Play Resident Evil 5 before Resident Evil 6 if you want the story in chronological order. Capcom says Resident Evil 6 takes place after the events of Resident Evil 5. That is a continuity recommendation—not a claim that one game is better for everyone.
Why play Resident Evil 5 first?
Capcom’s October 29, 2019 announcement describes Resident Evil 6 as taking place after the events of Resident Evil 5. Starting with RE5 therefore preserves the games’ story sequence.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Resident Evil 5 (PS4) | $21.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Resident Evil 6 - Xbox One | $27.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Resident Evil Revelations 2 (PS4) | $18.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Capcom Resident Evil 4 Gold Edition PlayStation 5 Game | $46.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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In RE5, Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar are B.S.A.A. operatives investigating and trying to prevent the sale of a bio-organic weapon. Capcom describes the game as playable solo or with a friend. That focused operation provides the earlier chapter before RE6 expands to several connected stories.
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How do the games differ in structure?
| Game | Officially described story shape | Play options described by Capcom |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil 5 | Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar investigate a bio-organic weapon sale. | Solo or with a friend. Capcom, 2019 |
| Resident Evil 6 | Four interwoven campaigns involving paired protagonists, set amid a global conspiracy. | Solo or co-op; Capcom says the campaigns can be played in any order. Capcom, 2016 |
The documented difference is scope: RE5’s pitch centers on one operation, while RE6 connects multiple campaigns. That makes RE6 the broader ensemble setup, but the descriptions do not establish which game is more enjoyable, scarier, easier, or better-paced.
#1 Best Overall
- Adventure horror game from Capcom
Can you start with Resident Evil 6?
You can choose to start there, but it is the sequel in this pair. Capcom describes its campaigns as interconnected, so beginning with RE6 means encountering the later story first. Whether that matters to you is a matter of preference; Capcom’s description does not say that prior completion of RE5 is required.
There is no need to play RE6’s four campaigns in a particular order: Capcom says they can be played in any order. That flexibility applies within RE6; it does not change the games’ overall chronology.
Rank #2
- 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
- The most expansive Resident Evil game to date- Experience the horror through four distinct yet intertwined campaigns
- Solo or co-op - Resident Evil 6 delivers both single and two player co-op gameplay either offline or online
- Includes all the available DLC content from Resident Evil 6: Siege Mode, Predator Mode, Survivor Mode, Onslaught Mode, The Mercenaries maps, ResidentEvil.net costumes
Which one should you choose for co-op?
Both games are presented by Capcom as playable with another person, and RE6 is also playable solo. The official descriptions establish that co-op is an option in both, but do not support a firm comparison of which game has the better co-op experience.
- Choose RE5 first if you want to follow the story sequence and begin with Chris and Sheva’s operation.
- Consider RE6 if its four connected campaigns and wider cast are the structure you want to explore, while recognizing it follows RE5.
- If you plan to play alone, Capcom lists solo play for RE5 and RE6.
What platforms and editions are available?
Platform announcements are dated and do not confirm present-day stock, storefront listings, or regional code validity. Capcom announced RE6 for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2012, and later announced releases of RE4, RE5, and RE6 for PS4 and Xbox One in 2016. Its 2019 Switch announcement said RE5 and RE6 were coming to Nintendo Switch.
Rank #3
- Initially set to be released as weekly episodes featuring hours of terrifying gameplay and dramatic cliffhangers
- Fan favourite character Claire Redfield returns to the horrors that haunted her in the past, alongside Moira Burton
- Set in what appears to be an abandoned detention facility on a remote island, horror awaits around every corner
- The Afflicted enemies are a genuine threat to your survival, able to move quickly and attack with basic weapons
- Players switch between the two characters to overcome the nightmares in single-player mode or offline co-op
The same 2019 announcement described a physical Resident Evil Triple Pack for North America and Latin America: RE4 on cartridge, with download vouchers for RE5 and RE6. It does not establish whether the pack is currently in stock or whether any voucher remains redeemable in your region. Check the current platform store or retailer listing for the exact edition, platform, and code terms before buying. Capcom’s manual page lists RE6 manuals for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Features new modernized third-person action game control variations as well as the return of the traditional Resident Evil 4 control schemes.
- Gold Edition extras including all of the original content, two new episodes, four new costumes, an updated Mercenaries Mode and online RE5 versus mode.
- Two playable characters in the standard campaigns, including new character Sheva Alomar, an African BSAA agent tasked with investigating the epidemic.
- New cooperatively-focused gameplay that revolutionizes the way that Resident Evil is played. Chris and Sheva must work together to survive new challenges and fight dangerous hordes of enemies.
- Quick-Select inventory system that allows items to be traded between characters. To add to the intensity, all inventory management is done in real time; items can even be assigned to the directional pad for instant access.
Rank #4
- Intense horror experience with dark narrative
- Improved images and refined game mechanics included
- Players take on the role of Leon S Kennedy
- Mission to save the president's daughter from danger
- Challenging environments and strategic combat scenarios await
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