The Resident Evil franchise has terrified players for over 25 years, establishing itself as one of gaming’s most iconic horror series. With the launch of Resident Evil Village on iOS devices, the franchise continues to reinvent itself and deliver thrilling experiences on the go. Since the original Resident Evil’s release in 1996, the franchise has seen incredible highs and disappointing lows, with each new entry evolving the gameplay and storytelling in surprising ways.
Now, with Resident Evil Village launching on iOS and well over a dozen mainline titles and spinoffs, it can be daunting to sort the masterpieces from the misfires in Resident Evil’s expansive history. In this comprehensive ranking of the Resident Evil games, we will explore every console release and evaluate where they stand today.
Join us as we definitively rank every Resident Evil game from worst to best, celebrating the highest highs and cringing at the lowest lows of this legendary horror franchise that continues to innovate, finding new ways to terrify players everywhere.
20) Resident Evil Gaiden
Sitting in last place, Resident Evil Gaiden is a spinoff entry in the Resident Evil series for the Game Boy Color. It departs drastically from the main games with a top-down perspective for exploration and first-person combat. Players control Leon S. Kennedy and Barry Burton investigating a viral outbreak on a luxury cruise ship.
While the setting had the potential for tense horror, the experimental gameplay mechanics fell flat. The top-down view limited the atmosphere, while the awkward combat was repetitive. The story revisits popular characters but adds little to the overall Resident Evil narrative.
Ultimately, Gaiden failed to capture the essence of Resident Evil on the Game Boy Color. The clumsy implementation of RPG elements and top-down action made for an unsatisfying experience. As a non-canon curiosity, Resident Evil Gaiden represents an unsuccessful experiment in bringing the series to new platforms and genres. While ambitious, its gameplay and story fail to resonate.
19) Resident Evil: Umbrella Corps
Coming in second last place, Umbrella Corps is a disappointing entry in the Resident Evil series that fails as a tactical shooter and does not live up to any aspect of the mainline franchise. The cover mechanics are ineffective and can leave you vulnerable to zombies. Movement feels clumsy, especially when aiming down sights. Firefights lack impact due to the high time-to-kill.
The game does offer plenty of customization options and unlocks, providing some incentive to keep playing. However, the multiplayer modes are uninspired variations on standard formulas. The maps are detailed but too cramped, leading to unfair spawn points. The only standout mode involves collecting DNA vials from zombies.
The single-player Experiment mode provides some tension with one life per mission, but healing items are too abundant. Umbrella Corps strips away unique elements like the zombies to become a below-average shooter. With poor execution and a departure from survival horror, Umbrella Corps is one of the weakest and most forgettable Resident Evil games.
18) Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City
Slighting better than Umbrella Corps, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City is a squad-based shooter set during the iconic Raccoon City outbreak. While featuring a single-player campaign, the focus is on online multiplayer, with teams battling infected creatures and each other. Players can choose familiar Resident Evil factions like Umbrella Security Service and US Spec Ops.
However, the gameplay often falls flat. Missions involve repetitive objectives in classic Resident Evil locales overrun by zombies, but the gunplay lacks impact. Weapons feel weak against damage-spongy enemies, while AI teammates are nearly useless.
Overall, Operation Raccoon City fails to deliver compelling action or recapture Resident Evil’s spirit. The setting hints at an intriguing concept, but the execution proves monotonous and uninspired. The multiplayer offers mindless zombie shooting but grows repetitive quickly. While revisiting Raccoon City provides nostalgia, Operation Raccoon City is an unremarkable and forgettable entry. It lacks the tension, variety, and polish expected from Resident Evil, resulting in a mediocre and mundane experience.
17) Resident Evil Outbreak and Outbreak File #2
Resident Evil Outbreak and its sequel Outbreak File #2 brought the series online for the first time, allowing players to survive the Raccoon City outbreak as average citizens cooperatively. Set during the events of Resident Evil 2 and 3, scenarios ranged from a zombie-infested hospital and hotel to an undead zoo. Players took control of survivors with unique abilities and had to work together to complete objectives and escape.
While ambitious in its online scope, Outbreak was criticized for repetitive enemies, short scenarios, and lacklustre storytelling. Outbreak File #2 improved with more distinct settings and expanded virus mechanics, requiring greater teamwork. However, outdated technology limits the online experience.
Ultimately, while Outbreak captured Raccoon City’s chaos, it failed to deliver a compelling narrative. But the games offered fans a unique chance to survive classic Resident Evil horrors cooperatively. Outbreak File #2, in particular, showed the potential of bringing the series’ blend of action, puzzles, and horror online.
