Resident Evil games ranked from worst to best

The Resident Evil series has defined the survival horror genre of gaming. With multiple games and movies, Resident Evil has become one of the most popular horror franchises out there. Resident Evil games have given some of the most iconic stories, characters, villains, and locations in gaming. These games have been released on multiple platforms across the years, with important remakes that introduce the classics to a modern audience. As Capcom is gearing up to launch Resident Evil 4 Remake on March 24th, we take a retrospective look at the series and rank the best and worst Resident Evil games.

Ranking Resident Evil games from worst to best

13. Resident Evil 5

Resident Evil

Resident Evil 5 went in a different direction compared to many other titles in the series. The game was more of an action-adventure experience instead of survival horror. The game follows Chris and Sheva Alomar through an exciting campaign that can be played in co-op with a friend. Resident Evil 5 also concludes the story surrounding Albert Wesker that runs from the first game. While it isn’t a typical Resident Evil experience, this game is worth checking out if you like action-adventure titles.

Pros

  • Fun co-op campaign
  • Decent combat

Cons

  • Slow movement

12. Resident Evil

The original Resident Evil kicked off a massive and successful franchise that will have a huge player base going forward. When it was launched in 1996, Resident Evil defined the survival horror genre and continued to do so with future releases. While the gameplay and graphics may not hold up to modern standards, the original Resident Evil had great storytelling, fights, and some iconic moments.

Pros

  • A great survival horror experience
  • Kicked off the Resident Evil franchise

Cons

  • Graphics and gameplay may not hold up to modern standards

11. Resident Evil 6

Resident Evil 6 is considered somewhat of a lacklustre entry in the series. The game ditched the franchise’s signature survival horror themes and delivered more of an action-adventure experience. It had many quick-time events and some really wacky creatures. Although the game wasn’t well received among the critics, Resident Evil 6 became one of the best-selling titles in the series. While the game struggles at teaching you the mechanics, Resident Evil 6 is still a pretty solid action game.

Pros

  • Fantastic world design
  • Unique creatures

Cons

  • Storytelling could have been better

10. Resident Evil Zero

Resident Evil Zero serves as a prequel to the original game and tells Rebecca Chambers’ story. After teaming up with Billy Coen, Rebecca explores what happened with the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team in Arklay Mountains. Resident Evil Zero is one of the last games in the series to use fixed camera perspectives and mechanical controls. While the fixed camera adds to the suspense, many other games in the franchise offer a much freer camera perspective.

Pros

  • Spooky atmosphere

Cons

  • Story could be better

9. Resident Evil Code: Veronica

Resident Evil Code: Veronica debuted on Dreamcast in 2000. The game’s lore goes off the rails but introduces some memorable villains. Code Veronica really highlighted some of the frustrating aspects of the series with its clunky combat, campy horror, and weak-level design. The game seemed pretty undercooked at launch, but it had its own distinct horror flavour.

Pros

  • Plays like classic Resident Evil games

Cons

  • A lot of backtracking is required
  • Awkward level design

8. Resident Evil 4 VR

Resident Evil 4 is one of the best games in the series, which has been ported to multiple platforms including VR. Apart from some VR-exclusive features, the game remains pretty much the same. Resident Evil 4 VR makes the game even tenser and adds another layer of suspense that you cannot experience on other platforms. The game also supports many VR play styles including dual-wielding weapons.

Pros

  • Immersive gameplay experience
  • VR-exclusive features

Cons

  • Controls can occasionally feel clunky

7. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis is an iconic entry in the franchise, which introduced many new elements. It was the first game with ammo crafting and branching story paths with quick decision-making that can make every playthrough unique. The most memorable thing about Resident Evil 3 is its iconic villain, Nemesis. Nemesis is one of the fan-favourite villains in the series, thanks to its fantastic design and scary presence across the game.

Pros

  • Great story
  • Eerie sound design

Cons

  • Inventory management may seem difficult

6. Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil Village is the most recent game in the series and it takes the series into a different direction compared to Resident Evil 7. Village is much more action-packed with great characters and setting. The game also has different enemies like vampires and werewolves, instead of the standard zombies. Besides these, Resident Evil Village has a fantastic story, great locations, and amazing action sequences.

Pros

  • Fantastic story and setting
  • Great characters

Cons

  • Combat could be better

5. Resident Evil 3 Remake

Resident Evil 3 Remake remains a successful remake of the original. Unlike the original title, Resident Evil 3 Remake leans more into action while bringing back puzzle-solving. The RE3 remake is a fairly short game compared to other titles. The presence of Nemesis is pretty limited in the game as well. While Nemesis is a persistent threat in the original, the remake uses this iconic villain for huge battles and exciting action set pieces.

Pros

  • Fantastic and immersive world
  • Action-packed gameplay

Cons

  • Short campaign and less Nemesis

4. Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 remains a great sequel that builds on the elements established by the first game. Resident Evil 2 introduced a lot of elements that became mainstays in future releases including multiple characters with different stories, which improved replayability. The game took the suspense and suffocating atmosphere of its predecessor to another level with a persistent zombie threat. Resident Evil 2 has multiple well-designed spaces that feel just as gripping today.

Pros

  • Great protagonists
  • Fantastic survival horror gameplay

Cons

  • Storytelling could be better

3. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard reinvents the franchise while bringing back all the fan-favourite elements from the previous games. Unlike many other Resident Evil games, Biohazard plays in first-person perspective, which makes the experience even scarier. The game has many great elements including its characters, setting, story, and puzzles. The gameplay experience of Biohazard is quite creepy and well-designed, making it one of the best games in the series.

Pros

  • Creepy setting
  • Great story

Cons

  • Slow movement

2. Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 transformed the series in many ways and it is considered one of the most important horror games out there. The game’s campaign is huge and filled with great set pieces, boss fights, and locations. You get access to a lot of weapons and ways to kill hordes of enemies in the action-packed story of Resident Evil 4. The behind-the-shoulder camera perspective, inventory management, cover mechanics, and quick-time events have inspired many other games in the genre.

Pros

  • Exciting gameplay experience
  • Highly replayabale

Cons

  • Graphics may not hold up to current standards

1. Resident Evil 2 Remake

Resident Evil 2 Remake introduces the classic to a newer audience with updated visuals and gameplay. While staying true to the original, the remake adds some of the best features of modern Resident Evil games such as ammo crafting, an over-the-shoulder camera, and multiple inventory slots. The iconic Mr. X sequence is one of the best horror sequences in gaming that keeps you on your toes as you explore the game.

Pros

  • Great visuals and sound design
  • Amazing survival horror gameplay

Cons

  • Rare pacing issues in some sections