Which Resident Evil Game You Should Play First?

GameSpot
GameSpotFeb 16, 2026

Why It Matters

Understanding the recommended entry points ensures players experience the story continuity and gameplay mechanics that Requiem expands upon, reducing entry barriers and maximizing enjoyment of the upcoming title.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with Resident Evil 2 remake for core story foundation
  • Play Resident Evil 4 remake to understand Leon’s evolved gameplay
  • Original Resident Evil 1 remake offers classic fixed‑camera horror experience
  • Resident Evil 7 and Village showcase modern perspective and genre diversity
  • Skip nonessential titles like Resident Evil 3, 5, and 6 for newcomers

Summary

The video serves as a roadmap for anyone eager to dive into the Resident Evil franchise before the upcoming title Resident Evil Requiem. The host acknowledges the series’ 30‑year legacy and the flood of questions from fans about where to begin, then outlines a curated play‑list that balances classic horror with modern remakes.

The core recommendation is the Resident Evil 2 remake, described as the essential entry point for both story and mechanics. It introduces the Raccoon City Police Station, tight corridors, and resource‑management that mirror Grace’s sections in Requiem. The Resident Evil 4 remake follows, showcasing Leon’s evolution from rookie cop to government agent and providing the action‑oriented template used in Leon’s Requiem chapters. For purists, the 2002 Resident Evil 1 remake delivers the fixed‑camera dread that defined the genre’s early years.

The host cites specific details—Grace’s three‑hour preview feeling “toe‑to‑toe” with the RE2 remake, Leon’s new hatchet and chainsaw‑disarming tools, and GameSpot’s perfect 10/10 score for RE2—as evidence of each game’s relevance. He also notes that Resident Evil 7’s first‑person perspective and Village’s “horror theme park” design illustrate the series’ stylistic breadth, while dismissing Resident Evil 3, 5, and 6 as nonessential for newcomers.

By following this hierarchy, new players can acquire the narrative threads and gameplay fundamentals that Requiem builds upon, while veterans can revisit the titles that shaped the franchise’s modern identity. The guide also highlights platform constraints for VR experiences, underscoring the practical considerations of accessing these games before the next major release.

Original Description

If you want to play Resident Evil Requiem but have no previous Resident Evil games under your belt, we'll help you track down the best ones to play and some bonus picks before Requiem arrives.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:39 Resident Evil 2 Remake
3:10 Resident Evil 4 Remake
5:58 Resident Evil 1 Remake
7:43 Resident Evil 7 Biohazard
10:00 Resident Evil 8 Village
11:22 Resident Evil 5
11:49 Resident Evil 6
12:46 Resident Evil VR Games
13:57 Quick Picks
16:11 Outro
#gaming

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