and actions. The game is composed of five scenarios that recapitulate the events of Resident Evil Zero, the Resident Evil remake, and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, as well as new material pertaining to the Umbrella Corporation's downfall.

Nov 13, 200769/100
13 Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles cover
Mainline2009

Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles

Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles is an on-rails shooting game and the second title exclusive to the Wii platform in the Resident Evil series. The player do not control the character's movement but only the shooting aspect, shown from a first-person perspective. The player's partner is also shown on the screen and there is an cooperative option for two players.

Jan 14, 200967/100
14 Resident Evil 5 cover
Mainline2009

Resident Evil 5

Resident Evil 5 is the seventh video game in the Resident Evil series. It features similar gameplay to Resident Evil 4 utilizing the same over the shoulder view, but this time the environment plays a significant role. The player is now dependent on his partner more than in older games. When the partner's health bar drop down to 0, he will enter the dying stage where the health bar will flash red and gradually lower as he stays like this. Resident Evil 5 also features new types of enemies called Majini and mostly are of African descent.

Mar 5, 200976/100
15 Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D cover
Mainline2011

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D is an action-oriented title where players can choose any of eight playable characters to shoot, explode and melee their way through swarms of enemies. Featuring re-mastered stages from Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, the game is a race against time as players try to defeat as many enemies as possible before the countdown reaches zero. The experience is available both as solo and multiplayer, where gamers across the world can team up and enjoy two-player co-op.

Jun 2, 201157/100
18 Resident Evil: Revelations cover
Mainline2012

Resident Evil: Revelations

Resident Evil: Revelations is a survival horror game that restores elements of the series' nature, as opposed to the survival action of Resident Evil 5. The game features a single-player mode where the player must complete a series of episodes that involve solving puzzles and defeating enemies, and a multiplayer mode where players may fight their way through altered single-player scenarios.

Jan 26, 201274/100
19 Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City cover
Mainline2012

Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City

Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City is a third-person shooter and is a spin-off of the long-running Resident Evil series. Unlike the main games in the series, it is less of a survival horror game and more of an action-packed shooter. The game includes twelve playable characters, however the players can choose only four characters for the online modes. Each team member has their own special role and abilities.

Mar 20, 201248/100
20 Resident Evil 6 cover
Mainline2012

Resident Evil 6

Resident Evil 6 is the ninth video game installment in the Resident Evil series. It continues the struggle against zombies infected by the new highly virulent C-virus. The game uses the same over-the-shoulder view as Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 5, however with a new gameplay mechanic that allows players to slowly move while shoot. Players can select between three scenarios featuring multiple characters and intertwined storylines, and within these scenarios both stories and action cross paths. At key moments during the game, up to four players can join together online to tackle a specific situation, with some stages seeing the usual partnerships swapped to further increase the depth of gameplay.

Oct 2, 201264/100
23 Resident Evil: Revelations 2 cover
Mainline2015

Resident Evil: Revelations 2

Resident Evil: Revelations 2 is the retail version of the episodic survival horror series that was originally released as four downloadable episodes. This physical version combines the entire story along with some extras, but not all the available DLC. The PC version did not receive a retail release, but the same content was bundled on Steam. The game comprises four episodes, each of which feature two separate stories. This sequel bears a stronger tone to the concept of survival horror than titles such as Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6. Elements of ammunition management as well as stealth or sneaking come into play in the gameplay.

Feb 24, 201573/100
24 Resident Evil 0 cover
Remaster2016

Resident Evil 0

Be prepared to relive the first nightmare in Resident Evil 0, a remastered version of the popular prequel to the original Resident Evil game. This remastered version takes the fear-inducing atmosphere from the original 2002 release and transforms it with stunning new HD visuals, improved sound, widescreen support and an optional modernized control system and more. It's the best way to experience the story of what really happened before the iconic mansion incident that was the catalyst for the entire Resident Evil saga.

Jan 19, 201672/100
25 Resident Evil 6 Remastered cover
Remaster2016

Resident Evil 6 Remastered

Resident Evil 6 Remastered brings the original experience in high definition. The game offers multiple characters, including fan favorites and new faces, along with solo and co-op modes and new challenges for players, different from any other in the Resident Evil franchise. This edition includes all DLC, along with two costumes per main character, originally exclusively unlockable through Residentevil.net, that are now unlockable through the game itself.

Mar 29, 201670/100
26 Umbrella Corps cover
Mainline2016

Umbrella Corps

Umbrella Corps is an online multiplayer game set in the Resident Evil universe. This fast-paced third-person shooter features quick and intense matches in compact battle zones themed from historic Resident Evil environments, such as an Umbrella Facility map.

