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“Which Resident Evil should I start with?” — it’s the question that stops so many players dead in their tracks when facing this legendary 30-year series. Since the original launched in 1996, there have been more than 10 mainline entries alone, and once you count remakes and spin-offs, you’re looking at nearly 20 games. The timeline is tangled, too, so it’s no wonder people freeze up over where to begin.
The latest entry, Resident Evil Requiem, released in February 2026 and rocketed past 6 million copies worldwide in just two weeks. Critics across the board have hailed it as a worthy crown jewel for the series’ 30th anniversary, and it’s accessible enough that it regularly comes up as a recommended entry point for newcomers.
In this article, the SpotGeeks editorial team scores the series’ 10 major titles across four axes — Accessibility, Graphics, Brutality, and Replay Value — out of 100 points each, then ranks them by total score in our definitive Top 10. Prices and platforms are listed as of May 2026, so use this as your pre-purchase reference.
Plenty of these titles are separated by razor-thin margins, so pick based on the axis you care about most — Accessibility, Brutality, whatever it may be — and you’ll walk away that much happier.
How Do All 10 Resident Evil Games Compare? Full Score Table (Accessibility, Graphics, Brutality, Replay Value)
First, let’s look at the scores for all 10 titles at a glance. The ranking is ordered by the four-axis total (out of 400 points). The higher the Brutality score, the harder and scarier the game — horror newcomers should start with a lower number.
| Title | Accessibility | Graphics | Brutality | Replay Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil 4 (2023 Remake) | 93 | 95 | 75 | 90 | 353 |
| Resident Evil Requiem (2026) | 87 | 97 | 82 | 85 | 351 |
| Resident Evil 2 (2019 Remake) | 85 | 92 | 83 | 88 | 348 |
| Resident Evil Village (2021) | 88 | 93 | 72 | 82 | 335 |
| Resident Evil 4 (2005 Original) | 90 | 78 | 72 | 92 | 332 |
| Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) | 78 | 90 | 80 | 82 | 330 |
| Resident Evil 5 (2009) | 87 | 80 | 70 | 85 | 322 |
| Resident Evil 3 (2020 Remake) | 82 | 88 | 68 | 73 | 311 |
| Resident Evil HD Remaster (2015) | 65 | 75 | 88 | 82 | 310 |
| Resident Evil 6 (2012) | 83 | 82 | 65 | 75 | 305 |
The Accessibility leaders are the RE4 remake (93) and the 2005 original Resident Evil 4 (90). For Graphics, Requiem (97) sits in a class of its own at the top. The highest Brutality scores — meaning difficulty and sheer terror — go to the HD Remaster (88), the RE2 remake (83), and Requiem (82), in that order. If you’re chasing real horror dread, those three deserve your attention.
No. 1: Resident Evil 4 (2023 Remake) — The Perfect Remake That Sits Atop the Series
| Accessibility | Graphics | Brutality | Replay Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | 95 | 75 | 90 | 353 |
Released in March 2023, this full remake of the 2005 classic Resident Evil 4 posted a Metacritic score of 93. The only game in series history to beat that is the original RE4 itself, at 96 — a monster-tier reputation — and with a Steam user rating of “Overwhelmingly Positive” (96%), critics and players alike sing its praises in unison.
Its greatest strength is the exquisite balance between accessibility and tension. The QTEs (quick-time events) that made the original notorious have been scrapped, replaced with a knife parry system. Deflecting an enemy’s attack and following up with a roundhouse kick is about as satisfying as action gaming gets. Meanwhile, the cutting-edge graphics deliver the village’s oppressive atmosphere, the sickening realism of the gore, and the horrifying enemy designs with even greater immersion than the original. “Terrifying yet exhilarating” — this is the sensation the series has chased for decades, realized in its finest form.
Ashley, the game’s co-star, has been dramatically improved as well: you can now order her to hide at will, putting the tension of fighting while protecting her under the player’s control. The Separate Ways DLC lets you play as Ada Wong and experience the story from an entirely different angle. The main campaign alone runs over 20 hours, and with robust New Game+ content on top, that Replay Value score of 90 is no exaggeration.
