How to Choose Which Resident Evil Game to Play First

For most newcomers who want modern survival horror, start with Resident Evil 2 (2019). Choose Resident Evil 7: Biohazard if first-person horror is the draw, or the 2002 remake of Resident Evil if you want to begin with the series’ original story. You do not need to finish the entire franchise before playing any of them.

The simplest way to decide is to ask what matters most: a contemporary third-person introduction, a first-person perspective, the historical opening story, or a more action-oriented direction. There is no universal answer, and each of those preferences points to a different starting game.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Resident Evil 2 - PlayStation 5	$15.19	Buy on Amazon
2		Resident Evil 2 Remake PS4	$23.49	Buy on Amazon
3		Resident Evil 2 Remake - PS5 - UK PAL	$24.75	Buy on Amazon
4		Resident Evil 3 - PlayStation 5	$18.13	Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Choose by the experience you want

There is no single required entry point. Capcom’s beginner-oriented guide, published October 18, 2024, is designed to help players pick a first or next game; the practical choice is to match an entry to the kind of horror or action you want. These recommendations distinguish official descriptions from editorial judgment: the descriptions explain what each game offers, while “best for you” depends on your preference.

Use the table as a quick filter rather than a ranking. Start with the row that best describes your priority. If two rows appeal to you, the sections below explain the trade-offs and how to choose between them.

#1 Best Overall

Resident Evil 2 - PlayStation 5

• TERRIFYING ZOMBIES WAITING AROUND EVERY CORNER -- Driven by insatiable hunger, these creatures act on instinct, gnashing their teeth, ripping at flesh, and devouring their victims. The new immersive camera lets you feel their fangs as they sink into your flesh.
• RACCOON CITY, REBUILT IN INTRICATE DETAIL -- The characters, environments, and story have all been rebuilt from the ground up to create a terrifying world that feels both nostalgic and new.
• NEW FOR PLAYSTATION5 – Upgraded features new to the PlayStation5 version of the game include a higher frame rate, 3D audio, added ray tracing, and engaging DualSense support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers.

$15.19

Buy on Amazon

In short: if you have no particular preference, choose Resident Evil 2 (2019). If point of view is your deciding factor, choose Resident Evil 7 for first person. If starting at the historical beginning matters more than contemporary presentation, choose the 2002 remake. And if action is your priority, Resident Evil 4 is a reasonable option, with the caveat that this is a practical suggestion rather than an official newcomer verdict.

Why Resident Evil 2 (2019) is the default starting point

If you have no strong preference about perspective or where the story begins, the 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 is the clearest general recommendation. It offers a contemporary way into the series’ survival-horror roots, according to PlayStation’s description. That makes it a useful middle ground: you are choosing a modern remake rather than the earliest version of the story, without starting with the explicitly first-person approach of Resident Evil 7.

This is a recommendation for a newcomer seeking modern survival horror, not a claim that every player will prefer it. Someone who specifically wants first-person horror has a better-matched option in Resident Evil 7; someone who values the original story’s place in the series may prefer the 2002 remake. Choose by the experience you want rather than treating the default as a prerequisite or a quality ranking.

The case for Resident Evil 2 is about fit, not a promise that it will suit every taste. Its described combination of series roots with modern visuals and gameplay makes it a useful bridge for someone curious about the franchise but unsure whether to begin with an older release. It does not ask you to start with the series’ first release simply because that release came first. Nor does it commit you to a particular long-term route: you can stop after one game, move toward another entry, or decide later that a different style appeals to you.

If you already know that you want first-person horror, the default recommendation should not override that preference. The same applies if you are specifically interested in the series’ original story. The purpose of a default is to make the decision easier when you have no clear preference—not to turn one valid starting point into a rule for everyone.

Pick Resident Evil 7 for first-person horror

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is the direct choice if playing from a first-person perspective matters most. PlayStation presents it as a new beginning for the series, so it can serve as an entry point rather than a game that requires completing a long list of earlier titles. Its most important connection for a new player is forward: Resident Evil Village continues the Ethan Winters story.

If you expect to follow that storyline into the next game, play Resident Evil 7 before Village. That is a focused two-game route, not a claim that every other game is irrelevant to every detail of the wider franchise. It is simply the order supported by the official introductory descriptions for these connected entries.