16) Resident Evil: Mercenaries 3D
Resident Evil: Mercenaries 3D is a fast-paced spinoff of the main Resident Evil series, based on the popular time attack Mercenaries mode first seen in Resident Evil 4. Players take control of fan-favourite characters with the goal of racking up high scores by defeating enemies against the clock. Missions are ripped from RE4 and RE5, now realized in 3D on the Nintendo 3DS.
Gameplay is focused on action as players mow down zombies, monsters, and other Resident Evil creatures in arcade-style shooting. While enjoyable in short bursts, the lack of content makes Mercenaries 3D feel like a technical showcase rather than a full Resident Evil experience. With only a handful of characters and levels from past games, it offers limited replay value for those seeking a substantial Resident Evil title. Still, for fans seeking quick zombie-blasting action, Mercenaries 3D delivers plenty of fast and frenetic gunplay in a portable package.
15) Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles is an on-rails light gun shooter that retells past Resident Evil storylines while expanding on characters. Players control Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, and others across scenarios from the series. As a rail shooter, gameplay is fast-paced, with players blasting through zombies and monsters.
One new scenario follows Jack Krauser’s backstory before Resident Evil 4, including his work for Albert Wesker. The game also features a final chapter with Krauser and Leon infiltrating the villain’s headquarters. While light on story, The Darkside Chronicles excels as an arcade-style spinoff with brisk shooting action and fan service. By retelling classic tales and adding new scenarios, it fleshes out Resident Evil lore in an action-packed light gun package.
14) Resident Evil: Revelations
Resident Evil: Revelations blends the slower, horror-focused gameplay of early Resident Evil titles with the action-oriented style of more recent entries. Originally a 3DS exclusive in 2012, Revelations later came to HD consoles and PC.
The game follows Jill Valentine of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance as she investigates a bioterror attack aboard an abandoned cruise ship overrun by grotesque “Ooze” creatures. Revelations emphasizes tense exploration, puzzle solving, and ammo conservation over fast-paced action. While incorporating some big set pieces, its strength lies in its disturbing atmosphere and creature designs.
The story alternates between Jill and other characters, providing variety while maintaining cohesion. Though not as innovative as Resident Evil 4, Revelations succeeds as a return to survival horror form for the classic series. The 3DS origins are noticeable but don’t detract from an engaging, horror-focused Resident Evil experience.
- Survival horror returns – A brand new tale in the Resident Evil Revelations saga comes to current and next generation gaming consoles
- Clare Redfield and Moira Burton star – Fan favorite Claire returns to the horrors that haunted her in the past alongside Moira Burton, daughter of Resident Evil legend Barry Burton.
13) Resident Evil 6
Resident Evil 6 suffered from an identity crisis, awkwardly trying to blend survival horror and action but failing to excel at either. The bloated game was split into three separate campaigns focused on different protagonists. Leon Kennedy’s had the most old-school Resident Evil vibe with its creepy locations and focus on puzzles. However, Chris Redfield and Jake Muller’s campaigns emphasized run-and-gun action over horror.
This disjointedness was exacerbated by rough controls, especially the unreliable cover system and set pieces that lacked tension. The experience felt bloated overall, with repetitive filler and convoluted quick-time events bogging down the pacing. Without the carefully crafted atmosphere of classic Resident Evil, the action-focused campaigns came off as generic.
While it offered quantity in terms of locations and playtime, Resident Evil 6 was criticized for lacking the polish, cohesion, and horror that defined the series. It tried to be too many different things at once, pleasing neither survival horror nor action fans. Though it had its moments, Resident Evil 6 ended up a disappointment compared to the franchise’s high standards due to its poorly balanced identity.
- Starting with four distinct, yet interwoven story threads, for either solo or co-op play, both offline and online, not only does Resident Evil 6 deliver both different perspectives and gameplay styles
- Ada Wong, Resident Evil’s very own femme fatale, dives into a thrilling campaign of intrigue and infiltration, featuring unique missions, gameplay and weapons. Ada is available from the start
12) Resident Evil Zero
Resident Evil Zero is a prequel side story to the original Resident Evil that doesn’t quite live up to the high standards of the franchise. Set before the mansion incident, it follows S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team’s Rebecca Chambers and death row convict Billy Coen as they investigate a remote research facility and the origins of the T-Virus outbreak.
The game features a unique dual-character system where players can switch between Rebecca and Billy to take advantage of their different abilities. However, the absence of classic Resident Evil elements like item boxes was controversial among fans. While the narrative provides a compelling backstory with intriguing Umbrella Corporation lore, the gameplay lacks some of the tension and atmosphere of the early classics.
