The timeline of Resident Evil can be confusing since there are so many games and movies that have been released. With the following outline you’ll understand where it all began, what storylines connect, and what’s filler versus canon. The main purpose of this guide is to help all the newcomers who recently jumped into the latest Resident Evil game. Don’t worry, no major spoilers will be revealed as each title will include a brief summary just for explanation purposes.
Main Video Games
These primary games are the central plot of the Resident Evil series. Luckily it’s a pretty straightforward list as Capcom numbered each of the games in order (but there are a couple that stand out). FYI … Resident Evil 3 takes place before and after Resident Evil 2. Code: Veronica does not have a number in the title but was a full release that’s considered part of the main story.
- Resident Evil 0
Released in 2002 on the Nintendo Gamecube. Takes place in July 23, 1998. - Resident Evil 1
Released in 1996 on the PlayStation. Remade in 2002. Takes place in July 24, 1998. - Resident Evil 3
Released in 1999 on the PlayStation. The first part takes place in September 28, 1998. - Resident Evil 2
Released in 1998 on the PlayStation. Remade in 2019. Takes place in September 29-30, 1998. - Resident Evil 3
Released in 1999 on the PlayStation. The second part takes place in October 1-2, 1998. - Resident Evil Code: Veronica
Released in 2000 on the Dreamcast. Takes place in December 1998. - Resident Evil 4
Released in 2005 on the Nintendo Gamecube. Takes place in Fall 2004. - Resident Evil 5
Released in 2009 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Takes place in March 2009. - Resident Evil 6
Released in 2012 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Takes place in December 2012 – July 2013. - Resident Evil 7
Released in 2017 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Takes place in July 19-20, 2017. - Downloadable Content (DLC)
For those eager to experience a bit more of the story with the main characters of the series. - Resident Evil 5 “Lost in Nightmares”
Released in 2010 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Takes place in August 2006. - Resident Evil 7 “Daughters”
Released in 2017 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Takes place in 2014.
Spin-offs
The Resident Evil series’ spin-offs feature a variety of characters (some old and some new) with different gameplay mechanics. These spinoff games are considered canon and part of the main Resident Evil plot.
- Resident Evil Survivor
Released in 2000. Takes place in November 1998 - Resident Evil Dead Aim
Released in 2003. Takes place in September 2002. - Resident Evil Darkside Chronicles
Released in 2009. Takes place in February 2003. - Resident Evil Dead Aim
Released in 2003. Takes place in September 2002. - Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles
Released in 2007. Takes place in February 2003. - Resident Evil Revelations
Released in 2012. Takes place in 2005. - Resident Evil Revelations 2
Released in 2014. Takes place in 2011. - Resident Evil Umbrella Corps
Released in 2016. Takes place in 2015.
Movies: Animated
The animated films are essential to the main storyline of Resident Evil as well. Luckily, these movies star characters from the main games.
- Resident Evil Degeneration
Released in 2008. Takes place in 2005. - Resident Evil Damnation
Released in 2012. Takes place in 2011. - Resident Evil Vendetta
Released in 2017. Takes place after 2013.
Movies: Live Action
These silverscreen pictures were directed and written by Paul W.S. Anderson and stars Mila Jovovich. They actually have nothing to do with the timeline of Resident Evil, although they do contain characters of the main games.
- Resident Evil
Released in 2002. - Resident Evil: Apocalypse
Released in 2004. - Resident Evil: Extinction
Released in 2007. - Resident Evil: After Life
Released in 2010. - Resident Evil: Retribution
Released in 2012. - Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
Release in 2016.
