Ranking Every Mainline Resident Evil Game

The Resident Evil series has received a lot of entries. Not including the spin-off titles, there are 10 games to play. Of course, that means we are including Resident Evil 0 on the list since it is a prequel to the original game.

Of course, when we are talking about the Resident Evil series, not every game has been a winner. Some of them have obvious shortcomings that set them back from others in the series.

We are here to determine which of the Resident Evil games stands on top thanks to its characters, story, and gameplay. Which of them is your favorite game?

10 Resident Evil 6

Fall From Grace

The Resident Evil series was riding a bit of a high until Resident Evil 6 came along. Sure, there are people who like to bash Resident Evil 5, but the sixth entry in the series made things a lot worse.

The main complaint from fans about Resident Evil 6 is that it has abandoned its horror roots with a bloated action-based campaign. It is easy to see why, considering the game has a ton of run-and-gun action.

If there is anything that Resident Evil 6 did, it set up some great finishers for Leon in Resident Evil Requiem, but other than that, it didn't do anything to help the series, and instead let many fans down.

9 Resident Evil 0

The Prequel

Back to games that have horror elements, we have Resident Evil 0. This is the first game to feature Rebecca Chambers, and one that is beloved by some fans.

Despite the great horror aesthetic, the game falls short when it comes to the plot, with it often being referred to as forgettable. Other major complaints about this game are that the bosses feel a bit unfair and so do some of the enemies. Also, there are some who think the maps feel like ripoffs of different parts of the Spencer Mansion.

Despite there being some major downsides, the game does have some extra replayability thanks to the Wesker mode, has some of the more unique puzzles in the series, and has some strong horror elements with the train being the best part.

8 Resident Evil 5

Co-op Campaign

Resident Evil 5 is the first game in the mainline series to have full co-op support, allowing one player to take up the role of Chris and the other Sheva. However, things fall apart when you aren't playing co-op.

The AI can be quite frustrating, with Sheva often being careless about ammo consumption and unresponsive. Another downside is the controls being quite dated, requiring players to stop and shoot, being unable to move in the process.

While there are some clear downsides, the action in Resident Evil 5 manages to be better than RE6, and it features some decent storylines, with the return of both Jill and Wesker.

7 Resident Evil 3 (Remake)

Nemesis

When talking about the older titles, we will be referring to the remakes, as more updated versions of the games have been released. Resident Evil 3 is the first remake on the list, and it is also the weakest.

Jill is a great protagonist and Carlos is also fantastic. The pair have a good dynamic, making the story a bit more interesting. It is also a bonus that the game is very quick and doesn't overstay its welcome.

The main reasons it is the weakest of the remakes and modern Resent Evil titles are because of its lack of puzzles, amount of cut content from the original game, and puny stalker foe in the form of Nemesis.

6 Resident Evil (Remake)

The Classic

Resident Evil was originally released in the 90s. The remake was released in the early 2000s, and still holds up to this day, with the Spencer Mansion being a go-to reference for many when talking about the series.

This game introduced the world to Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Wesker, and Barry Burton — some of the series' most memorable characters. In addition to this, the game is fondly remembered for its well-timed horror, unique puzzles, and witty character dialogue.

When you aren't focused on almost becoming a Jill Sandwich, it is easy to see that the game is a product of its time and that the horror just doesn't compare to modern titles. On top of this, the gameplay doesn't compare to the modern third-person style the series is known for.

5 Resident Evil 2 (Remake)

Hello Leon

Speaking of introductions to some fan-favorite characters, Resident Evil 2 is the first game you meet both Claire Redfield and Leon Kennedy. As the pair enter Raccoon City for the first time, they are quickly locked in the police station, desperate to find a way out.

Thanks to a great blend of puzzles, action, and horror, Resident Evil 2 is remembered as one of the best games in the series. The addition of Mr. X, the game's stalker foe, added to the horror, giving everyone a sense of dread as they roamed the halls of the station.

There aren't many downsides to Resident Evil 2, but the sewer level and frustration of routing Mr. X certainly come to mind. There is also the missing content from the original.

4 Resident Evil 7

The Bakers

Just when everyone thought that Resident Evil was turning more into an action adventure title, Resident Evil 7 came out, amping up the horror through the eyes of Ethan Winters as he tries to escape the Baker house.

The horror of Resident Evil 7 is easily some of the best the series has to offer, and the addition of four unique family members made the experience quite interesting. Unfortunately, the game does fall short in a few areas, with there being fewer puzzles, strange pacing, and a lack of enemy variety.

Despite this, there are few games in the series that match the intensity that you feel playing a first-person-POV Resident Evil title.

3 Resident Evil Village

The Return of Ethan Winters

Resident Evil Village is the eighth entry in the mainline saga, and it brings the return and end of Ethan Winters. This is one of the more replayable Resident Evil titles in the series, with it offering chances for speed running, varying difficulties, and a lot of interesting items in the shop.

Just like in RE7, Village puts you in the first-person POV, increasing the horror elements. The team obviously took some notes from previous titles, because the enemy variety is great, and the stalker foe, Lady Dimitrescu, is one of the more beloved antagonists.

There are few downsides to Resident Evil Village, with it being notably less scary than previous titles in the series and being more linear. Despite this, it is one of the best the series has to offer.

2 Resident Evil Requiem

Almost Perfect

Resident Evil Requiem is the ninth title in the mainline series, and it is almost perfect thanks to its blend of intense horror, creepy atmosphere, and fun combat. The different playstyles of the two main protagonists, Grace and Leon, allow you to view the same scenarios from each of their respective POVs.

Grace gives you all the horror elements, cowering in fear, and trying to escape most situations. Leon, on the other hand, is all about the action, giving you a chance to get revenge on the enemies you maybe couldn't take down as Grace.

With a high amount of replayablity, many unique puzzles, a fantastic stalker enemy, and tons of action, there is almost nothing wrong with Resident Evil Requiem, making it almost the best game in the series.

1 Resident Evil 4 (Remake)

Pointless Backflips

If there is any game that is well-known in the Resident Evil franchise, it is Resident Evil 4. This is the game that Leon Kennedy is most known for, and is perhaps the best game in the series.

RE4 features an excellent blend of horror and action, with the remake adding more to these elements, and improving on what the original lacked. The modern movement helps the flow of combat, making you feel more in control than ever.

On top of this, the game is highly replayable, with there being side missions, a new game plus mode, and tons of items to unlock from the special content shop. The only downside is that the island can feel a bit dragged out.