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Critical Resident Evil Handbook Beginners Need Before Resident Evil Requiem 2026

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming | By Musu Murray | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 5:40 AM ET

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either ready to dip your toes into the blood-soaked legacy of Resident Evil or just curious why everyone’s talking about zombie apocalypses with such nostalgia and affection. The Resident Evil universe is as fun as it is overwhelming for newcomers, but once you sink your teeth into it (pun intended), there’s no turning back.

What Is Resident Evil and Why Does It Matter?

At its core, Resident Evil is the godfather of survival horror games. Since its debut in 1996, it’s been raising heart rates and revolutionizing the gaming world with terrifying monsters, immersive narratives, and puzzles that’ll make you wonder why evil corporations love overly complicated locks.

But why does it matter? Apart from the iconic villains and meme-worthy dialogue (yes, “Jill Sandwich” will forever live in infamy), Resident Evil’s ability to adapt keeps it alive. From claustrophobic PS1 corridors in the original to the intense first-person perspective of modern hits like Resident Evil 7, the series ensures no two scares are the same. That adaptability makes it a legend in the gaming world. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the universe before diving into Resident Evil Requiem.

The Benefits of Starting with a Beginner’s Guide

Why a guide, you ask? Well, entering the world of Resident Evil is like stepping into Raccoon City during a T-virus outbreak—with no map, no ammo, and definitely no plans to survive. A beginner-friendly guide makes sure you avoid pitfalls like playing the story out of order or starting with the more “meh” entries (cough, Wesker’s spin-offs). You’ll know what to play, in what order, and why certain games stand out.

Which Resident Evil Should You Start With?

Spoiler alert—not all Resident Evil games are created equal. For all newcomers to the franchise, it is best to explore some of the most recent games and remakes. Giving a modern take on this OG survival workout will make it easier to immerse in this post-apocalyptic zombie jamboree. Here are your top entry points:

1. Resident Evil 2 (Remake)

The 2019 remake is nothing short of a masterpiece. It combines the gripping narrative of the 1998 original with modern design and stunning visuals. Your character, Leon Kennedy, is a rookie cop having the worst first day on the job in Raccoon City, or play as Claire Redfield, a badass searching for her missing brother.

2. Resident Evil 7

Want something scarier? The 7th installment reboots the R.E. series’ tone, throwing you into a creepy Louisiana plantation with first-person horror that hits unnervingly close to home. If jump scares are your thing, you’ll feel right at home; however, prepare yourselves for the disturbing story that is behind that door.

3. Resident Evil 4 (Remake)

Highly accessible and ridiculously fun—even if you’re new to the series. The remake modernizes one of the best R.E. entries and even gives you Leon (again!), now with more style and even smoother headshots. With up-to-date graphics, story flow, stylized characters, and mind-blowing action, get ready for the ultimate butt-kicking horror thriller!

R.E. Survival Tactics to Remember

Master the Saving System: No auto-saves here, rookie. Many of the games rely on saving at typewriters. Get used to managing ink ribbons (you’ll thank me later).
Learn the Art of Resource Management: Ammo is a luxury, not a right. Don’t waste bullets on something dead unless it’s about to take a bite out of you.
You Don’t Have to Fight Everything: Sometimes it’s smarter to run. Yep, turn tail and dash like Leon’s life depends on it… because it does.
Memorize Map Reading: The map is your best friend. It tells you where to go, what you’ve missed, and, honestly, what scary area to avoid until you’ve had your coffee.
Don’t Be a Hoarder: Use your health items and ammo wisely. You’re unlikely to “save” yourself from safety!
Explore Everywhere: Hidden gems (and key items) are waiting in obscure corners. Just don’t get too comfy in dark hallways.
Have Fun With the Chaos: Even when it’s frustrating—as Nemesis hunts you down—with patience and persistence, it’s rewarding.

What Order Should You Play the Games?

Although it would be great to have the chance to play the OG games, not all of you have a PlayStation console. Luckily, with many amazing remakes of the Resident Evil series crawling out, y’all noobies can have a modern experience on a classic horror series. For narrative flow, play this list to understand the world of the T-Virus and the strange Umbrella company:

Resident Evil (Remake) – Set the spine-chilling foundation for the Umbrella Corporation and the T-virus.
Resident Evil 2 (Remake) – Introduces heroic characters like Leon and Claire.
Resident Evil 3 (Remake) – Nemesis is here to make your life a living hell…Good luck.
Resident Evil Code Veronica – Connects the earlier arcs with bigger questions about bioweapons.
Resident Evil 4 (Remake) – Leon, now a suave AF agent, battles cults in Spain. Enough said.
Resident Evil 7 – In Louisiana, the Baker family invites the Winters to dinner.
Resident Evil Village – Ethan Winters returns, and man, parenting never looked so stressful.

Why Resident Evil Fans Are a Community

More than zombies and bioweapons, Resident Evil fans are one big dysfunctional family. Want spirited debates about whether Jill or Chris is the superior protagonist? Or theories about Wesker faking his 58th death? The Resident Evil fandom’s enthusiasm is contagious (again, pun intended).

There’s also a growing emphasis on shared resources. From fan content on Reddit to YouTubers breaking down lore, there’s no shortage of people ready to help newcomers feel at home among the hordes of undead. With this wonderful horror community flooding with endless information, you are sure to reach for your weapon by instinct in no time.

Time to Gear Up, Gamers! (Final Thoughts)

This gory journey isn’t just a game series; it’s a rite of passage for horror fans. Now that you’ve got this beginner’s guide in hand, you’re set to experience the spine-tingling, brain-melting chaos in all its glory. Don’t be shy and join the fanbase, share your survival tales, and maybe dodge that one spoiler-filled section online. Have fun getting chased by zombies. Now, what are you waiting for? Grab your first game, make peace with your inevitable scares, and remember—not even Leon started as a zombie-slaying pro. He learned, and so will you.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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