This makes Resident Evil 7 a good choice for someone whose first question is “Do I want a first-person perspective?” rather than “Which game comes first in the whole franchise?” The official description’s “new beginning” framing supports treating it as an accessible entry point, while its connection to Village gives you an obvious next step if you want more of that particular story.

If you are choosing between Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil 2, think about perspective and route. The first is the stated first-person alternative and begins the Ethan Winters path; the latter is the recommended modern third-person survival-horror introduction. The available descriptions support that distinction, but they do not establish a universal preference or a detailed comparison of every gameplay feature. Choose the one that sounds more appealing to you.

Choose the 2002 remake for the series’ original story

If your priority is to begin with the earliest core story, start with the 2002 remake of Resident Evil. Capcom’s franchise history distinguishes it from the original release: the first game arrived in 1996, while the remake version arrived in 2002. That distinction matters when choosing a product or discussing release dates; “the original story” and “the original 1996 release” are not the same edition.

This route is for readers who value the historical opening point. Its 2002 release means its era and presentation differ from those of the modern remakes. That is a consideration, not a reason to dismiss it: choose it when experiencing the series’ opening story matters more to you than starting with a contemporary remake.

Rank #2

Resident Evil 2 Remake PS4

• Based on the release of 1998 but completely rebuilt for a deeper narrative experience
• new over the shoulder camera mode and modernized control scheme
• a more modern take on the survival horror experience
• RE engine, Resident Evil 2 delivers breathtakingly photorealistic visuals in 4K
• zombies are brought to life with a horrifyingly realistic wet gore Effect.zombies react in real time taking instant visible damage, making every bullet count.engage in frenzied combat with enemies, explore dark menacing corridors & solve puzzles.a terrifying constant fight for survival.enjoy separately playable campaigns for both Leon and Claire

$23.49

Buy on Amazon

It is useful to separate two questions: “Where does the series begin?” and “Which version do I want to play?” Capcom’s dates identify a 1996 original and a 2002 remake version. A player choosing the remake is choosing to experience that opening story in the remake form, not to play the exact original 1996 release. If you are shopping, make sure the product description matches the version you intend to play.

Compared with the 2019 Resident Evil 2 remake, the 2002 remake is the historically oriented choice, while Resident Evil 2 is the default for someone seeking a modern introduction. The recommendation is not that one is inherently better. It depends on whether you value the earliest core story or a more contemporary entry. The research-backed facts identify the release years and broad distinction; they do not establish a detailed comparison of controls, difficulty, or other features, so those should not be assumed from the dates alone.

When Resident Evil 4 makes sense first

Resident Evil 4 is a reasonable first pick if you are more interested in an action-oriented direction and a later point in the story than in starting at the beginning. PlayStation’s introduction places its story after the events of Resident Evil 2. That supports a broad connection between the games, but it does not make Resident Evil 4 an official or universally best beginner choice.

For a light-touch route, play Resident Evil 2 (2019) and then Resident Evil 4 (2023) if you are drawn to Leon and the later action direction. Treat that as a practical path between these two games, not a complete franchise chronology or a declaration that no other release falls between them in release order or story chronology.

This is the option for a reader whose preference is less “show me the beginning” and more “I want the later action direction.” It can feel like a viable standalone-feeling choice, but that is an editorial judgment based on the broad story placement and style described—not a claim that the game has no continuity or that it is officially recommended as the best first game.

If continuity matters to you, beginning with Resident Evil 2 gives you the earlier story relationship identified in the official introduction. If it does not, you can still choose Resident Evil 4 based on your interest in its action-oriented direction. Avoid reading the suggested two-game route as a complete timeline: the official material used here supports the broad relationship, not a comprehensive ordering of every game.

Two simple play routes

You can make a satisfying choice without mapping every mainline game and spin-off. Use one of these focused routes, or start with the single game that best matches your preference. These are deliberately short paths, not mandatory homework plans or comprehensive franchise timelines.

Modern survival-horror route

1. Start with Resident Evil 2 (2019) for a contemporary introduction to the series’ survival-horror roots.
2. If Leon and the later action direction interest you, continue with Resident Evil 4 (2023). This is a suggested route, not a complete release-order or chronology checklist.

This path is a good fit if you want to begin with the general recommendation and then follow the broad relationship to a later, more action-oriented direction. The proposed sequence is limited to these games; it does not claim that they are adjacent in every possible chronology or that every player should continue beyond the first game.

Ethan Winters route

1. Play Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.
2. Continue with Resident Evil Village to follow the connected Ethan Winters story.

