Resident Evil Requiem is a fan-made film project, not an official Capcom game, and it does not have a canonical place in the Resident Evil timeline. If you are about to watch it or read its synopsis, the key thing to know is that it is an unofficial adaptation that blends elements from the game series, particularly the Raccoon City incident, with original characters and events. This article explains what the project is, how it relates to the official timeline, and what you should actually play or watch to understand the real Resident Evil story.
What Is Resident Evil Requiem?
Resident Evil Requiem is a fan-made film, often described as a tribute or a reimagining, not an official entry in the series. It was created by independent filmmakers and is not endorsed by Capcom. The project typically uses the title to evoke the dark, horror atmosphere of the games, but it does not follow any specific game’s plot exactly. Instead, it borrows familiar elements: the Umbrella Corporation, the T-virus, and the setting of Raccoon City, but it tells its own story with original characters and scenarios. Because it is fan-made, it has no official status, and its events do not affect the canon of the games or the official CGI films.
Where Does It Fit in the Official Timeline?
The official Resident Evil timeline is complex, with multiple reboots and alternate continuities. The main game timeline starts in 1998 with the Mansion Incident (Resident Evil 1) and the Raccoon City outbreak (Resident Evil 2 and 3). The events of the first three games all happen in 1998. The official timeline then moves through the years: 2004 (Resident Evil 4), 2009 (Resident Evil 5), 2013 (Resident Evil 6), and 2021 (Resident Evil Village). There are also spin-off games, CGI films, and live-action movies that create separate timelines. Resident Evil Requiem does not slot into any of these. It is a standalone fan work, so you should not try to place it on a timeline. If you are looking for the official story, you should start with the main numbered games.
Key Background: The Umbrella Corporation and the T-Virus
To understand any Resident Evil story, including fan works like Requiem, you need to know the core background. The Umbrella Corporation is a pharmaceutical company that secretly develops bioweapons. The T-virus is the main virus, created from the Progenitor virus, and it reanimates dead tissue, turning people into zombies. The Raccoon City outbreak in 1998 was caused by a T-virus leak, and the city was destroyed by a missile strike to contain the infection. These elements are the foundation of the series’ lore. In Requiem, these elements are present, but the specific characters and plot are original. So, if you know the basics of Umbrella and the T-virus, you will understand the setting, but you will not be able to predict the story.
How to Choose What to Play or Watch
If you are new to Resident Evil and want to understand the real story before engaging with fan content, here is a simple guide:
- Start with the main games: Resident Evil 2 (2019 remake) is a great entry point. It covers the Raccoon City outbreak and introduces the core characters.
- Follow the chronological order of the main games: RE1, RE2, RE3, then RE4, RE5, RE6, and RE7/RE8. This gives you the full arc.
- Watch the official CGI films: These are canon and fill gaps between games. For example, “Resident Evil: Degeneration” is set after RE4.
- Skip the live-action movies if you want canon: The Milla Jovovich films are a separate timeline and do not match the games.
- Treat fan works like Requiem as alternate universe: Enjoy them for their creativity, but do not use them to learn the official lore.
Common Misconceptions About Fan Works and Canon
A common misconception is that any Resident Evil movie or fan film is part of the official timeline. This is not true. Capcom has a strict canon that includes the main games and the CGI films, but not the live-action movies or fan projects. Another misconception is that the timeline is linear and simple. In reality, there are retcons and side stories that create contradictions. For example, the remake of RE3 changed some events from the original. Fan works like Requiem often mix elements from different eras, which can confuse newcomers. Always check if a piece of media is officially licensed before assuming it is canon.
How to Follow the Official Story Without Playing Every Game
Not everyone has time to play all the games. If you want to know the official story, you can watch the “Resident Evil” recap videos on YouTube, read the wiki, or watch the CGI films. The essential plot points are:
- The Mansion Incident (1998) – The original outbreak is contained, but Umbrella is exposed.
- The Raccoon City Destruction (1998) – The city is destroyed to hide the evidence.
- The Fall of Umbrella (2003) – The company goes bankrupt after being held accountable.
- The Bioterrorism Era (2004-2013) – The story shifts to global bioterrorism threats.
- The Winters Family Saga (2017-2021) – A more personal story with Ethan Winters.
This outline will give you a solid grasp of the official narrative. Fan works like Requiem are not part of this, so you can ignore them if you want a clean understanding.
Common Problems When Engaging with Fan Content
One problem is that fan films often have low production values and may not match the quality of official releases. Another is that they may use copyrighted characters without permission, which can lead to takedowns. Also, fan works can be confusing because they assume you know the lore, but they change it. For example, a fan film might make Leon a villain, which contradicts his character. If you are a purist, this can be off-putting. The best approach is to treat fan content as a separate entity, like a fan fiction. Enjoy it for what it is, but do not let it affect your understanding of the official story.
Alternatives to Fan Films for Lore
If you want more Resident Evil lore without playing the games, consider:
- The Resident Evil Wiki – A comprehensive resource for all canon details.
- Official CGI films – “Degeneration”, “Damnation”, “Vendetta”, and “Death Island” are all canon.
- Novelizations – Some are based on the games, but they may have slight differences.
- Recap videos – Many channels provide detailed summaries of the story.
These alternatives give you accurate information without the risk of fan-made inaccuracies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Resident Evil Requiem a real game?
No. It is a fan-made film project, not an official Capcom game. There is no official game or movie with that title. If you see it listed on a website, it is likely a fan creation or a hoax.
Do I need to play the games to understand Requiem?
No. Since it is a fan work, it is not canon, and it does not require any prior knowledge. However, knowing the basics of the T-virus and Umbrella will help you appreciate the setting.
What is the correct order to play the Resident Evil games?
For the main story, play in release order or chronological order. Chronological order is: RE1, RE2, RE3, RE4, RE5, RE6, RE7, RE8. Release order is also fine, but note that the remakes of RE2 and RE3 are modernized and are the best versions to play.
Are the live-action Resident Evil movies canon?
No. The live-action movies with Milla Jovovich are a separate timeline and are not canon to the games. The official canon includes the main games and the CGI films.
Why is the Resident Evil timeline so confusing?
The timeline is confusing because Capcom has released many spin-offs, remakes, and retcons. For example, the original RE3 and the remake have different events. Also, the series has multiple protagonists and overlapping storylines. The best way to understand it is to focus on the main numbered games.
Can I watch a fan film to catch up on the story?
No. Fan films are not accurate to the official lore. They are creative interpretations and should not be used as a substitute for the real story. Stick to official media for accurate information.
Related
Formula used
in t | Game number | - | 2 | 1 | 10 in y | Year in timeline | - | 1998 | 1998 | 2025 out era | Timeline era | - | y - 1998 + (t - 2) * 3 | 0
Each line is one input (in, sel, list) or one result (out: label, unit, formula, decimals). How the calculators work
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.
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