Available on PS4/PS5/Xbox Series X|S/PC (Steam). The standard edition lists for 8,789 yen (tax included) on Steam, while the Gold Edition (bundled with the Separate Ways DLC) runs around 9,990 yen (as of May 2026).
- Accessibility score of 93 — controls so smooth even total series newcomers can play in comfort
- Metacritic 93 and Steam 96% — the peak of the series for critics and players alike
- Main campaign plus the Separate Ways DLC adds serious volume; this one lasts
- The complete Gold Edition tops 10,000 yen — waiting for a sale is the smart play
- With a moderate Brutality score of 75, it may feel tame if you crave extreme horror
No. 2: Resident Evil Requiem — The 2026 Release That’s Already a Legend
| Accessibility | Graphics | Brutality | Replay Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | 97 | 82 | 85 | 351 |
Released February 27, 2026. This numbered entry marking the series’ 30th anniversary blew past 6 million copies worldwide in just over two weeks — the fastest sales pace in franchise history. Its Graphics score of 97 is the highest in this ranking, and the visuals produced by the latest RE ENGINE can only be described as next-generation.
Its defining feature is the dual-protagonist system. You alternate between two characters, Grace and Leon, each offering distinct gameplay and a different perspective on the unfolding story. Famitsu’s review put it as “the back half is incredible,” and that’s exactly right — the deeper you get, the more terror and catharsis crash over you in alternating waves, never giving you a moment to put the controller down. When the SpotGeeks editorial team went hands-on, we looked up and realized the sun had come up.
Its Metacritic score of 88 doesn’t quite reach the RE4 remake’s 93, but some reports place its user score among the highest in Metacritic history. The difficulty tuning is meticulous, and the game is designed so that even complete series newcomers can pick it as their very first entry and comfortably see it through. That said, playing Resident Evil 7 and Village beforehand deepens the story dramatically, so we’d recommend starting there first.
Available on PS5/Xbox Series X|S/PC. The PS5 digital standard edition is 8,990 yen (tax included), with the Deluxe Edition at 9,990 yen (tax included) (as of May 2026).
- Graphics score of 97 — the series’ finest visuals pull you deep into the horror
- Two protagonists means double the game in one package, with distinct gameplay styles packed in
- Over 6 million copies sold worldwide in two weeks — the fastest-selling entry in series history
- PS5/Xbox Series X|S/PC only — no last-gen versions available
- Playing Resident Evil 7 and Village first gives you a much deeper grasp of the story
No. 3: Resident Evil 2 (2019 Remake) — The High-Water Mark of Survival Horror Remakes
| Accessibility | Graphics | Brutality | Replay Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | 92 | 83 | 88 | 348 |
Released January 2019. This ground-up remake of 1998’s classic Resident Evil 2 earned a Metacritic score of 91. Despite sitting in third, its total of 348 points is practically neck-and-neck with the RE4 remake (353) and Requiem (351) — and if scares are your priority, this one arguably ranks higher. Its Brutality score of 83 is the second-highest in the ranking, with scarce resources and relentless despair pushing players right to the edge.
The symbol of this game’s terror is the unkillable stalker, Mr. X. This hulking giant pursues Leon with heavy, echoing footsteps, and every time he barges into a room, your whole body prickles with dread. Ammo is perpetually short, forcing you to budget the exact number of bullets it takes to drop a single zombie. That heart-pounding feeling of counting your remaining rounds before stepping into the next area — I still can’t forget it, all these years later.
There are two campaigns, Leon’s and Claire’s, and a single playthrough won’t reveal the full story. Its Replay Value score of 88 is the third-highest here, with S-rank runs, challenge modes, and unlockable costumes keeping the replay motivation flowing. The PS5 version adds ray tracing support for even better visuals.
Available on PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC/Switch/iOS. The PS5 version can be purchased on the PlayStation Store (as of May 2026).
