The Resident Evil series is one of the most iconic franchises in gaming history. Over the decades, Capcom has delivered unforgettable scares, memorable characters, and thrilling action. With so many entries across multiple platforms, fans often debate which titles are the best. In this guide, I have put together the resident evil games ranked from worst to best. I will explain what makes each game unique, what worked, and what missed the mark. Whether you are a new player or a long-time fan, this ranking will help you decide which entry to play next.
How the Ranking Was Created?
When putting this list together, I considered several factors.
- How scary and atmospheric the game feels.
- How strong the level design and puzzles are.
- The balance between action and survival horror.
- The story, characters, and overall polish.
- Replay value and long-term impact.
This list is subjective, but it is also designed to guide players who want to know which games stand out and which are better left to completionists. Even the weaker titles usually offer some fun, but not every entry holds the same level of quality.
Resident Evil Games Ranked
Before diving into details, here is a summary table that lists the games from best to worst.
| Rank | Game Title | Highlight |
| 1 | Resident Evil (2002 Remake) | Survival horror perfected |
| 2 | Resident Evil 2 (2019 Remake) | Modern horror masterpiece |
| 3 | Resident Evil 7: Biohazard | First-person terror |
| 4 | Resident Evil 4 (2023 Remake) | Action-horror balanced |
| 5 | Resident Evil Village | Big variety and lore |
| 6 | Resident Evil 3 (2020 Remake) | Short but thrilling |
| 7 | Resident Evil 0 | Classic but experimental |
| 8 | Resident Evil: Revelations | Strong setting and Raid Mode |
| 9 | Resident Evil 5 | Action-packed co-op |
| 10 | Resident Evil 6 | Overly ambitious but fun |
| 11 | Resident Evil: Resistance | Asymmetrical multiplayer attempt |
| 12 | Resident Evil: Revelations 2 | Uneven but memorable |
| 13 | Resident Evil Re:Verse | Multiplayer misstep |
| 14 | Umbrella Corps | A failed experiment |
The Top Tier of Resident Evil Games
Resident Evil (2002 Remake) — The Masterpiece
The 2002 remake of the original Resident Evil remains the crown jewel of the franchise. It modernized the 1996 classic while keeping the core design intact. The Spencer Mansion is one of the best-designed locations in gaming, with clever puzzles, creepy hallways, and memorable scares.
The remake enhanced the visuals, sound design, and atmosphere. Inventory management is tight, forcing players to make meaningful choices. The combat is tense, and enemies are dangerous even when you know they are coming. Every decision matters, and that pressure creates unforgettable tension.
This game captures the very essence of survival horror. Even after two decades, it remains the definitive Resident Evil experience.
Resident Evil 2 (2019 Remake) — A Perfect Modern Experience
The Resident Evil 2 remake transformed a beloved classic into a modern horror masterpiece. The Raccoon Police Department is a terrifying maze, filled with dark corridors, locked rooms, and hidden secrets.
Mr. X, the towering Tyrant, stalks players through the police station, creating nonstop tension. Leon and Claire both have unique campaigns, giving players reasons to return and replay the story. The remake captures the original’s spirit while delivering smooth controls and modern polish.
It is one of the most accessible entries in the series, making it a perfect starting point for newcomers who want to experience the best resident evil games ranked in history.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard — A Fresh Direction
Resident Evil 7 shocked fans by switching to a first-person perspective. The result was one of the scariest games in the franchise. The Baker family are unforgettable villains, and their decrepit Louisiana house feels alive with danger.
This entry stripped the series back to its roots while pushing it in a new direction. The atmosphere is suffocating, the sound design is haunting, and every corner feels threatening. It reminded fans that Resident Evil could still be genuinely terrifying.
For players who want pure fear, this is the best resident evil game to choose.
Strong Modern Entries That Redefined the Franchise
Resident Evil 4 (2023 Remake) — Action Meets Horror
The original Resident Evil 4 changed gaming forever, but the 2023 remake refined it for modern players. It balanced the action-heavy focus of the original with more tension and atmosphere.
Leon Kennedy is at his best here, blending style, humor, and skill. The combat is responsive and satisfying, with enemies that challenge players in new ways. The remake also adds layers of dread, restoring the survival horror balance that was lost in the original.
This is a shining example of how to modernize a beloved classic without losing its identity.
Resident Evil Village — Variety and Spectacle
Resident Evil Village continued Ethan Winters’ story and delivered one of the most varied entries in the series. From the gothic halls of Castle Dimitrescu to the disturbing House Beneviento, the game constantly shifts tone and gameplay.
