Resident Evil Games Timeline Explained

Resident Evil Timeline

The Resident Evil games timeline can feel confusing at first. Some games are numbered, some are remakes, some are prequels, and one of the most important entries — Resident Evil Code: Veronica — does not even have a number in the title.

But once you place everything in story order, the franchise becomes much easier to understand. Resident Evil is not just about zombies. It is a long-running survival horror saga about Umbrella, viral outbreaks, bioterrorism, corporate corruption, government cover-ups, and characters who keep surviving impossible nightmares.

With Resident Evil Requiem now part of the mainline story and Resident Evil Veronica scheduled for 2027, this is the perfect time to break down the full timeline.

Quick Answer: Resident Evil Games in Chronological Story Order

For players who want the simplest version, here is the main Resident Evil story order:

1. Resident Evil 0
2. Resident Evil / Resident Evil Remake
3. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis / Resident Evil 3 Remake
4. Resident Evil 2 / Resident Evil 2 Remake
5. Resident Evil Code: Veronica
6. Resident Evil 4 / Resident Evil 4 Remake
7. Resident Evil: Revelations
8. Resident Evil 5
9. Resident Evil: Revelations 2
10. Resident Evil 6
11. Resident Evil 7 biohazard
12. Resident Evil Village
13. Resident Evil Requiem
14. Resident Evil Veronica — upcoming remake of Code: Veronica

The important detail is that Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 overlap during the Raccoon City outbreak. Resident Evil 3 begins before Resident Evil 2, then continues after it.

Resident Evil Timeline Table With Copies Sold

Sales note: Capcom lists many Resident Evil games separately by original release, remake, remaster, port, or platform version. The numbers below use public Capcom sales data where available, so some entries include multiple versions instead of one combined total.

The Classic Umbrella Era

The early Resident Evil timeline is built around Umbrella Corporation and the viral experiments that destroy lives across Raccoon City.

Resident Evil 0 sets up the nightmare by showing what happens to the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team before the mansion incident. Then Resident Evil introduces the Spencer Mansion, Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Albert Wesker, and the truth behind Umbrella’s experiments.

After that, the timeline jumps into the Raccoon City disaster. Resident Evil 3 begins with Jill trying to survive the city before Leon and Claire arrive in Resident Evil 2. While Leon discovers the police station nightmare and Claire searches for her brother, Jill is hunted by Nemesis. The events overlap, which is why the exact order can confuse new players.

Why Code: Veronica Is More Important Than It Looks

Even though it is not called Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil Code: Veronica is one of the most important story chapters in the franchise.

It takes place after the destruction of Raccoon City and follows Claire Redfield as she continues looking for Chris. The story moves from Rockfort Island to Antarctica and brings Albert Wesker back as a major threat.

That is why the upcoming Resident Evil Veronica remake matters so much. Capcom has already remade Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4, but Code: Veronica remained the missing bridge between classic Raccoon City horror and the later Chris-vs-Wesker storyline.

Resident Evil 4 and the Action-Horror Shift

Resident Evil 4 changes the franchise forever. Instead of zombies and Umbrella labs, Leon is sent to Europe to rescue the U.S. president’s daughter from a violent cult.

This game moved Resident Evil toward third-person action horror, but it still kept tension, resource management, strange monsters, and memorable bosses. The 2023 remake modernized the experience while preserving the original’s identity.

For new players, Resident Evil 4 is one of the easiest entries to recommend because it works as both a standalone adventure and a major part of Leon’s story.

The BSAA and Global Bioterror Era

After Resident Evil 4, the franchise grows bigger. Resident Evil: Revelations helps connect the story to the BSAA, while Resident Evil 5 follows Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar as they investigate bioterror threats in Africa.

Resident Evil 5 is especially important because it brings Chris and Wesker’s rivalry to a major turning point. After that, Resident Evil: Revelations 2 brings Claire back, while Resident Evil 6 expands the story into a global bioterror crisis with multiple campaigns.

This era is more action-heavy, but it still matters for understanding how Resident Evil grows beyond Umbrella.

The Ethan Winters Era

Resident Evil 7 biohazard resets the tone. Instead of global action, players are trapped in a terrifying Louisiana house as Ethan Winters searches for his missing wife, Mia.

