How many Resident Evil games are there?
The core Resident Evil series has nine numbered games, from Resident Evil (1996) to Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth entry, released in February 2026. Fans usually add Resident Evil Code: Veronica and Resident Evil 0 to the main story, and with remakes, Revelations, Outbreak, the Chronicles shooters and other spin-offs the franchise counts well over 30 games.
The numbered games
- Resident Evil (1996)
- Resident Evil 2 (1998)
- Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
- Resident Evil 4 (2005)
- Resident Evil 5 (2009)
- Resident Evil 6 (2012)
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
- Resident Evil Village (2021)
- Resident Evil Requiem (2026)
Other main-story games
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000): continues Claire and Chris Redfield's story; many fans treat it as a mainline game.
- Resident Evil 0 (2002): a prequel set just before the first game.
- Revelations (2012) and Revelations 2 (2015): set between the numbered games and add to the main characters' story.
Remakes
- Resident Evil (2002 GameCube remake, later remastered)
- Resident Evil 2 (2019)
- Resident Evil 3 (2020)
- Resident Evil 4 (2023)
Where to start
Village and RE7 form one story arc around Ethan Winters and work as an entry point. For the classic story, the RE2 and RE4 remakes are the most accessible starting points.
FAQ
Why is Resident Evil called Biohazard in Japan?
Biohazard is the original Japanese name. Capcom used Resident Evil in the West because the Biohazard name was hard to trademark there.
Is Albert Wesker dead?
Yes, in the main timeline Wesker dies in Resident Evil 5, defeated by Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar in a volcano.
Which Resident Evil is the scariest?
Resident Evil 7 is most often named, thanks to its first-person view and slow, claustrophobic horror.
Did RE7 save the franchise?
Many fans and critics credit RE7 with restoring the series' horror roots after the action-heavy Resident Evil 6.