- Brutality score of 83 — being hunted by Mr. X is one of the tensest experiences in the entire series
- Two campaigns, Leon’s and Claire’s, effectively doubling the fun
- Metacritic 91 — the single best pick for hardcore survival horror fans
- Both the difficulty and the terror run high for horror beginners
- Seeing the full story requires both campaigns (15 to 20 hours total)
No. 4: Resident Evil Village — Gorgeous Visuals and a Buffet of Horror in One Package
| Accessibility | Graphics | Brutality | Replay Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 | 93 | 72 | 82 | 335 |
Released May 2021. The direct sequel to Resident Evil 7, with protagonist Ethan Winters returning. Its snowbound Romanian village setting creates a singular atmosphere, and its greatest strength is the sheer variety: a derelict house in the fog, a vampire’s castle, a doll-filled factory, submerged ruins — the “face” of the horror transforms completely with each chapter, all in a single game.
Its Accessibility score of 88 is the third-highest in this ranking. Compared to RE7’s wall-to-wall dread, the action quotient is up, and the weapon customization and upgrade system offered by the Duke (the merchant) broadens your strategic options. A paid DLC even adds a third-person camera, so players prone to first-person motion sickness can rest easy. Its Graphics score of 93 shows the latest engine flexing in full — Castle Dimitrescu’s opulent interiors are overwhelming just to look at.
The Winters’ Expansion DLC adds an epilogue starring Rose as the protagonist. Main game and DLC together offer over 20 hours of content. Metacritic 84. Available on PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC/iOS (as of May 2026).
- The horror mood shifts with every chapter — a full spread of scares in one game
- Accessibility score of 88; more approachable than RE7 and a great series entry point
- DLC unlocks a third-person camera — reassuring for anyone worried about first-person motion sickness
- Brutality score of 72 puts it on the easier end of the series — hardcore horror fans may want more
- Playing Resident Evil 7 first makes the story land much harder
No. 5: Resident Evil 4 (2005 Original) — The Historic Masterpiece That Revolutionized Game Design
| Accessibility | Graphics | Brutality | Replay Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 78 | 72 | 92 | 332 |
Released in 2005. The GameCube version’s Metacritic score of 96 remains the highest in series history — a genuinely historic masterpiece. By ditching fixed camera angles for an over-the-shoulder view, it went on to influence the entire third-person shooter genre, full stop. And despite being a 2005 game, its Accessibility score of 90 is the second-highest in this ranking — the intuitive controls and impeccable game rhythm haven’t aged a day in 20 years.
Its Replay Value score of 92 is the highest here. Chapter score attacks, S-ranks on every route, multiple character routes with Leon, Ada, and Hunk, plus the special mode The Mercenaries — the post-game playground stretches on without end. There’s a reason people are still playing it more than two decades later.
It’s currently playable on Nintendo Switch/PS4/Xbox One/PC (Steam). On Steam it lists for just 2,050 yen (tax included), making it far and away the best value here (as of May 2026). Playing the remake (RE4 2023) first and then going back to the original is a fun reverse route too — the comparison is half the entertainment.
- Replay Value of 92 — with The Mercenaries included, this is dozens of hours of play
- A Metacritic 96 all-timer for just 2,050 yen on Steam — unbeatable value
- Experience the revolutionary game design that shaped every TPS since, straight from the source
- Graphics score of 78 — it looks its 2005 age. Visual sticklers should go for the remake
- Heavy on QTEs, which can feel like a drag on pacing for modern players in places
No. 6: Resident Evil 7: Biohazard — The Scariest First-Person Horror Experience in the Series
| Accessibility | Graphics | Brutality | Replay Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78 | 90 | 80 | 82 | 330 |
Released January 2017. The first game in the series to adopt a first-person view (FPV), it shocked the world with a simple message: this is what horror really feels like. Metacritic 86. Being hunted through a decaying, claustrophobic house by the deranged Baker family is a terror only possible in first person, where your field of view betrays you. Every walk down a darkened hallway sends a chill up your spine; a single stray noise spikes your heart rate. Its Brutality score of 80 is the third-highest in this ranking — if pure horror is what you’re after, it’s worth far more than its sixth-place finish suggests.
The combat is simple and surgical: aim for weak points and commit. Ammo is always scarce, and the tension of never knowing what waits around the next corner holds right through to the end. Some find the late-game level design monotonous compared to Village’s curveballs, but in exchange, the horror density never dips below maximum.
