Best Resident Evil Games Ranked: Which One to Play

Resident Evil 2 (2019) is the best starting point for most players: it modernizes the series’ survival-horror formula without losing the tension, puzzles, or resource decisions that define it. If you prefer action, a first-person perspective, or classic fixed-camera horror, another entry may suit you better.

What to Look For

Resident Evil changes its style from game to game, so “best” depends on what you want to play. The most useful comparison points are perspective, pace, difficulty, and how much the game emphasizes exploration over combat. A third-person game can make navigating rooms and aiming feel familiar; first-person entries put you closer to the danger, but may be more intense.

Consider how much backtracking and inventory management you enjoy. The series’ horror-focused games make ammunition and healing items feel scarce, while its action-heavy entries offer more frequent fights and a faster rhythm. Remakes also vary: some closely reinterpret an older game, while others change content and structure substantially. Finally, check platform availability and editions before buying. Availability and bundled content can differ by platform, region, and store.

1. Resident Evil 2 (2019)

Best overall and best first game for most people. This remake follows rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield through a zombie outbreak in Raccoon City. Its over-the-shoulder camera, interconnected police station, puzzles, and limited supplies deliver a clear, modern version of classic Resident Evil tension.

Strengths: Strong atmosphere, satisfying exploration, and two main character campaigns offer a good introduction to the series. You can play Leon or Claire first, then try the other route for a different perspective and added story details.

Trade-offs: The two campaigns overlap, and the second run is not a wholly separate game. Pursuit sequences and tight ammunition supplies can be stressful. Choose it if you want a balanced mix of horror, action, and puzzles; skip it for a purely action-focused experience.

2. Resident Evil 4 (2023)

Best for action with a horror edge. This remake revisits Leon’s mission to rescue the U.S. president’s daughter. Its third-person combat, weapon upgrades, enemy encounters, and exploration make it more action-driven than Resident Evil 2, while keeping unsettling locations and resource choices in the mix.

Strengths: Combat feels flexible, encounters reward good positioning, and the campaign moves briskly between fights and quieter exploration. It is an excellent pick if you want a substantial, polished-feeling single-player adventure rather than slow, defensive survival horror.

Trade-offs: It is still a tense game, and its enemies and combat can overwhelm newcomers. It also explains less of the series’ earliest story than starting with Resident Evil 2. Pick it for energetic third-person action; choose a slower entry if conserving supplies and solving environmental puzzles are your priority.

3. Resident Evil (2002) / Resident Evil HD Remaster

Best for classic survival horror. The HD Remaster is an updated release of the 2002 remake of the original Resident Evil. It retains fixed camera angles, pre-rendered backgrounds, deliberate movement, puzzle-solving, and careful item management as characters investigate a mansion.

Strengths: It delivers the series’ traditional format at its most focused: every room can feel dangerous, and deciding what to carry matters. Choose between Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, whose campaigns differ in ways that affect difficulty and available tools.

Trade-offs: Fixed cameras and older-style controls take adjustment, and the pace is slower than in the newer remakes. It suits players curious about the franchise’s roots, not those looking for modern aiming and movement. The 2002 remake and HD Remaster are related releases, not the same version as the original 1996 game.

4. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Best for first-person, close-quarters horror. Ethan Winters searches for his missing wife in a decaying Louisiana home. The first-person viewpoint and confined setting make exploration feel immediate, and the game deliberately shifts away from the larger-scale action of some earlier sequels.

Strengths: A strong sense of vulnerability, memorable locations, and a focused campaign make this a compelling choice when you want atmosphere and scares. It is also a useful entry point: its story can be followed without knowing every previous game.

Trade-offs: First-person horror can feel more intense than third-person play, and the game’s tone and setting differ from the Raccoon City stories. Buy it for an up-close horror experience; choose Resident Evil 2 if you would rather see your character on screen.

5. Resident Evil Village

Best for varied action and horror. Also known as Resident Evil Village, this first-person sequel continues Ethan’s story after Resident Evil 7. Its journey through a village and several distinct locations mixes exploration, combat, and horror with a broader, more action-oriented feel.

Strengths: The changing environments keep the campaign from feeling one-note, and it offers a good bridge between the intimate fear of Resident Evil 7 and the series’ action side. It works best for players who want variety and are interested in following Ethan’s storyline.

Trade-offs: The story follows directly from Resident Evil 7, so playing that first gives important context. Village’s shifts in pace mean it is less consistently survival-focused than Resident Evil 2 or Resident Evil 7. Choose it after RE7, or if varied encounters matter more than a single sustained horror mood.

How to Choose

Start with Resident Evil 2 (2019) if you want one recommendation that balances the series’ main ingredients. It is a practical starting point without requiring familiarity with older games. If you know you prefer a particular style, choose by use case instead: RE4 (2023) for action, the HD Remaster for classic mechanics, RE7 for first-person horror, and Village for a varied sequel.

Let the platform and budget decide when needed. These games are sold on multiple platforms, but the available editions, included extras, and current prices vary. Compare the exact edition and platform listing before purchase; do not assume a deluxe edition is necessary for the main campaign. Older releases may be discounted, but platform availability differs, so check the store you actually use.

Think about comfort with horror and older controls. If jump scares or close pursuit are not your thing, the more action-forward RE4 may be a better fit, though it still contains horror. If you dislike fixed cameras or tank-style movement, avoid beginning with the HD Remaster. If you want the story in order for Ethan, play RE7 before Village. For Leon’s later adventure, RE2 before RE4 offers helpful character context, but RE4 can be enjoyed on its own.

Difficulty settings and optional accessibility features can differ between games. Check the individual game’s options if you want to adjust the challenge or presentation. No single ranking can account for everyone’s preferred camera, tolerance for tension, or appetite for backtracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Resident Evil game should I play first?
Resident Evil 2 (2019) is the easiest broad recommendation. Start with Resident Evil 7 instead if you specifically want first-person horror.

Do I need to play the games in order?
No. Many entries tell a largely self-contained story. Play Resident Evil 7 before Village for the clearest understanding of Ethan’s storyline.

Is Resident Evil 4 (2023) a sequel to Resident Evil 2 (2019)?
It follows Leon after the events of Resident Evil 2, but it has its own main mission and is playable without completing RE2.

Which game is scariest?
That depends on what frightens you. Resident Evil 7’s first-person viewpoint and confined setting are especially intense for many players, while RE2 features persistent pursuit and sudden threats.

Should I buy Resident Evil HD Remaster or the original 1996 game?
For most players seeking the classic mansion experience, the HD Remaster is the more accessible choice. It is based on the 2002 remake, not a simple remaster of the 1996 release.

Bottom Line

Choose Resident Evil 2 (2019) for the strongest all-around starting point: it combines exploration, puzzles, combat, and horror in a modern third-person format. Choose Resident Evil 4 (2023) for more action, Resident Evil HD Remaster for classic survival horror, or Resident Evil 7 for first-person scares. If you play RE7 and want more of Ethan’s story, continue with Village.

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