For over 25 years, Resident Evil has been a cornerstone of the survival horror genre, captivating players with its intricate storylines, terrifying monsters, and unforgettable characters. This comprehensive guide will take you on a thrilling journey through the entire Resident Evil timeline, focusing on the main entries that drive the overarching narrative. From the origins of the T-Virus to the latest bioweapon threats, we'll explore how each game contributes to the rich tapestry of the Resident Evil universe.
The Raccoon City Saga (1998)
Resident Evil 0 (July 23-24, 1998)
Our journey begins with Resident Evil 0, setting the stage for the iconic Raccoon City incident. This prequel, released in 2002 for the GameCube, introduced players to S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team officer Rebecca Chambers and escaped convict Billy Coen. The game's unique partner-zapping system allowed players to switch between characters on the fly, adding a new layer of strategy to the classic survival horror gameplay.
As Rebecca and Billy investigate the zombie-infested Ecliptic Express, they uncover the first hints of Umbrella Corporation's sinister experiments. The game delves into the origins of the T-Virus, revealing its connection to the progenitor virus and Dr. James Marcus's leech research. This backstory provides crucial context for the events that unfold in later games, establishing the foundation of Umbrella's bioweapon program.
Resident Evil (July 24-25, 1998)
The game that started it all, Resident Evil, takes place immediately after the events of Resident Evil 0. Originally released in 1996 for the PlayStation, this groundbreaking title defined the survival horror genre with its fixed camera angles, limited resources, and tense atmosphere. Players choose between S.T.A.R.S. Alpha Team members Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine as they investigate the Spencer Mansion.
The mansion's intricate design, filled with fiendish puzzles and deadly traps, became a hallmark of the series. As players uncover the truth behind the T-Virus outbreak, they also witness the betrayal of Albert Wesker, a plot point that would have far-reaching consequences throughout the franchise. The game's multiple endings and character-specific scenarios encouraged replayability, a feature that would become standard in future installments.
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (Part 1) (September 26-28, 1998)
Chronologically, the first half of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis occurs next, focusing on Jill Valentine's desperate escape from Raccoon City. Released in 1999 for the PlayStation, RE3 introduced more action-oriented gameplay with its dodge mechanic and greater emphasis on gunpowder crafting. The game's unique "Live Selection" feature presented players with timed decisions that could alter the course of the story.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Nemesis, a relentless bioweapon pursuing Jill throughout the game. This imposing enemy, with its iconic "STARS…" growl, represented a significant leap in AI design for the series. The Nemesis's persistent threat and ability to appear unexpectedly created a constant sense of tension, elevating the horror experience.
Resident Evil 2 (September 29-30, 1998)
As the Raccoon City incident reaches its peak, Resident Evil 2 introduces two new protagonists: rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and Chris Redfield's sister, Claire Redfield. Released in 1998 for the PlayStation, RE2 refined the formula established by its predecessor, offering two intertwining scenarios for each character. This innovative approach to storytelling allowed players to experience the outbreak from different perspectives, uncovering new details with each playthrough.
RE2 also introduced the G-Virus, a more potent and unstable variant of the T-Virus. The mutated William Birkin, transformed by the G-Virus, serves as a recurring boss throughout the game, evolving with each encounter. This concept of an evolving enemy would become a staple of the series, seen in later games with enemies like Nemesis and Mr. X.
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (Part 2) (October 1, 1998)
The conclusion of Resident Evil 3 wraps up the Raccoon City saga with a bang – literally. As Jill and her newfound ally, Umbrella mercenary Carlos Oliveira, race to escape the city before it's destroyed by a government missile strike, they face off against the evolved Nemesis one last time. The game's climactic battle, set against the backdrop of a city on the brink of annihilation, provides a fitting end to this chapter of the Resident Evil story.
The destruction of Raccoon City marks a turning point in the series' lore, leading to the collapse of Umbrella Corporation and setting the stage for the global bio-terror threats that would dominate later installments.
The Global Outbreak Era (1998-2009)
Resident Evil: Code Veronica (December 1998)
Claire Redfield's search for her brother Chris leads her to an Umbrella facility on Rockfort Island in Resident Evil: Code Veronica. Originally released in 2000 for the Dreamcast, Code Veronica was a technical leap forward for the series, featuring fully 3D backgrounds instead of the pre-rendered environments of previous games.
Code Veronica introduces the T-Veronica virus, a new strain that allows the host to retain intelligence while gaining superhuman abilities. This concept is embodied in the game's antagonist, Alexia Ashford, whose transformation and battles are some of the most memorable in the series. The game also marks the return of Albert Wesker, now possessing superhuman abilities of his own, setting up his role as the series' primary antagonist.
Resident Evil 4 (Fall 2004)
Six years after the events of Raccoon City, Leon S. Kennedy returns in Resident Evil 4, a game that would redefine both the series and the third-person shooter genre. Released in 2005 for the GameCube, RE4 shifted to an over-the-shoulder camera and more action-oriented gameplay, while still maintaining the series' horror roots.
Set in rural Spain, RE4 introduces Las Plagas, a parasitic organism that creates intelligent, coordinated enemies known as the Ganados. This new threat required players to adapt their tactics, as the Ganados could dodge, use weapons, and work together in ways that zombies never could. The game's influence can be seen in countless titles that followed, from Dead Space to The Last of Us.