It supports PSVR (and PSVR2 via the PS5 version), and playing in VR multiplies the terror several times over. Available on PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC/iOS. It’s also positioned as the prelude to Requiem, making it essential homework for getting the most out of that game (as of May 2026).
- Immersive first-person horror — for raw fear, this is top-tier in the series
- PSVR2 support means you can play in VR, where the intensity becomes another dimension entirely
- An essential prelude that deepens your understanding of Requiem’s story
- Not for players prone to first-person motion sickness (no third-person option)
- Accessibility score of 78 — the controls and difficulty take some getting used to
No. 7: Resident Evil 5 — The Action-Focused Gem Built for Two-Player Co-op
| Accessibility | Graphics | Brutality | Replay Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | 80 | 70 | 85 | 322 |
Released in 2009. Its defining feature is two-player co-op starring the duo of Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar. With lifetime sales topping 17.1 million copies, it’s one of the series’ biggest commercial successes and is highly regarded as the perfected form of its action-oriented direction. It puts up above-average numbers in this ranking too, with 87 for Accessibility and 85 for Replay Value.
Two-player co-op — online or split-screen — is the perfect excuse to rope in a friend. Tackling Professional difficulty as a duo delivers a tension that’s an entirely different animal from solo play. Chapter score attacks, The Mercenaries mode, and other replay hooks abound, and the content density holds up remarkably well today.
The horror element is muted, with the lowest Brutality score in this ranking at 70. For anyone who’s scared off by horror games but curious about Resident Evil, this might be the ideal doorway into the series. Available on PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/PC (Steam), at around 2,400 yen (tax included) on Steam (as of May 2026).
- Two-player co-op is a blast — the series’ best pick for playing with a friend or partner
- Brutality of just 70 keeps the scares mild — the perfect entry point for horror-averse players
- Cheap on Steam — an easy, low-cost way to give the series a try
- Light on horror and survival elements — not the pick if you want to be scared
- The AI partner’s behavior can frustrate at times. Two human players strongly recommended
No. 8: Resident Evil 3 (2020 Remake) — Nemesis’s Overwhelming Pursuit and Speedy Action
| Accessibility | Graphics | Brutality | Replay Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 88 | 68 | 73 | 311 |
Released April 2020. This remake of 1999’s Resident Evil 3 draws you in with gorgeous visuals and a Graphics score of 88. You play as Jill Valentine, experiencing the fall of Raccoon City in a story that interlocks with the RE2 remake. The pressure exerted by the stalker Nemesis is even more imposing than Mr. X — I genuinely yelped out loud at our first encounter.
The game’s calling card is its speedy action. Jill’s dodge-step weaves through enemies with a rhythm and exhilaration unmatched in the series, offering a sharp contrast to the RE2 remake’s slow-burn survival. On the flip side, many have called out the thin content, and its Replay Value score of 73 is the lowest in this ranking. A playthrough runs a relatively short 8 to 10 hours.
Available on PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC. Play it alongside the RE2 remake and the two stories complement each other beautifully. Around 3,990 yen (tax included) on Steam (as of May 2026).
- Exhilarating dodge-step action — a different kind of fun from the RE2 remake
- Graphics score of 88 — witness the fall of Raccoon City in stunning fidelity
- Buy it as a set with the RE2 remake for a much richer understanding of the story
- Replay Value of 73 reflects the thin content — clear time is a short 8 to 10 hours
- Somewhat pricey as a standalone purchase. Wait for a sale
No. 9: Resident Evil HD Remaster — The Series’ Original Terror, Faithfully Reborn for the Modern Era
| Accessibility | Graphics | Brutality | Replay Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 75 | 88 | 82 | 310 |
Released in 2015 (original from 1996). Its Brutality score of 88 is the highest in this entire ranking — and if you ask “which Resident Evil scared you the most?”, this is the most honest answer there is. The unseen dread of fixed camera angles, the awkwardness of tank controls, the soul-crushing scarcity of ammo — the primal survival experience that modern games have forgotten lives here.
Within the sealed confines of the mansion, puzzles, exploration, and combat weave together seamlessly, and even saving is rationed through consumable ink ribbons — a tension that exists nowhere else. On a blind run without a guide, you will absolutely hit walls, that’s how demanding it is. But refuse to give up, and the sense of accomplishment when you finally clear it is the best in the series.
