Do I Have to Play Resident Evil in Order?
The Resident Evil series, also known as Biohazard in some countries, has been a staple in the survival horror genre since the 1990s. With numerous games, spin-offs, and remakes, it can be confusing for new players to figure out where to start or how the story ties together. In this article, we’ll explore whether you have to play the Resident Evil games in order to enjoy them.
Chronological Order vs. Release Order
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the difference between chronological order and release order. Chronological order refers to the order in which the events take place, while release order refers to the order in which the games were released.
In the Resident Evil series, most games are designed to be standalone, with their own unique stories and settings. However, there are connections between the games, making it beneficial to play them in chronological order. For example, Resident Evil 0 (2002) serves as a prequel to the first game, while Resident Evil 6 (2012) continues the story of previous characters.
Games You Don’t Need to Play in Order
While it’s recommended to play the Resident Evil games in chronological order, there are a few exceptions:
- Resident Evil 4 (2005) has a unique storyline that’s not directly connected to previous games. It’s more of a spin-off and can be played without any prior knowledge of the series.
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015) is a prequel to Resident Evil 6, but can be played as a standalone game.
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2018) is a direct continuation of Resident Evil 6, but serves as a conclusion to the main storyline.
Recommended Play Order
If you’re new to the Resident Evil series, here’s a recommended play order that balances chronological order with accessibility:
- Resident Evil 0: This game serves as a prequel to the series and provides a unique gaming experience.
- Resident Evil: This classic game is the start of the series and offers a more traditional survival horror experience.
- Resident Evil 4: This game has a unique storyline and can be played without prior knowledge of the series.
- Resident Evil: Revelations 2: This game is a prequel to Resident Evil 6 but can be played as a standalone game.
- Resident Evil: The Final Chapter: This game serves as a conclusion to the main storyline.
Table: Resident Evil Games in Chronological Order
| Game | Release Year | Chronological Order |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil 0 | 2002 | Prequel |
| Resident Evil | 1996 | Early 1998 |
| Resident Evil 2 | 1998 | March 1998 |
| Resident Evil 3: Nemesis | 1999 | July 1998 |
| Resident Evil: Code: Veronica | 2000 | June 1998 |
| Resident Evil 4 | 2005 | December 2004 |
| Resident Evil 5 | 2009 | August 2009 |
| Resident Evil 6 | 2012 | April 2012 |
| Resident Evil: Revelations 2 | 2015 | January 1998 |
| Resident Evil: The Final Chapter | 2018 | Early 2017 |
Conclusion
While it’s recommended to play the Resident Evil games in chronological order, there are a few exceptions. The series has grown and evolved over the years, offering a mix of survival horror and action-adventure gameplay. By following our recommended play order, new players can enjoy the Resident Evil series without feeling lost or overwhelmed.