Resident Evil: Revelations (2005)
This side story, originally released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2012, focuses on Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine as part of the newly-formed Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA). Set aboard the cruise ship Queen Zenobia, Revelations returns to a more survival horror-oriented gameplay style, with limited resources and claustrophobic environments.
The game introduces the T-Abyss virus, a marine-based variant of the T-Virus that creates aquatic B.O.W.s (Bio Organic Weapons). This new threat showcases the evolving nature of bio-terror in the Resident Evil universe, as viruses are adapted for different environments and purposes.
Resident Evil 5 (March 2009)
Resident Evil 5 sees Chris Redfield and new partner Sheva Alomar investigating bioweapon smuggling in Africa. Released in 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, RE5 further embraced action-oriented gameplay, introducing co-op play throughout the campaign. The game's African setting allowed for new types of enemies and environments, including the Majini, humans infected with a more advanced form of Las Plagas.
RE5 brings Albert Wesker's story arc to a close, revealing his ultimate plan to reshape humanity using the Uroboros virus. The game's finale, set inside an active volcano, provides a fittingly over-the-top conclusion to the long-running conflict between Chris and Wesker.
The Post-Umbrella World (2011-2021)
Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2011)
Claire Redfield returns as the protagonist in Revelations 2, now working for the anti-bioterrorism organization TerraSave. Released episodically in 2015, the game pairs Claire with Moira Burton, daughter of fan-favorite character Barry Burton. The two find themselves trapped on a mysterious island, facing a new viral threat: the fear-inducing T-Phobos virus.
Revelations 2 explores themes of fear and survival, with the T-Phobos virus transforming its victims based on their levels of terror. This unique concept adds a psychological element to the game's horror, as players must manage not only their health and ammo but also their character's fear levels.
Resident Evil 6 (December 24-25, 2012)
Resident Evil 6 stands as one of the most ambitious entries in the series, featuring four intertwining campaigns starring Leon Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Ada Wong, and newcomer Jake Muller. Released in 2012 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, RE6 attempts to bridge the gap between the series' action-oriented gameplay and its survival horror roots.
The game introduces the C-Virus, a highly adaptable bioweapon that creates a variety of mutated creatures. Each campaign offers a different gameplay experience, from Leon's more traditional survival horror scenario to Chris's military-style shootouts. While divisive among fans, RE6 showcases the global scale of bioterrorism in the Resident Evil universe.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (July-August 2017)
Resident Evil 7 marks a return to the series' survival horror roots, introducing new protagonist Ethan Winters and shifting to a first-person perspective. Released in 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, RE7 focuses on a more intimate horror experience set in the Baker family's derelict plantation in Louisiana.
The game introduces the mold, a fungal bioweapon that grants its victims regenerative abilities and superhuman strength. RE7's use of virtual reality support (on PlayStation VR) creates an unprecedented level of immersion, allowing players to experience its horrors up close and personal. The game's connection to the wider RE universe is cemented with the appearance of Chris Redfield in its finale.
Resident Evil Village (February 8-10, 2021)
The most recent mainline entry, Resident Evil Village, continues Ethan Winters' story as he searches for his kidnapped daughter in a mysterious European village. Released in 2021 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Village blends elements of gothic horror with the series' signature bioweapon threats.
Village expands on the mold storyline introduced in RE7, while also incorporating classic horror elements like vampires, werewolves, and Frankenstein-esque creatures. The game's diverse cast of villains, each with their own distinct domains and abilities, creates a varied and unpredictable experience. Village also delves deeper into the series' overarching mythology, with revelations that recontextualize events from previous games.
Conclusion: The Evolving Legacy of Resident Evil
From its origins in the Spencer Mansion to its latest forays into European folklore-inspired horror, the Resident Evil series has continuously evolved while staying true to its core themes of survival, conspiracy, and bioterror. Each entry builds upon the last, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories and characters that have captivated players for over 25 years.
The series' lasting impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. Resident Evil popularized the survival horror genre, pioneered new gameplay mechanics, and pushed the boundaries of video game storytelling. Its influence can be seen in countless other franchises, from Silent Hill to The Evil Within.
As technology has advanced, so too has the series' ability to terrify and immerse players. From the pre-rendered backgrounds of the PlayStation era to the photorealistic graphics of current-gen consoles, Resident Evil has consistently been at the forefront of visual fidelity in gaming. The introduction of VR support in Resident Evil 7 opened up new possibilities for horror gaming, creating an unprecedented level of immersion.
The Resident Evil timeline, when experienced chronologically, offers a unique perspective on the series' overarching narrative. Players can trace the origins and evolution of various viruses, witness the growth and relationships of recurring characters, and see how the world changes in response to each bioterror incident. However, each game is also designed to stand alone, allowing new players to jump in at any point.
As we look to the future of Resident Evil, several questions remain. How will the revelations from Village impact the series going forward? What new horrors will scientists and bioterrorists unleash upon the world? And how will familiar faces like Chris Redfield, Leon Kennedy, and Jill Valentine fit into upcoming installments?
One thing is certain – the world of Resident Evil will continue to evolve, adapting to new gaming technologies and storytelling techniques while staying true to its survival horror roots. Whether you're a longtime fan who's been with the series since 1996 or a newcomer curious about its rich lore, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of Resident Evil and uncover its many secrets. The series' legacy of terror, innovation, and intricate storytelling ensures that it will continue to thrill and horrify players for years to come.