Resident Evil Zero expands the mythology of the series in interesting ways and tells an engaging tale of survival and conspiracy. But its deviations from traditional Resident Evil conventions left some critics and fans feeling it failed to capture the spirit of the franchise fully. It stands as an ambitious, if flawed, side entry that showed Capcom experimenting with new ideas on the cusp of the action-oriented Resident Evil 4.
- 2 Main Characters! Employs the new “Partner Zapping” system.
- Resident Evil Zero features two main characters: Rebecca, a rookie Raccoon City Police Officer who first appeared in the original Resident Evil, and Billy, a framed convict on the run.
11) Resident Evil Code: Veronica
Resident Evil Code: Veronica was the true sequel to Resident Evil 2, originally released for the Dreamcast in 2000. Serving as the bridge between the early fixed camera angle games and the over-the-shoulder Resident Evil 4, Code Veronica introduced new gameplay innovations like dynamic camera angles and the ability to alternate between playing as Claire Redfield and her brother Chris in different parts of the game.
The Hollywood-like presentation was stunning at the time, with expansive environments and cinematic cutscenes that furthered the complex story of the Umbrella Corporation. Locations like the opulent Ashford family mansion and the high-tech Umbrella facility in Antarctica were some of the most visually impressive in the series. While some puzzles could be frustrating, Code Veronica was praised for its scenario design, tense action, and the triumphant reunion of fan-favourite characters Claire and Chris Redfield.
Though not as consistently scary as early entries, Code Veronica set the stage for the increasingly action-oriented direction Resident Evil would take while still retaining the core elements of exploration, puzzles, and resource management that defined the survival horror genre.
10) Resident Evil 3 Remake
Released shortly after the acclaimed Resident Evil 2 Remake, the Resident Evil 3 Remake received a more mixed response upon launch. Many criticized it as a rushed and watered-down adaptation compared to the meticulously crafted Resident Evil 2. Several areas from the original game were removed, reducing the scope and puzzle-solving the series was known for.
However, Resident Evil 3 Remake still provides an impressively cinematic, if short, Raccoon City adventure. The visual presentation is stunning, with incredibly detailed environments and character models that capture the likenesses of Jill Valentine and Carlos Oliveira. Set piece moments like Carlos’ section in the Raccoon City Police Department and the explosive action sequence on the city streets are series highlights. While it may lack some of the content and complexity of the PlayStation original, Resident Evil 3 Remake is still an intense, polished survival horror experience.
- Resident Evil 3 is set amidst the nightmarish outbreak of the t-virus, a biological weapon developed by the pharmaceutical Company Umbrella Corporation
- jill’s harrowing escape takes place in the panic-stricken hours leading up to and following the events of the acclaimed best-selling Resident Evil 2
9) Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis introduced several gameplay innovations that made it stand out in the survival horror series. Set 24 hours before Resident Evil 2, players control Jill Valentine as she attempts to escape a zombie-infested Raccoon City while being pursued by the terrifying Nemesis.
The game expanded the action-oriented direction of the franchise, with more zombies to blast through and intense set pieces. But the most iconic addition was the unrelenting Nemesis, a bio-organic weapon designed to hunt down S.T.A.R.S. members. His persistence in chasing Jill created terrifying moments of panic and suspense. Players had to choose between fighting or running from the unkillable foe.
Resident Evil 3 also brought new features like a dodge move, ammo crafting to allow more customization, and branching story paths with quick time events that increased replayability. While it leaned more heavily into action, the oppressive atmosphere, challenging ammo conservation, and menacing presence of Nemesis made Resident Evil 3 a fan-favourite entry that showed the series transitioning to its modern identity.
8) Resident Evil 5
Resident Evil 5 was a controversial entry in the survival horror series that shifted the gameplay towards more action-oriented combat. Set in brighter, sunlit environments in Africa, players take control of BSAA agent Chris Redfield as he investigates a bio-terrorism threat.
The game moves away from the horror focus of previous titles, equipping players with heavy firepower like machine guns and shotguns. Enemies attack in large numbers, turning encounters into intense shootouts. While this disappointed some fans expecting traditional Resident Evil horror, the action is satisfying and empowering.
The story brings closure to Chris Redfield’s long mission to take down series villain Albert Wesker. Their final confrontation is a highlight that ties up this plot thread. Though it lacks the atmosphere and scares of early Resident Evil games, Resident Evil 5 still provides an entertaining co-op experience for fans of action games.
