Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Resident Evil.
What is Resident Evil?
It is a long-running survival horror video game franchise created by Capcom that follows characters battling bioweapons and zombies. The series blends action with puzzle-solving while exploring themes of corporate conspiracy and viral outbreaks.
Where should I start playing?
Newcomers are often recommended to begin with the Remake of Resident Evil 7 or the original Resident Evil 4 for modern accessibility. Alternatively, starting chronologically from the first game offers a complete understanding of the lore evolution.
Who are the main protagonists?
Key figures include Chris and Jill Valentine, Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, and Ethan Winters. These characters appear across multiple entries to fight against the Umbrella Corporation and other threats.
What is the T-Virus?
The T-Virus is a fictional pathogen that reanimates dead tissue into zombies and causes mutations in living hosts. It was originally developed by the Umbrella Corporation before being released into the public sphere.
Who is Albert Wesker?
Albert Wesker serves as one of the primary antagonists who manipulates events from behind the scenes to achieve global control. He possesses superhuman abilities due to exposure to viral enhancements and betrays his own organization repeatedly.
What distinguishes the main series from spin-offs?
Mainline entries focus on narrative-driven survival horror, while spin-offs like Revelations or Mercenaries emphasize action or side stories within the same universe. Some games also feature different gameplay mechanics compared to the core titles.
What is Raccoon City?
Raccoon City is a fictional American location that serves as the setting for several major outbreaks and destruction events in the franchise. It was ultimately destroyed by a nuclear missile to contain the spread of the T-Virus.
How does the timeline work across games?
The story spans from the late 1990s to the early 2020s, with events often overlapping or referencing past incidents through flashbacks. Remakes usually retell original stories without changing the core timeline placement.
What is the Umbrella Corporation?
This fictional pharmaceutical company secretly researched bioweapons under the guise of medical innovation before collapsing due to exposure of their crimes. Their unethical experiments are responsible for most major disasters in the early games.
Are there movies or other media?
Yes, the franchise includes live-action films starring Milla Jovovich, animated movies, novels, and comic books that expand on the lore. These adaptations vary widely in how closely they follow the video game storylines.