Returning to a legendary game series feels like rereading your favorite novel — details become richer, and every scene resonates more deeply. For countless players, Resident Evil is the face of survival horror. After more than two decades of remakes, side stories, and next-gen console updates, many now wonder: what’s the most effective way to return to the series in 2025?
Quick Snapshot for Getting Started
Choosing where to start can depend on your goal. Do you want nostalgia, or a smoother modern experience? Either way, consider these points:
- Choose your version: Original releases offer raw charm, while remakes provide updated gameplay and visuals.
- Decide your play order: Play based on story sequence or by release date.
- Maximize your setup: Enable HDR, use a DualSense controller, or adjust audio settings for better immersion.
- Join the community: Online servers and fan forums offer co-op support and challenge tips.
Why Raccoon City Still Matters
Resident Evil’s legacy stems not just from jump scares but from its world-building. From the dangerous missions of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine to Ethan Winters’ desperate search for his daughter, the characters remain unforgettable. Capcom has transitioned the series from fixed-camera fear to dynamic third-person immersion without losing emotional weight.
Remakes like Resident Evil 2 (2019) and 4 (2023) update mechanics while preserving narrative depth. With new titles such as Resident Evil Requiem set for release in early 2026, the franchise remains a benchmark in horror gaming.
Picking the Right Version and Platform
Not all versions deliver the same experience. Choose based on your hardware, tolerance for older mechanics, and access to platform features.
Remakes – Resident Evil 2 (2019), 3 (2020), and 4 (2023) offer enhanced visuals, expanded story content, and are often discounted during online sales.
Original HD Ports – Resident Evil 0 and Code Veronica X maintain their original feel with improved resolution. These are ideal for players who want a retro challenge.
Cloud Saves – Platforms supporting Steam Cloud or Xbox Play Anywhere allow you to resume progress across devices.
VR Mode – Village and 4 (2023) in PS VR2 elevate fear to a personal level. It’s one thing to see the castle hallways; it’s another to walk them.
Recommended Play Order Styles
Your playstyle may influence your route through the series:
In-World Chronology – Start with Resident Evil 0, then follow the timeline to 1 (remaster), Code Veronica, 4 (remake), 5, 6, 7, Village, and eventually Requiem.
By Release Year – Witness how gameplay evolved. Begin with 1 (1996 or remaster), then move through each installment in order.
Remake Path – Prefer newer mechanics? Stick with 1 HD, 2 (2019), 3 (2020), and 4 (2023).
Custom Setup – Skip entries you find too slow or outdated. Some players start from Resident Evil 4 (remake) due to its universal appeal.
Crafting the Right Atmosphere
Immersion starts with your setup. Adjust brightness until the shadows are just visible. Turn off HUD elements if the game allows for better tension.
Use headphones to experience the full depth of spatial sound. In VR, be cautious of physical space — the game might have you flinching in real life.
Sound settings should highlight environmental effects like wind, breathing, or distant creaks. These cues enhance tension in ways visuals alone cannot.
Solo or Co-op? Use Every Mode
Resident Evil may be solo-focused, but extra modes offer great replay value.
- Raid Mode – Available in Revelations, it provides bite-sized combat scenarios with RPG elements.
- Online Co-op – Resident Evil 5 and 6 work best with a friend. Some puzzles and enemies are clearly designed with two players in mind.
- Mercenaries – Return in Village with time-attack challenges. Unlocking bonus characters adds hours of gameplay.
Use voice chat for better coordination. If you’re on different platforms, check cross-play compatibility first.
Looking After Yourself During Long Sessions
Games in this genre are intense. To avoid fatigue, follow a balanced schedule. Use natural light if possible and sit in a supportive chair. Avoid bingeing without breaks.
Keep hydration nearby. Tea or water are better than energy drinks. If your pulse rises during boss fights, pause between sections to ease back into a calm rhythm.
Don’t forget to log your progress. Many fans keep journals of routes, enemy encounters, and key item spots — a habit that adds depth and keeps the mind engaged.
Connecting With Fellow Fans
The Resident Evil community is as dedicated as ever. Whether you’re in it for speedruns, lore theories, or unlockables, there’s a group that shares your interest.
Join Reddit threads for tips or Discord servers for real-time help. Streamers often run daily challenge modes or host lore discussions on Twitch and YouTube.
Use hashtag searches on X (formerly Twitter) to find updates, challenges, or fan art celebrating iconic moments. Collaboration enhances the journey.
Lesser-Known Spin-Offs Worth a Look
While the mainline games get the spotlight, spin-offs offer fresh takes:
Resident Evil Outbreak – An early attempt at online co-op on PS2. It’s now playable on fan-run servers for those with emulators.
Dead Aim and Survivor – These light gun shooters deviate from the core gameplay loop but still contain lore relevant to Umbrella’s actions.
Operation Raccoon City – A squad-based shooter that rewrites key events. It’s flawed but provides alternate perspective missions.
These entries vary in quality but may appeal to collectors or completionists. Check availability since some aren’t on modern platforms.
Capcom’s Approach to Remakes
Capcom doesn’t simply update graphics — they rebuild systems. The RE Engine enables them to modernize lighting, movement, and physics while staying true to narrative elements.
The remakes strike a balance between familiarity and innovation. For example, Mr. X’s presence in Resident Evil 2 remake creates real-time pressure absent from the original. These changes preserve the heart of the game while raising engagement.
Developers often include commentary in interviews explaining which elements were retained or adjusted. Following their development blogs or social media accounts gives insight into future remake plans.
Upcoming Releases and Crossover Events
Capcom announced Resident Evil Requiem for early 2026. The game introduces Grace Ashcroft, a character focused on resourceful survival over heavy weapon use. Players can choose between static and dynamic camera modes.
Monster Hunter Wilds, launched in early 2025, will feature crossover missions. Previous events included Nemesis-inspired armor sets and Raccoon City maps. Fans anticipate similar additions with the second major update expected in late June.
Other collaborations include themed cosmetics in Fortnite, Dead by Daylight, and The Division 2. If you enjoy seeing franchises cross-pollinate, 2025 is full of surprises.
Where the Heart of the Experience Lies
Revisiting Resident Evil is about more than finishing objectives. It’s about the mood, the memories, and how the experience changes over time. Some play for story, others for speed, and many just to feel that first chill all over again.
You could revisit the original games on their native consoles or enjoy the same tales through remakes. Either way, it’s the choices and fear that draw players back.
Let every hallway, every typewriter save, and every distant growl remind you why this series became iconic — and why it still matters today.
