How Many Resident Evil Games Are There? A Complete Breakdown

The Resident Evil series, developed by Capcom, has become synonymous with survival horror gaming since its inception in 1996. Over the decades, Resident Evil has grown from a single game into a massive franchise, including multiple mainline entries, spin-offs, remakes, and even mobile and pachinko games. If you’ve ever wondered just how many Resident Evil games there are, you’re not alone. The answer is surprisingly complex due to the different types of games released under the Resident Evil banner.

In this article, we’ll break down the different categories of Resident Evil games, from the core mainline titles to the spin-offs, mobile games, and remakes. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how many Resident Evil games exist and what makes each category unique.

Mainline Resident Evil Games: The Core Series

When it comes to the Resident Evil franchise, the core series is where the magic began. These games follow the main storyline of the battle between the protagonists—often linked to the Raccoon City incident—and the malevolent Umbrella Corporation. As of today, there are 12 mainline Resident Evil games:

Resident Evil (1996)
Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)
Resident Evil Code: Veronica (2000)
Resident Evil Zero (2002)
Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Resident Evil 5 (2009)
Resident Evil 6 (2012)
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
Resident Evil Village (Resident Evil 8) (2021)
Resident Evil Revelations (2012)
Resident Evil Revelations 2 (2015)

Spinoffs and Side Games

In addition to the 12 core Resident Evil games, Capcom has developed a variety of spin-offs that often explore side stories, alternative gameplay mechanics, or multiplayer experiences. These games don’t always tie directly into the main storyline but offer unique experiences within the Resident Evil universe.

Some notable spin-offs include:

Resident Evil: Outbreak (2003)
Resident Evil: Outbreak File 2 (2004)
Resident Evil: Survivor (2000)
Resident Evil: Dead Aim (2003)
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (2007)
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (2009)
Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (2012)
Resident Evil: Resistance (2020)
Resident Evil: Umbrella Corps (2016)

These spin-offs introduced new gameplay elements such as co-op multiplayer, rail-shooting mechanics, and even team-based combat. While some of these games were well-received, others, such as Umbrella Corps, were criticized for straying too far from the survival horror formula that made the series famous.

Resident Evil Remakes

Capcom has made a conscious effort to keep the Resident Evil franchise relevant by releasing high-quality remakes of the older games. These remakes offer improved graphics, modernized gameplay mechanics, and even expanded stories. Here are the major remakes that have been released:

Resident Evil (2002) – A complete remake of the original 1996 game.
Resident Evil 2 (2019) – A highly praised remake of Resident Evil 2 with updated visuals, mechanics, and some story changes.
Resident Evil 3 (2020) – A remake of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, offering a more action-packed experience compared to its predecessor.
Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) – A faithful yet modernized remake of the iconic Resident Evil 4.

These remakes have been praised not only for staying true to the essence of the original games but also for introducing them to a new generation of gamers. Resident Evil 2 Remake, in particular, received universal acclaim for its updated visuals, atmospheric horror, and refined gameplay.

Total Number of Console Games

If you combine the core games, spin-offs, and remakes, the total number of Resident Evil games on consoles reaches around 30 titles. This number includes all major console releases, encompassing every remaster, spin-off, and alternative version of the core titles. These games span platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, making Resident Evil one of the most versatile gaming franchises in history.

Mobile and Pachinko Games

The Resident Evil franchise doesn’t just live on consoles. Capcom has also released several Resident Evil games on mobile devices, as well as in the form of pachinko machines, which are popular in Japan. When accounting for these additional formats, the number of Resident Evil games skyrockets, pushing the total to near 60 games. While most of these mobile and pachinko titles aren’t widely known or part of the main storyline, they are an important part of the franchise’s extensive catalog.

Here are a few notable examples:

Resident Evil 4 Mobile Edition (2009) – A mobile adaptation of the widely acclaimed Resident Evil 4.
Resident Evil Mercenaries VS. (2011) – A competitive multiplayer-focused mobile game.
Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008) – A mobile tie-in with the animated movie of the same name.
Resident Evil Pachislot (2013) – A pachinko version of the Resident Evil series.

While these titles may not have the same level of prominence as their console counterparts, they have helped extend the reach of the franchise to different audiences around the world.

Other Media: Expanding Beyond Games

Though we’re focusing primarily on the video game aspect of the Resident Evil franchise, it’s worth mentioning that Resident evil games has also expanded into other forms of media. There have been numerous films, including both live-action movies starring Milla Jovovich and animated films that stay closer to the video game storylines. Additionally, the Resident Evil brand includes comic books, novels, and even television series—most recently, the Netflix adaptation.

Conclusion: How Many Resident Evil Games Are There?

To sum up, the Resident Evil franchise is vast, spanning multiple genres and platforms. Here’s a quick breakdown:

12 core/mainline games including Resident Evil 0-7, Resident Evil Village (8), Code: Veronica, and the two Revelations titles.
Around 30 console games if you include all spin-offs and remakes.
Close to 60 games if you add mobile titles and pachinko games.

The sheer number of games in the Resident Evil games franchise speaks to its enduring popularity and its ability to evolve with the times. Whether you’re a fan of the original survival horror elements or prefer the action-heavy gameplay of later entries, there’s no denying the impact Resident Evil has had on the gaming world.