Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →For most newcomers, start with Resident Evil 2 (2019): it offers the strongest balance of survival-horror tension, exploration, modern controls and presentation. Pick Resident Evil 4 (2023) if you want the most combat-focused and accessible adventure, Resident Evil (2002/HD Remaster) for fixed-camera mansion exploration and classic puzzles, or Resident Evil 3 (2020) for a shorter, faster campaign with an included asymmetrical multiplayer mode.
What each Resident Evil remake is
These games are not four versions of the same design. Each remake preserves the premise and major locations of its source game while changing pacing, controls, presentation and, in some cases, story structure. The result is a useful spread: traditional survival horror, modern exploration horror, a compact action-horror campaign and a large set-piece-driven action game.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Resident Evil (2002 remake and HD Remaster)
Capcom describes the 2002 release as a re-imagined take on the 1996 PlayStation original. You explore the Spencer Mansion and its grounds through fixed camera angles, unlock routes with keys and puzzle items, and decide when limited ammunition and healing supplies are worth using. The HD Remaster improves character models and backgrounds, adds a scrolling 16:9 presentation and lets you switch in-game between the original tank controls and modern analog movement. That control choice makes the game more approachable without removing its deliberate, old-school structure.
Resident Evil 2 (2019)
The remake launched on January 25, 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Capcom rebuilt it from the ground up with the RE Engine rather than simply replacing the original game’s graphics. Over-the-shoulder movement, physically convincing lighting and detailed environments make the police station, sewers and laboratory feel continuous and explorable. Capcom also lists Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 and binaural audio support, so directional sound is an important part of detecting threats and judging distance.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Resident Evil 3 (2020)
Released April 3, 2020, this is Capcom’s reimagining of the 1999 Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. It uses the RE Engine and follows Jill Valentine through a more urgent, more linear escape from Raccoon City. The package also includes Resident Evil Resistance, an asymmetrical online game in which a team of survivors faces a player-controlled Mastermind. The campaign is the briskest of the four remakes, with more emphasis on forward momentum than on repeatedly learning a large interconnected map.
Resident Evil 4 (2023)
Capcom’s March 24, 2023 remake modernizes the 2005 original while reworking parts of its story and game feel. It remains a third-person action-horror adventure, but movement, aiming, stealth options, parries and enemy encounters are more flexible than in the earlier remakes. The Gold Edition bundles the Separate Ways story expansion and the Extra DLC Pack. Those additions matter if you want the complete current package rather than only the main campaign.
Quick comparison
| Game | Primary feel | Exploration and structure | Controls | Notable extras | Release information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil (2002/HD Remaster) | Traditional survival horror | Fixed-camera mansion, backtracking, route learning and puzzle solving | Choice of tank controls or modern analog movement in the HD version | HD presentation with scrolling 16:9 display | 2002 remake; HD Remaster release details vary by platform and market |
| Resident Evil 2 (2019) | Exploration horror with modern third-person combat | Interconnected police station and surrounding areas reward backtracking | Modern over-the-shoulder design | Multiple character scenarios and strong spatial audio support | January 25, 2019; PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC at launch |
| Resident Evil 3 (2020) | Fast, linear action horror | More guided progression and fewer extended route-learning sections | Modern third-person design | Resident Evil Resistance asymmetrical multiplayer | April 3, 2020; RE Engine |
| Resident Evil 4 (2023) | Action-forward survival horror | Large set pieces, varied combat arenas and a broader adventure flow | Modern third-person design with expanded defensive options | Gold Edition includes Separate Ways and Extra DLC Pack | March 24, 2023; RE Engine |
Horror, atmosphere and tension
Why RE1 feels the most traditional
Resident Evil creates fear through restriction. Fixed camera angles hide information, doors and corridors remain meaningful landmarks, and returning through a familiar room can be dangerous because an enemy or a changed route alters your assumptions. The mansion’s puzzles and item boxes make inventory planning part of the horror. It is slower than the other three games and asks you to accept older conventions, but that deliberate pace is exactly why it remains the purest expression of classic survival horror in this group.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Why RE2 is the best all-round horror experience
Resident Evil 2 combines the older series’ resource pressure with modern immersion. The police station is a navigational puzzle: locked doors, shortcuts and changing objectives make every trip through the building a decision about risk and supplies. Enemies are durable enough that avoiding a fight can be wiser than spending ammunition. The over-the-shoulder camera exposes more of the environment than RE1’s fixed angles, yet darkness, sound and limited resources preserve a strong sense of vulnerability.
Where RE3 sits between horror and action
Resident Evil 3 retains dangerous enemies and resource management, but its shorter, more directed progression leaves less time for the slow-burn dread of learning a complex map. Encounters arrive more frequently, and the Nemesis threat gives the campaign an urgent chase quality. Choose it when you prefer momentum and spectacle over prolonged environmental problem-solving.
Why RE4 is action horror
Resident Evil 4 still uses horror imagery, scarcity and dangerous enemies, but combat is the central language. You can aim at specific limbs, create openings, use stealth in some encounters and respond with defensive moves that were not part of the older games’ vocabulary. Enemy variety and set pieces keep the pace moving, making RE4 less about preserving a fragile route through a haunted space and more about mastering a sequence of escalating fights.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Campaign length and structure
Backtracking and route learning: RE1 and RE2
Both games reward players who remember geography. In RE1, a key item can make an earlier hallway relevant again, while the mansion’s compact layout gradually becomes familiar. RE2 uses a larger, more modern map with shortcuts and multiple objectives; returning to the same rooms is usually purposeful rather than busywork. If you enjoy drawing mental maps, checking locked doors and planning an efficient trip to an item box, these are the strongest choices.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The briskest campaign: RE3
RE3 is the easiest to recommend when your priority is a compact single-player run. Its route is more linear and its set pieces arrive sooner, so it demands less time spent revisiting old rooms. That economy also means fewer extended puzzle chains and less of the deliberate exploration that defines RE1 and RE2.