- Mercenaries mode features 8 playable characters each with different costumes and loadouts to choose from
- Chris Redfield and new playable character Sheva Alomar are tasked with investigating the epidemic
7) Resident Evil 2
Released in 1998, Resident Evil 2 was a genre-defining entry that took survival horror to new heights. Set after the first game, it introduces Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield arriving in Raccoon City, only to find it overrun by zombies. The sprawling police station and sewers provide an expansive setting for complex puzzles, challenging encounters, and masterful horror scenarios that build tension through limited saves and resources.
RE2 set the template for future games with its branching campaigns, resource management, and rewarding exploration. Claire and Leon experience intertwining stories from different perspectives, unravelling the viral outbreak mystery. The scenario design excels at ratcheting up dread, from the Licker reveal to the relentless Tyrant. Monsters like William Birkin showcase creative and terrifying creature designs.
20 years later, the stellar 2019 remake modernized RE2 while retaining its essence. But the original still stands as a genre-defining masterpiece that brought Resident Evil to new heights. With its intricate environments, compelling characters, and survival-focused gameplay, RE2 is survival horror at its finest and shows why it remains one of the most beloved entries in the storied franchise.
6) Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village represents a bold new chapter for the iconic horror franchise when it was released in 2021. Set a few years after Resident Evil 7, players again control Ethan Winters, searching for his kidnapped daughter in a mysterious European village filled with grotesque creatures and towering gothic castles.
The variety of enemies and locales showcase the largest scope the series has seen yet. Highlights include facing off against werewolf-like Lycans, exploring the opulent halls of Castle Dimitrescu, and the return of the fan-favourite Merchant character. However, the undeniable standout is the debut of the internet’s beloved Lady Dimitrescu, the towering vampire lady with razor-sharp claws.
By combining the tight first-person action of Resident Evil 7 with the grand scale and variety of Resident Evil 4, Village manages to feel both comfortingly familiar yet excitingly new. It honours the legacy of the series while pushing Resident Evil in thrilling new directions with its blend of horror and action. Reviewers praised how Village balances old and new, continuing the franchise’s reinvention started with RE7.
- All new Resident Evil experience – picking up where Resident Evil 7 biohazard left Off, Resident Evil village is the eighth major installment in the flagship Resident Evil series
- Next generation Technology – Re engine paired with next-gen Console power will deliver photorealistic graphics, bringing the shadowy village and its haunting residents to life.
5) Resident Evil 2 Remake
The 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 masterfully modernizes the 1998 survival horror classic. Using the RE Engine, Capcom rebuilt the game from the ground up with stunning new graphics and immersive environments. The dark, intricate Raccoon City police station oozes atmosphere with its dim lighting, foreboding hallways, and unnerving sounds.
The over-the-shoulder camera brings players closer to the action for more precise shooting and defence against attacks by zombies and other nightmarish creatures lurking around every corner. Leon and Claire’s intertwining campaigns feature remixed events and surprises for returning fans as they unravel the viral outbreak mystery. While the 2nd run is too similar to the first, unlockable modes, add replayability with new challenges.
Reviewers widely praised RE2’s successful revitalization of the beloved original with incredible graphics, smart improvements, and masterful environmental storytelling. By retaining the essence of the classic while modernizing gameplay, it stands as one of the best entries in the storied Resident Evil franchise. RE2 remake brilliantly blends action and horror for a tense, thrilling survival experience.
- Based on the release of 1998 but completely rebuilt for a deeper narrative experience
- new over the shoulder camera mode and modernized control scheme
4) Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Resident Evil 7 marked a major shift for the Resident Evil franchise when released in 2017. The intricately designed Dulvey plantation in Louisiana provides an eerie, enclosed setting to unravel the mystery of the cannibalistic Baker family. The game returns to survival horror roots with a focus on exploration, puzzle solving, and creating an overwhelming sense of isolation.
Shifting to a first-person perspective and playing in VR intensifies the horror and immersion. Tense cat-and-mouse gameplay builds to terrifying encounters with the Bakers, including gruesome boss battles like that with Jack Baker’s mutated form. Using limited resources while being hunted through the claustrophobic house provides some of the scariest moments in the series.
It is hard not to praise RE7‘s successful reinvention of the Resident Evil formula. By modernizing the series with a new perspective yet recapturing the essence of early games, RE7 breathed new life into Resident Evil. Its nerve-wracking scares and compelling Louisiana setting make it one of the best entries, thanks to its return to survival horror roots after the more action-oriented recent titles.