The Four Lords each bring unique challenges, keeping the experience fresh from start to finish. The game also expands the franchise’s lore, tying together events from Resident Evil 7 and earlier titles.
While it leans more toward action than horror, it remains one of the most memorable games in recent years.
Mid-Tier Games With Strengths and Weaknesses
Resident Evil 3 (2020 Remake) — Short but Intense
The Resident Evil 3 remake is a fast-paced and polished experience. While it removed some content from the original, it still delivers an exciting ride through Raccoon City.
Nemesis serves as the main threat, though he is more of a spectacle than a true horror element. The game is shorter than most entries, but the tight pacing makes it fun to replay. Although it does not reach the heights of the Resident Evil 2 remake, it is still worth playing.
Resident Evil 0 — A Risky Prequel
Resident Evil 0 introduced a unique partner system where players switch between Rebecca Chambers and Billy Coen. The train sequence at the start is one of the most atmospheric openings in the series.
However, the inventory system, which removes item boxes and forces players to drop items on the ground, feels clunky. While flawed, the game has charm and is loved by many fans for its classic design. It stands as an experimental prequel that connects well with the main story.
Resident Evil: Revelations — A Strong Handheld Surprise
Revelations was originally released for the Nintendo 3DS and impressed fans with its quality. The setting on an abandoned cruise ship created a tense and eerie atmosphere.
The introduction of Raid Mode gave players a reason to keep coming back, and the story tied well into the broader Resident Evil lore. While not perfect, it proved that Resident Evil could work well on handheld platforms.
Lower Ranked Entries — Fun but Flawed
Resident Evil 5 — Action and Co-op
Resident Evil 5 is remembered for its emphasis on co-op play. The game focused heavily on action, with Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar blasting through hordes of enemies.
It is less scary than other entries, but it remains popular because of its co-op design and over-the-top moments, including the famous “boulder punching” scene.
Resident Evil 6 — Too Much of Everything
Resident Evil 6 is one of the most divisive games in the franchise. It offered four campaigns, each with different characters and styles. The gunplay is excellent, but the story is bloated and messy.
The game tried to be everything at once, and as a result, it lost much of the series’ identity. Still, fans who enjoy fast-paced action can find value here.
Resident Evil: Resistance — A Missed Experiment
This multiplayer spin-off pitted survivors against a mastermind who controlled traps and enemies. The concept was exciting, but balance issues and low player numbers held it back. It had potential, but it never lived up to expectations.
Resident Evil: Revelations 2 — Uneven but Interesting
The game begins with strong chapters featuring Claire Redfield and Moira Burton. Unfortunately, later sections drag and rely on weaker mechanics.
The Natalia mechanic, where she points out hidden threats, is clever but slows the pace. Despite its flaws, it still has memorable moments.
Resident Evil Re:Verse — A Multiplayer Misstep
Re:Verse offered multiplayer battles with iconic Resident Evil characters. However, it launched with limited maps and little content. Players quickly lost interest, and support faded fast. It is now remembered as one of the weaker experiments in the franchise.
Umbrella Corps — The Lowest Point
Umbrella Corps was a competitive shooter set in the Resident Evil universe. While technically part of the canon, it felt disconnected from the series. The controls were awkward, the design was uninspired, and fans rejected it almost immediately. It stands at the bottom of the list of resident evil games ranked.
Tips for Choosing the Right Game
If you are new to the series, here are quick suggestions:
- For pure horror, play Resident Evil 7.
- For a classic survival feel, play Resident Evil (2002 remake).
- For a modern introduction, play Resident Evil 2 (2019 remake).
- For action and fun, try Resident Evil 4 (2023 remake).
- For co-op, play Resident Evil 5.
Why These Rankings Matter?
Ranking these games helps fans and new players decide where to start. It also highlights the evolution of the series, from classic survival horror to modern action-horror hybrids. The Resident Evil franchise has reinvented itself many times, but it always remains a defining name in horror gaming.
Conclusion
The Resident Evil series is vast, but not all games are equal. Some define the franchise, while others are remembered as failed experiments. In this guide, I ranked the resident evil games ranked to help you find the best experiences. The best resident evil games ranked remain the Resident Evil (2002 remake), Resident Evil 2 (2019 remake), and Resident Evil 7. These titles showcase the franchise at its peak. And when people ask what the best resident evil game is, the answer often depends on whether you value classic puzzles, modern polish, or pure fear.
No matter where you start, the series offers something special. The thrill of survival, the fear of the unknown, and the excitement of uncovering secrets make Resident Evil one of the greatest game franchises of all time.
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