The broadest adventure: RE4
RE4 is structured as a succession of distinct areas and combat scenarios rather than one central building. Its larger enemy encounters, weapon progression and set pieces create more mechanical variety. The trade-off is that it feels more like an action adventure with horror elements than a tightly contained survival-horror puzzle box.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Controls and accessibility
The HD version of RE1 is the only game here that lets you choose between two fundamentally different movement systems during play. Tank controls preserve the original’s direction-relative movement; modern analog controls move the character in the direction you push the stick. Players unfamiliar with fixed-camera games can begin with modern movement and switch if they want the original handling.
RE2, RE3 and RE4 use modern third-person conventions: the camera follows the character, aiming is direct, and movement is designed around contemporary controllers and keyboards. That makes them easier starting points for players who have never used fixed-camera or tank-control systems. Difficulty settings still affect how punishing resources and enemies feel, so newcomers can adjust challenge without learning an outdated control scheme first.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchExtra content and edition choices
RE3 and Resident Evil Resistance
The RE3 package includes Resident Evil Resistance, an asymmetrical online mode separate from the campaign. It is worth considering only if you specifically want that multiplayer format; it does not expand the single-player story in the same way a traditional campaign chapter would.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
RE4 Gold Edition
The RE4 Gold Edition includes the Separate Ways campaign, which follows Ada Wong, plus the Extra DLC Pack. If you plan to play the additional story, buying an edition that bundles it can be simpler than purchasing add-ons separately. Edition names and contents can differ by platform and region, so check the store listing for your system before buying.
RE1 HD presentation
RE1’s HD Remaster is an upgrade to presentation and control options rather than a new campaign. The scrolling 16:9 display, updated models and backgrounds make it easier to play on modern screens while retaining the mansion’s original fixed-camera design.
Which remake should you play first?
| Your priority | Best starting point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| One game that balances horror, exploration and modern presentation | Resident Evil 2 (2019) | Its interconnected environments and resource decisions represent the series’ survival-horror identity without requiring fixed-camera experience. |
| Combat, spectacle and the most flexible modern play | Resident Evil 4 (2023) | It offers the widest combat toolkit, varied encounters and a large action-adventure campaign. |
| Classic mansion exploration, puzzles and deliberate pacing | Resident Evil (2002/HD Remaster) | It preserves fixed-camera tension, inventory planning and the traditional survival-horror loop. |
| A short campaign and an included multiplayer mode | Resident Evil 3 (2020) | Its more linear structure gets to set pieces quickly, and the package contains Resident Evil Resistance. |
Recommended play orders
Best order for a newcomer
- Start with Resident Evil 2 (2019) to learn the modern third-person and survival-horror foundations.
- Play Resident Evil 3 (2020) next for a faster continuation of the Raccoon City setting.
- Move to Resident Evil 4 (2023) when you want a larger, more combat-heavy adventure.
- Finish with Resident Evil (2002/HD Remaster) if you want to see the older mansion design and fixed-camera style that shaped the series.
Best order for a classic-horror fan
Begin with RE1, then RE2, followed by RE3. This order moves from the most traditional structure through the modernized Raccoon City games. Play RE4 afterward as a deliberate shift into action horror rather than expecting it to continue the same pacing.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Platforms, editions and buying checks
Confirm your platform before selecting an edition. Capcom’s platform support, cloud or mobile availability and edition contents can vary by market, and storefront listings may change after release. RE2’s original launch platforms were PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC; the other games have had different releases and versions over time. Check the exact system, included downloadable content and language options on the current store page.
- For RE1, verify that the listing is the HD Remaster if you want modern display support and the in-game control choice.
- For RE3, confirm that the package includes access to Resident Evil Resistance in your region and that online-service requirements are acceptable.
- For RE4, compare the standard and Gold Edition contents if you want Separate Ways and the Extra DLC Pack.
- Do not assume a cloud or mobile version has identical features to the console or PC edition.
What the sales milestones indicate
Capcom reported the following milestones in figures published April 25, 2025. They are publisher-reported cumulative or shipment figures, not independent audits:
- Resident Evil 2 exceeded 15 million cumulative units, including the 2019 remake’s reported 3 million units in its first week.
- Resident Evil 3 exceeded 10 million cumulative units; Capcom also reported 2 million units shipped in its first five days in 2020.
- Resident Evil 4 exceeded 10 million units in approximately two years, which Capcom identified as the fastest series entry to reach that milestone. Its 2023 launch passed 3 million units in the first two days.
Those numbers show broad audience reach, but they do not determine which game fits you. The meaningful differences are the control style, campaign structure, horror-to-action balance and included content described above.
Quick Recap
Bottom line for different players
- Choose RE2 (2019) if you want one recommendation that works for most first-time players and still delivers serious resource pressure.
- Choose RE4 (2023) if shooting, upgrades, parries and cinematic set pieces matter more than prolonged backtracking.
- Choose RE1 (2002/HD Remaster) if fixed cameras, mansion puzzles and the original survival-horror rhythm are the attraction rather than an obstacle.
- Choose RE3 (2020) if you value a shorter, faster campaign and are interested in its separate asymmetrical multiplayer component.
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.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