This is the most clearly connected two-game route in the recommendations. If the Ethan Winters storyline is the reason you picked Resident Evil 7, Village is the next game identified by the official introductory descriptions. You do not need to insert a full run through the franchise between the two simply to follow that connection.

Historical opening route

Begin with the 2002 remake of Resident Evil if you want the series’ original story in its remade form. The official timeline facts establish the 1996 original and 2002 remake dates; they do not support turning this choice into a mandatory checklist of every subsequent game.

This is a starting choice rather than a complete route: the available official timeline details do not justify prescribing every game that should follow it. If your aim is simply to experience the opening story, you can begin there without committing to a long sequence in advance.

Rank #3

Resident Evil 2 Remake - PS5 - UK PAL

• UK PSN account may be required for any online features

$24.75

Buy on Amazon

A quick way to make the choice

If you are still undecided, answer these questions in order. They narrow the choice without requiring a complete franchise timeline.

1. Do you have a firm perspective preference? If you specifically want first person, choose Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. If not, continue to the next question.
2. Do you want the series’ original story? If yes, choose the 2002 remake of Resident Evil. Remember that the original release was in 1996; the remake is a different version released in 2002.
3. Are you mainly looking for a modern survival-horror introduction? Choose Resident Evil 2 (2019), the default recommendation for that preference.
4. Are you more interested in an action-oriented game at a later story point? Consider Resident Evil 4. Treat it as a sensible editorial pick for that preference, not an official newcomer ranking.
5. Do you want to follow Ethan Winters beyond the first game? Play Resident Evil 7 before Village.

If you answer “I do not know” to most of those questions, start with Resident Evil 2 (2019). That recommendation is deliberately simple: it offers a contemporary entry into the series’ roots without requiring you to settle on a full play order first.

Do you need to play earlier games first?

No. The series is long-running, but a newcomer does not have to treat every earlier release as homework. Capcom’s beginner guide is explicitly intended to help people decide where to jump in. Start with the game that suits your preferred perspective, story starting point, or balance of horror and action.

Continuity can still guide a specific choice. The clearest sequence supported here is Resident Evil 7 before Village, because the official descriptions connect those games through Ethan’s continuing story. Resident Evil 4 is set after Resident Evil 2, which gives players interested in that relationship a reason to try Resident Evil 2 first. Neither fact means you must complete the entire franchise before starting.

Think of continuity as a preference, not a barrier to entry. If you care most about a particular connected story, follow the short route that is supported for it. If your main concern is finding a game with the right perspective or style, select based on that instead. The recommendations here do not establish a full chronological order for all mainline games and spin-offs, and there is no need to invent one to make a good first choice.

It is also reasonable to play one game and stop there. The decision to start does not obligate you to buy or complete a sequel. If a game suits you and you want to continue, the routes above offer a next step; if not, the other entries remain options rather than requirements.

Check the edition and platform before buying

Game names alone are not enough to establish which product will work with your hardware. The official Capcom lineup confirms that named games and editions exist, but it does not verify live retailer stock, a particular physical SKU, regional availability, price, or compatibility for the copy you are considering. Check the exact edition and the platform listed by the seller or publisher for your region before purchase.

• Match the edition to the platform you own; do not assume that similarly named releases or editions are interchangeable.
• Confirm regional availability and whether the listing is for a physical or digital version.
• For the historical starting point, verify that the listing is for the 2002 remake if that is what you intend to play—not simply a product described as the original game.
• Check the specific edition details rather than inferring features or compatibility from the franchise name.

Capcom’s official lineup is useful for confirming that a named game or edition exists. It is not a live inventory source, so it cannot establish whether a particular retailer currently has the right version in stock.

Before paying, confirm the exact title and edition, the platform, and the region attached to the listing. For a physical copy, check that the listing is for a physical product and that it is available where you live; for a digital copy, check the relevant store listing and platform. Do not rely on a search result that shows only the franchise name, and do not infer current prices or availability from an official game lineup. Those details can vary and were not established here.

The strongest product match for a general newcomer is a compatible edition of the Resident Evil 2 remake. If your preference points elsewhere, the same buying check applies to Resident Evil 7, the 2002 remake of Resident Evil, or Village for someone continuing the Ethan Winters story. Pick the game first, then verify the exact edition for your hardware rather than buying a version based on the title alone.

