Where Does RE7 Fit in the Timeline?
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (RE7) is a survival horror game developed and published by Capcom. With its release in 2017, the game brings a fresh start to the Resident Evil series, diverging from the previous trilogy. But where does it fit in the timeline?
A New Beginning: RE7’s Timeline Placement
RE7 takes place after the events of Resident Evil 6. This is made clear by the game’s official website and various in-game hints. The exact time gap between RE6 and RE7 is unclear, but it’s reasonable to assume it’s been several years since the end of RE6.
Here’s a brief summary of the events leading up to RE7:
- The story of RE6 concludes with Evelyn, a bioweapon, being destroyed.
- The game’s protagonist, Leon S. Kennedy, manages to escape the catastrophic events.
- The Umbrella Corporation, the main antagonist throughout the series, is supposedly dismantled.
Establishing a New Timeline: The Winters Family
RE7 introduces a new protagonist, Ethan Winters, who is not a recurring character in the series. The game’s story begins with Ethan’s search for his missing wife, Mia, in a derelict plantation mansion. What unfolds is a terrifying horror story that delves deeper into the mysteries of the mansion and the sinister corporation behind it.
In-Game Hints: Clues to the Timeline
Throughout the game, there are subtle hints pointing to the timeline placement:
- Umbrella’s Legacy: The appearance of Umbrella’s signature logo and the mention of Project Umbrella suggest that the organization’s influence still lingers.
- The Experiment: The experiments conducted at the plantation mansion, featuring subjects with strange mutations and powers, hint at further research into biotechnology by an unknown organization.
- The Mold: A mysterious, fungal-like entity known as the Mold appears in the game, displaying regenerative properties and threatening the world.
Linking RE7 to RE8: The Shadows of Rose DLC
The recently released Shadows of Rose DLC for Resident Evil Village (RE8) provides a crucial update to the timeline. Although not directly addressing RE7, the DLC sheds light on the events following Ethan’s story:
- The DLC takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the Mold has spread rapidly.
- The story hints at the consequences of events in RE7, foreshadowing the emergence of new threats.
While RE7 doesn’t specifically mention RE8, these connections imply that the timeline continues to unfold, influencing the events of subsequent games.
Conclusion: The Timeline of RE7 and Beyond
In conclusion, RE7 takes place after the events of Resident Evil 6, introducing a new protagonist and timeline to the series. The game’s story is self-contained, but subtle hints in the game and the DLC for RE8 suggest the continuation of the timeline beyond RE7. As new games are released, players can expect the story to evolve, weaving together different threads and characters to reveal a larger narrative.
Key Takeaways:
- RE7 takes place after RE6.
- The events of RE7 are influenced by the Umbrella Corporation’s legacy.
- The game’s story is independent, but connections to other games in the series remain.
- The Shadows of Rose DLC provides insight into the timeline’s progression following RE7.
By considering these points, fans can better understand the placement of RE7 within the broader Resident Evil timeline, further enriching their experience as they explore the world of survival horror.