The first-person perspective, smaller setting, and intense horror made Resident Evil feel dangerous again. Resident Evil Village continues Ethan’s story with a more gothic setting, werewolf-like enemies, strange villages, and major lore connections.

Together, Resident Evil 7 and Village form one of the strongest modern horror arcs in the series.

Resident Evil Requiem and the Modern Timeline

Resident Evil Requiem is the ninth mainline Resident Evil game and represents the current modern chapter of the franchise. It continues Capcom’s push to evolve survival horror with cinematic presentation, modern technology, and a story connected to the long shadow of Raccoon City.

For timeline-focused players, Requiem matters because it shows that Resident Evil is still moving forward, not only looking backward through remakes.

Best Resident Evil Play Order for New Players

If you want the best balance of story, modern gameplay, and accessibility, play in this order:

1. Resident Evil 2 Remake
2. Resident Evil 3 Remake
3. Resident Evil 4 Remake
4. Resident Evil 7 biohazard
5. Resident Evil Village
6. Resident Evil Requiem
7. Resident Evil Remake
8. Resident Evil 0
9. Resident Evil Code: Veronica or wait for Resident Evil Veronica
10. Resident Evil 5
11. Resident Evil Revelations
12. Resident Evil Revelations 2
13. Resident Evil 6

This order lets new players experience the most polished modern entries first, then go deeper into the older lore.

Main Games vs Remakes vs Spin-Offs

Resident Evil remakes are not just visual upgrades. Capcom often uses them to modernize story pacing, gameplay systems, character writing, and atmosphere.

For most new players, the remakes of Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 4 are the easiest way to experience the classic story. However, older games still matter because they show the original design, tone, and structure of survival horror.

Spin-offs like Revelations, Revelations 2, and Outbreak are also worth discussing, but not every spin-off is essential to understanding the main story.

Final Thoughts

The Resident Evil games timeline explained simply comes down to understanding three eras: the Umbrella outbreak era, the global bioterror era, and the modern survival horror era.

Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Code: Veronica build the foundation. Resident Evil 4, 5, Revelations, Revelations 2, and 6 expand the conflict worldwide. Resident Evil 7, Village, and Requiem bring the series into a new generation of horror.

With Resident Evil Veronica coming in 2027, Capcom is finally returning to one of the most important missing chapters in the remake lineup. Whether you are new to the franchise or replaying everything from the beginning, now is one of the best times to understand the Resident Evil timeline.

Stay connected with COMFYPLAYER for more Resident Evil news, horror game guides, timeline breakdowns, reviews, and platform updates. Plug it in, change the world.

FAQ

What is the correct Resident Evil timeline order?

The main story order is Resident Evil 0, Resident Evil, Resident Evil 3, Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil Code: Veronica, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil: Revelations, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil: Revelations 2, Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil Village, and Resident Evil Requiem.

Should I play Resident Evil 2 or Resident Evil 3 first?

Resident Evil 3 begins before Resident Evil 2, but the two games overlap. For new players, Resident Evil 2 Remake is usually the better first choice because it introduces Leon and Claire more clearly.

Where does Resident Evil Code: Veronica fit?

Resident Evil Code: Veronica takes place after Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, roughly three months after the Raccoon City outbreak.

Is Resident Evil Veronica a remake?

Yes. Resident Evil Veronica is a remake of Resident Evil Code: Veronica and is scheduled for release in 2027.

Is Resident Evil Requiem Resident Evil 9?

Yes. Capcom describes Resident Evil Requiem as the ninth mainline Resident Evil title.

Do I need to play every Resident Evil game in order?

No. Most entries can be enjoyed on their own, but playing in timeline order helps you understand Umbrella, Wesker, Chris, Claire, Leon, Jill, and the larger bioterror storyline.

What is the best Resident Evil game for beginners?

Resident Evil 2 Remake is one of the best starting points because it balances modern gameplay, survival horror, strong characters, and a clear story.

Are the Resident Evil remakes canon?

The remakes retell the original stories with modern presentation and changes. For most new players, they are the easiest way to experience the core events.

Which Resident Evil game sold the most?

Based on Capcom’s public Platinum Titles data, Resident Evil 2 Remake is one of the highest-selling individual Resident Evil releases, with 18.30 million units listed.

Is Resident Evil still survival horror?

Yes. The series has moved between survival horror, action horror, co-op action, and first-person horror, but survival horror remains the franchise’s core identity.