Jun 21, 201640/100
27 Resident Evil 5 Remastered cover
Remaster2016

Resident Evil 5 Remastered

The biohazard threat has not ended: Just when it seemed that the menace of Resident Evil had been destroyed, along comes a new terror to send shivers down players' spines. Chris Redfield, returning Resident Evil hero, has followed the path of the evil literally around the globe. After joining a new organization, Chris heads to Africa where the latest bioterrorism threat is literally transforming the people and animals of the city into mindless, maddened creatures. He is joined by a new partner, Sheva Alomar, who lends her strength, intelligence and sharp-shooting skills to the mission. In order to survive, Chris and Sheva must work together to take on the challenges of discovering the truth behind this evil plot. Utilizing a revolutionary new 2-player co-op mode of gameplay, players assume control of either Chris or Sheva and experience Resident Evil in new ways. In Resident Evil 5, Capcom has players fearing the daylight as much as they have feared shadow in previous games.

Jun 28, 201679/100
28 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard cover
Mainline2017

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is the first game of the Resident Evil series to switch from 3rd-person to fully 1st-person perspective. A complete refresh of gameplay systems simultaneously propels the survival horror experience to another level. It is as much horror as it is survival, boosting up scare elements and minimizing downright shooting action. The game allows use of Sony's PSVR Headset to play in VR mode.

Jan 24, 201785/100
30 Resident Evil 3 cover
Remake2020

Resident Evil 3

Resident Evil 3 is a remake of the original Resident Evil 3: Nemesis released in 1999. It updates the story and gameplay for a modern audience. Like the Resident Evil 2 remake, the game uses over-the-shoulder third person point of view similar to Resident Evil 4 and later installments. Players will spend most of their time playing as Jill Valentine, although on some occasions they will assume the role of Carlos Oliveira, giving him more screen time as a deuteragonist.

Apr 3, 202079/100
31 Resident Evil Resistance cover
Mainline2020

Resident Evil Resistance

Resident Evil: Resistance is a 1 vs. 4 asymmetric online survival horror experience set in the world of Resident Evil. Unleash your inner evil as a cunning Mastermind or join the fight as one of the resourceful Survivors desperately trying to escape every obstacle the Mastermind puts in their way!

Apr 3, 202050/100
32 Resident Evil Village cover
Mainline2021

Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil Village is a first-person survival horror game and the sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. The game maintains elements from previous Resident Evil games, with players having to scavenge environments for items and manage their resources. However, it adds more action-oriented gameplay, with higher enemy counts and a greater emphasis on combat.

May 6, 202185/100
33 Resident Evil 4 VR cover
Remake2021

Resident Evil 4 VR

Explore the iconic world of Resident Evil 4 in this all-new version, entirely made for VR. Step into the shoes of special agent Leon S. Kennedy on his mission to rescue the U.S. President's daughter who has been kidnapped by a mysterious cult. Find your way through a rural village in Europe, come face to face with challenging enemies, and uncover secrets and gameplay that have revolutionized the entire survival horror genre. Battle horrific creatures infected by the Las Plagas parasite and face off against aggressive enemies including mind-controlled villagers and discover their connection to Los Illuminados, the cult behind the abduction.

Oct 21, 202185/100
34 Resident Evil Re:Verse cover
Mainline2022

Resident Evil Re:Verse

Beloved Resident Evil characters clash in a fight to the death! Test your skills against other players in six-person deathmatch battles. But don't forget the terrifying bioweapons! You'll need to master the skills of the heroes and bioweapons alike if you want to claw your way to victory!

Oct 28, 202240/100
35 Resident Evil 4 Remake cover
Remake2023

Resident Evil 4 Remake

Resident Evil 4 is a remake of the 2005 original Resident Evil 4 reimagined for 2023 to bring state-of-the-art survival horror. Resident Evil 4 preserves the essence of the original game, while introducing modernized gameplay, a reimagined storyline, and vividly detailed graphics to make this the latest survival horror game where life and death, terror and catharsis intersect.

Mar 24, 202392/100
36 Resident Evil Requiem cover
Mainline2026

Resident Evil Requiem

Resident Evil Requiem is the ninth entry in the Resident Evil series. Experience terrifying survival horror with FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, and dive into pulse-pounding action with legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy. Both of their journeys and unique gameplay styles intertwine into a heart-stopping, emotional experience that will chill you to your core.

Feb 27, 202690/100
37 Resident Evil Veronica cover
Remake2027

Resident Evil Veronica

Claire Redfield returns to the forefront in this remake of the title originally released on the Dreamcast in 2000 and the following year on PlayStation 2. This new version preserves the essence of the original game while introducing modernized gameplay, a reimagined storyline, and vividly detailed graphics.

Dec 31, 2027

Sources and method

Built from the public record.

Membership is researched from external official and independent sources. Mainline games, direct spin-offs, remakes, remasters, and standalone expansions are included; DLC, simple ports, duplicate editions, compilation-only duplicates, rumors, cancellations, and cameo-only crossovers are excluded.

  1. database Resident Evil collection — IGDB

    IGDB maintains a distinct collection record for Resident Evil and supplies the authoritative roster used for membership verification.

  2. reference List of best-selling video game franchises

    The independent catalog recognizes Resident Evil as a multi-game franchise and supports its inclusion in this major-series research sweep.