- The delayed Not a Hero DLC content will be available to download for free for owners of any version of Resident Evil 7 biohazard
- End of Zoe is a shocking instalment of the Resident Evil 7 biohazard saga where players discover what Zoe’s fate will be. Players will face off against new enemies and explore new swamp filled areas
3) Resident Evil 4 Remake
Resident Evil 4 Remake is a complete reimagining of the iconic 2005 survival horror game. Released in March 2023 for modern platforms, RE4 Remake retains the essence of the original while incorporating new content, modernized gameplay, and stunning visuals.
The new RE4 retains the brilliant essence of the original while rebuilding its gameplay and visuals from the ground up. Leon’s adventures in rural Spain have never looked or played better. The tense, strategic gunplay against crazed villagers remains unmatched. But modernizations like aiming while moving and a parry system makes combat feel slick and responsive.
Visually, Remake is a stunner, bringing the creepy village and castle settings to life with striking detail. Both familiar and reimagined areas had me on edge. The story hits similar beats but adds more depth to Leon and other characters. There’s even some light stealth now, with enemies reacting to sound.
Some fans may miss certain sections, but the tweaks and additions enhance the pacing. In the end, RE4 Remake honours the legacy of an all-time great while also feeling modern and thrilling. This is the gold standard for remakes done right.
2) Resident Evil HD Remaster
As someone who loved the series, I was eager to play the HD remaster of that seminal survival horror title that introduced the world to Umbrella. Bringing the game that started it all into modern HD, this remake recaptures the atmospheric experience that defined the genre. With limited saves and ammo, tense exploration, and grotesque enemies around every corner, it balances action with moments of sheer terror.
Granted, some people will stand by the fact only the original PlayStation release counts, but due to how faithful the HD Remaster was, we wanted to make sure it was included, especially with this version of the game being much easier to find in a world where retro games and consoles have skyrocketed in price.
For fans like myself, RE HD Remaster is a must-play that honours the series’ roots. It serves as a historical document, showcasing how far things have come since those early fixed camera days. Yet the core formula remains engaging even now. Revisiting the Spencer Mansion incident proves nostalgic while also highlighting how the controls and presentation have evolved.
While certainly dated in some respects, RE HD Remaster still delivers a chilling and rewarding adventure. It provides a great way for new players to experience where the Resident Evil saga began. As someone who’s covered the highs and lows of this franchise, I’m pleased to see the original Resident Evil get the remaster treatment it deserves. This is survival horror at its most raw and terrifying.
- Return to the series origins – Discover the truth behind what led to the horrors at the Mansion in Resident Evil in this fan-favorite and popular prequel title to the series.
- Completely enhanced visuals – New high-resolution textures have been created from scratch, including 1080p support on next-gen consoles, while still preserving the classic appearance of the original release.
1) Resident Evil 4
First released for the GameCube in 2005, Resident Evil 4 reinvented the classic survival horror franchise with its over-the-shoulder camera and faster-paced, action-focused gameplay. Despite this new direction, RE4 retained the tense atmosphere the series was known for with its creepy rural European village setting and terrifying enemies like the mind-controlled Los Ganados.
Hailed as one of the best and most influential games of its generation, RE4 introduced innovations like precise aiming and contextual melee attacks that became industry standards. Its cinematic presentation, rewarding combat, challenging puzzles, and wealth of unlockable content also earned high praise.
While divisive among some fans, RE4‘s balance of horror and action made it more accessible and appealed to a wider audience. This success cast a large shadow over later sequels like RE5 and RE6, which couldn’t match its high review scores. RE4 has been re-released and remastered numerous times, demonstrating its lasting popularity.
Its over-the-shoulder camera and greater emphasis on action defined the modern third-person shooter genre. However, recent games like RE7 have brought the series back to its survival horror roots. Regardless, RE4 remains a masterpiece that still influences game design today.
- Reawaken a Classic – Resident Evil 4 preserves the essence of the original game, now reconstructed using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine to deliver realistic visuals and additional narrative depth to the iconic story that was not possible at the time of the original release.
- Modernized Gameplay – The team from 2019’s Resident Evil 2 returns to build upon the series’ modern approach to survival horror. Engage in frenzied combat with the Ganados villagers, explore a European village gripped by madness, and solve puzzles to access new areas and collect useful items for Leon and Ashley’s constant struggle to survive.
- Legendary Visuals – Resident Evil 4 features a breathtaking visual style and effects.
- Behind the Camera View – The camera follows you from behind and allows for intuitive and comfortable movement in this survival horror third-person shooter.
