# Which Resident Evil Game You Should Play First?

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MeTIA2epFA
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/1MeTIA2epFA
Generated: 2026-02-16T17:36:39.434+00:00

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## Quick Overview

The essential Resident Evil games to play before Resident Evil Re:4 are the Resident Evil 2 and 4 remakes, as they establish the necessary character development for Leon and Claire and directly inform the gameplay mechanics and story threads woven into Re:4.

**Key Points:**
- Resident Evil 2 remake is the perfect starting point for newcomers because it hones the survival horror foundation and provides essential building blocks for character, story, and gameplay heading into Re:4.
- Playing RE2 and RE4 remakes back-to-back gives a clear understanding of how Claire plays and how Leon plays in Re:4, as their distinct play styles are established in both prior games.
- Resident Evil 4 continues Leon's development from rookie cop to government agent, shifting the play style from RE2's methodical survival to a "ballet of tense action and operatic violence."
- Resident Evil 7 Biohazard serves as a reboot, emphasizing environmental dread over combat and offering a more grounded narrative, leaving fingerprints on Re:4 via the first-person perspective option.
- Resident Evil Village functions as a "horror theme park" or "Disneyland," encapsulating everything the series offers, blending horror, action, and over-the-top story elements.
- Resident Evil 3 is considered just "okay" and unnecessary for newcomers because its core pillar, Nemesis, is executed better in other games like RE2 remake and RE7.
- Resident Evil 1 remake from 2002 is recommended for purists seeking the best version of classic survival horror, noting that the PC GOG version makes Jill Valentine's 'easy mode' inventory advantage even greater by removing ink ribbon requirements for saving.

**Context:** The video addresses the frequent question from fans, especially with the upcoming release of Resident Evil Re:4, regarding which previous titles new or returning players should experience first. The speaker, Kurt, focuses on narrowing down the essential games from the 30-year-old franchise that provide the most relevant context—story threads, character arcs, and gameplay foundations—necessary for fully appreciating Re:4.

## Detailed Analysis

The primary recommendation for preparing for Resident Evil Re:4 centers on playing the Resident Evil 2 and 4 remakes consecutively to understand the distinct play styles and character evolutions of Claire and Leon. Resident Evil 2 remake is lauded for perfecting modern survival horror, being claustrophobic and strategic, mirroring the core pillars seen in a preview of Re:4. Resident Evil 4 showcases Leon's growth into an action-oriented agent, adopting a more fluid combat style that Re:4 adapted for Leon's sections with new tools like a hatchet. The speaker dismisses Resident Evil 3 as unnecessary filler, noting its Nemesis encounters are surpassed elsewhere. For newcomers prioritizing pure horror, Resident Evil 7 Biohazard is suggested as a narrative reboot emphasizing dread and grounded emotion, while Resident Evil Village is recommended as a comprehensive sampler of the series' evolution, functioning like a horror theme park. Other titles like Resident Evil 5 and 6 are relegated to curiosity territory, with RE5 being best played co-op and RE6 only worth sampling Leon's or Ada's campaigns. Less necessary but highly praised are the original games, especially the RE1 remake (2002) for its unmatched mood and fixed-camera dread, and Revelations 2 is preferred over Revelations 1 for its Raid Mode and interesting design.

### Essential Re

- 4 Preparation: Resident Evil 2 remake establishes survival horror foundation and character blocks
- Resident Evil 4 continues Leon's development, shifting gameplay to tense action
- Playing 2 and 4 back-to-back clarifies character play styles for Re:4

### Alternative Starting Points

- Resident Evil 7 offers a grounded, first-person reboot emphasizing environmental dread
- Resident Evil Village acts as a comprehensive horror theme park showcasing all series styles
- Resident Evil 1 remake (2002) is for purists wanting unmatched mood via fixed-camera design

### Games to Skip or Reconsider

- Resident Evil 3 is deemed 'okay' and unnecessary as Nemesis is handled better elsewhere
- Resident Evil Zero and Code Veronica are warned against due to strong openings followed by issues, including potential soft locks in Veronica
- Resident Evil 5 requires co-op play; Resident Evil 6 is only worth playing Leon's or Ada's campaigns

### VR Experiences

- Resident Evil 4 VR on MetaQuest is called 'absolutely amazing'
- VR availability is fragmented: RE7 requires PSVR1, while Village VR and RE4R VR require PSVR2, creating platform lock-in issues