What the franchise’s size does—and does not—tell you

Capcom’s 2025 integrated report says the Resident Evil series had sold over 170 million units. That figure helps explain why a newcomer may see a daunting number of games and editions, but it does not identify a best starting game. Sales across a franchise are not evidence that one entry is the right match for your preferred perspective or play style.

Rank #4

Sale

Resident Evil 3 - PlayStation 5

• CLASSIC RESIDENT EVIL GAMEPLAY -- Overcome chilling encounters in a relentless fight for survival that ratchets up the intensity through nail-biting exploration and gripping puzzle-solving.
• EXPLORE RACCOON CITY FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE -- Get even closer to the action with an over-the-shoulder camera and updated control scheme, drawing you into every bloodcurdling encounter.
• SURVIVE TOGETHER IN THE MULTIPLAYER MODE -- Bring up to four friends into the carnage with Resident Evil Resistance, a multiplayer survival horror experience included in the Resident Evil 3 package. Available as a PlayStation 4 title compatible on all PlayStation 5 devices. Includes code necessary for redemption, requires additional download not on disc.
• NEW FOR PLAYSTATION5 – Upgraded features new to the PlayStation5 version of the game include a higher frame rate, 3D audio, added ray tracing, and engaging DualSense support for Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers.

$18.13

Buy on Amazon

Use the individual game descriptions and the short routes above to make that decision. You do not need a comprehensive canon chart to get started, and the official descriptions cited here do not establish a complete required order for every mainline release and spin-off.

The series’ scale is useful background, not a reason to delay. A long history can make the choice feel like a test with a correct answer, but the practical question is smaller: which of the described approaches sounds right to you? The default is Resident Evil 2 (2019) if you want modern survival horror; Resident Evil 7 if first-person horror and Ethan Winters’ story appeal; the 2002 remake if the historical opening is your priority; or Resident Evil 4 if you prefer an action-oriented later entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Resident Evil game should I play first?

For most newcomers seeking modern third-person survival horror, start with Resident Evil 2 (2019). Choose Resident Evil 7: Biohazard if you specifically want first-person horror, or the 2002 remake of Resident Evil if you want the original story in remake form.

Do I need to play Resident Evil games in order?

No. You do not need to complete the whole franchise before starting. If you want to follow Ethan Winters’ connected story, play Resident Evil 7 before Resident Evil Village. Resident Evil 4 is set after Resident Evil 2, but that does not create a requirement to play every earlier release.

Should I start with Resident Evil 2 or Resident Evil 7?

Choose Resident Evil 2 (2019) for a modern third-person survival-horror introduction. Choose Resident Evil 7: Biohazard if first-person horror is your priority or you want to begin Ethan Winters’ story.

Is the 2002 Resident Evil remake the same as the 1996 original?

No. Capcom’s franchise history dates the original game to 1996 and the remake version to 2002. If you want the remake, check that the product listing identifies the version you intend to play.

Can I start with Resident Evil 4?

Yes, it is a reasonable choice if you are more interested in an action-oriented direction and a later story setting. Its story is placed after Resident Evil 2; calling it a good action-first starting point is an editorial recommendation, not an official beginner ranking.

What should I play after Resident Evil 7?

Play Resident Evil Village if you want to continue Ethan Winters’ story. The official introductory descriptions connect the two games.

What should I check before buying a Resident Evil game?

Verify the exact game and edition, compatibility with your platform, regional availability, and whether the listing is physical or digital. An official game lineup does not confirm a retailer’s current stock, price, or the compatibility of a particular listing.

The Bottom Line

Start with Resident Evil 2 (2019) if you want a modern survival-horror introduction. Choose Resident Evil 7 for first-person horror and the beginning of Ethan Winters’ connected story, the 2002 remake of Resident Evil for the historical opening, or Resident Evil 4 if an action-oriented later entry is what you want. You do not need to complete the franchise first; check the exact edition and platform before buying.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

Resident Evil 2 - PlayStation 5

$15.19

Bestseller No. 2

Resident Evil 2 Remake PS4

Based on the release of 1998 but completely rebuilt for a deeper narrative experience; new over the shoulder camera mode and modernized control scheme

$23.49

Bestseller No. 3

Resident Evil 2 Remake - PS5 - UK PAL

UK PSN account may be required for any online features

$24.75

SaleBestseller No. 4

Resident Evil 3 - PlayStation 5

$18.13

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.