Should You Finish RE7 Before Playing RE8?
Resident Evil 8 (RE8) has finally landed, and fans of the series can’t wait to dive into the latest horror adventure. But before you start the latest installment, you might be wondering, "Should I finish RE7 before playing RE8?" The answer may seem straightforward, but there’s actually more to it than you might expect.
A Brief Overview
For those who may not be aware, Resident Evil 7 (RE7) and RE8 follow different storylines, but they are also connected in various ways. RE8 concludes the story of Ethan Winters, the protagonist of RE7. The events of RE8 build upon the story of RE7, so playing RE7 can enhance your understanding of the narrative of RE8.
Why It’s Recommended to Finish RE7 Before Playing RE8
Here are some reasons why you should consider finishing RE7 before diving into RE8:
- Story Continuation: RE8 is the second part of Ethan’s story, and skipping RE7 can make it difficult to comprehend the events of RE8. Characters, plot points, and themes may not make sense without the knowledge acquired from RE7.
- Character Development: Ethan’s transformation from a normal person to a stronger, more determined individual is one of the key aspects of RE8. To fully appreciate these changes, you need to experience them in RE7.
But Is It Crucial to Finish RE7 to Enjoy RE8?
To be honest, it’s still possible to enjoy RE8 even if you haven’t played RE7. The games have designed narrative structures that allow new players to hop in without prior knowledge of the series or RE7. The lore and characters are explained in ways that don’t require immediate knowledge of the previous game. As a result, you can still have an great time playing RE8 without finished RE7.
What Else You Need to Know
Here’s an overview of the connections between the games:
| Game | Story Timeline | Connection to RE8 | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RE7 | 5 years before RE8’s events | Ethan’s story concludes; sets stage for RE8’s storyline | Highly recommended before playing RE8 |
| RE1-6 | Various spin-offs and remakes; older games in the series | Some Easter eggs and references in RE7 and RE8 | Not necessary |
In Conclusion
Whichever you choose, playing RE7 before RE8 or not at all, both games offer compelling experiences. If you want to fully absorb the story and character development, finishing RE7 is the way to go. However, if you’re short on time or new to the series, it’s still possible to enjoy RE8 without prior knowledge of RE7.
Ultimately, the choice is yours!