Do you have to play Resident Evil in chronological order?

Do You Have to Play Resident Evil in Chronological Order?

The Resident Evil series, known for its thrilling horror and engaging storylines, has captivated gamers worldwide. With numerous games released over the years, fans may wonder if they need to play the games in chronological order to fully understand the story. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Resident Evil and explore whether playing the games in chronological order is necessary.

Can You Skip Games?

Before we dive into the chronology of the series, let’s address the elephant in the room: can you skip games? The answer is yes, you can skip some games in the series without missing out on crucial story points. RE0 (2002) is one such game that doesn’t have any significant connections to the main storyline. However, it’s still worth playing for its unique storyline and gameplay mechanics.

A Brief Overview of the Series

To better understand the chronology of the series, let’s quickly review the main events. The first game, Resident Evil (1996), introduced players to the world of Raccoon City and the sinister Umbrella Corporation. The game follows Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine as they try to uncover the truth behind the corporation’s nefarious activities.

The series continued with Resident Evil 2 (1998), where Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield took center stage. The game introduced new characters and expanded the world of Raccoon City, exploring the city’s descent into chaos.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999) and Resident Evil: Code: Veronica (2000) further expanded the series, introducing new characters and storylines.

Resident Evil 4 (2005) marked a significant departure from the series’ traditional gameplay, introducing a more action-oriented approach.

Resident Evil 5 (2009) and Resident Evil 6 (2012) continued this trend, with the series focusing on co-op gameplay and cinematic experiences.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) rebooted the series, returning to its horror roots and introducing a new protagonist, Ethan Winters.

Do You Need to Play the Games in Chronological Order?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the series, let’s address the main question: do you need to play the games in chronological order?

The answer is no, you don’t need to play the games in chronological order to understand the story. Resident Evil 2 (1998) and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999) can be played independently, with minimal connections to the other games in the series.

Resident Evil 4 (2005) and Resident Evil 5 (2009) can be played without prior knowledge of the series, as they introduce new characters and storylines.

Resident Evil 6 (2012) and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) build upon the events of previous games, but they’re not essential to understand the overall story.

However, playing the games in chronological order can enhance your experience

While it’s not necessary to play the games in chronological order, doing so can provide a deeper understanding of the series’ lore and characters. Resident Evil 0 (2002) and Resident Evil: Code: Veronica (2000) provide important backstory and context for the events of Resident Evil 2 (1998) and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999).

A Table to Help You Plan Your Playthrough

Here’s a table to help you plan your playthrough:

Conclusion

In conclusion, while you don’t need to play the Resident Evil games in chronological order, doing so can enhance your experience and provide a deeper understanding of the series’ lore and characters. The games can be played independently, with minimal connections to the other games in the series. Whether you choose to play the games in chronological order or not, the Resident Evil series offers a thrilling horror experience that’s sure to captivate gamers of all ages.