Its Accessibility score of 65 is the lowest in this ranking, and it’s not unusual for players raised on modern games to bounce off within the first few hours. But that’s exactly why we can recommend it with full confidence to anyone seeking “the real fear.” Available on PS3/PS4/Xbox 360/Xbox One/PC (Steam), at around 2,050 yen (tax included) list price on Steam (as of May 2026).
- Brutality score of 88 — the purest, most concentrated horror the series has ever produced
- Puzzles, exploration, and survival fused into one — the original trinity experience
- Around 2,050 yen on Steam — a monster of a game whose price and depth are wildly out of proportion
- Accessibility score of 65 — tank controls and fixed cameras take real adjustment. Not for beginners
- Old-school design like ink-ribbon saves can be rough on modern gamers
No. 10: Resident Evil 6 — Three Campaigns of Overwhelming Volume, and a Divisive Experiment
| Accessibility | Graphics | Brutality | Replay Value | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83 | 82 | 65 | 75 | 305 |
Released in 2012. Its Metacritic score of 67 shows critics were unkind, but lifetime sales of over 16.5 million copies prove it found a real audience among players. It features three campaigns — Leon’s, Chris’s, and Jake’s — for a staggering total playtime of over 30 hours. Its hard swing from horror to all-out action makes it a lightning rod: your verdict depends entirely on what you want from a Resident Evil game.
Its Brutality score of 65 is the lowest in this ranking, and the horror is thin. In exchange, its action dynamism is cranked to maximum: explosive set pieces, wildly varied scenarios, and campaigns that cross over into each other give it real cinematic punch. You’ll hear “it’s fun as long as you don’t judge it as a Resident Evil game” a lot, and if you love action movies, it hits the spot.
Available on PS4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/PC (Steam), at a budget-friendly price of around 2,400 yen (tax included) on Steam (as of May 2026). Best treated as a waypoint for those aiming to conquer the entire series.
- Three campaigns and over 30 hours — sheer, unapologetic volume
- Cinematic, over-the-top spectacle and action you won’t find anywhere else
- Cheap to pick up — a natural waypoint on the road to completing the whole series
- Metacritic 67 — critics were harsh. Beware if you want that classic Resident Evil feel
- Brutality of 65 means virtually zero scares. If horror is the goal, look elsewhere
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Best Resident Evil Games: Top 10 Recap and a Buying Guide by Play Style
To recap the Top 10: first place goes to Resident Evil 4 (2023 Remake) with 353 points, second to Resident Evil Requiem with 351 points, and third to Resident Evil 2 (2019 Remake) with 348 points. Recent releases and remakes with high accessibility and visual quality dominate the top spots, while the 2005 original Resident Evil 4 stands out for Replay Value (92) and the HD Remaster for pure horror (Brutality 88).
Choosing by goal? Use this as your cheat sheet.
| If You Are… | Our Pick |
|---|---|
| New to the series, only playing one game | Resident Evil 4 (2023 Remake) |
| After the newest entry with the best graphics | Resident Evil Requiem |
| Craving serious horror and tension | Resident Evil 2 Remake / Resident Evil 7 |
| Playing co-op with a friend | Resident Evil 5 |
| Ready to face the series’ origin and toughest challenge | Resident Evil HD Remaster |
| On a budget but hungry for replay value | Resident Evil 4 (2005 Original) |
“Which Resident Evil should I play?” — the answer is crystal clear. Play the RE4 remake first. With 93 for Accessibility, a 93 on Metacritic, and 90 for Replay Value, it has no blind spots, delivering the series’ signature “terrifying yet exhilarating” thrill at maximum density. From there, branch out: want it scarier? Head to the RE2 remake and Resident Evil 7. Want cutting-edge visuals? Go straight to Requiem. That’s the optimal route. Starting with the HD Remaster, on the other hand, carries a real risk of burnout for modern gamers. Thirty years is a long history, but Resident Evil’s great strength is that it’s rich enough to be fun no matter where you jump in.
In 2026, Resident Evil began its next 30 years with Requiem. If you haven’t started yet, there has never been a better time.
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