How to Start a Resident Evil Collection (Beginner's Guide)

You've seen the games. Maybe you watched a friend play or caught a clip online. Now you want in. Whether you're drawn in by the suspense, the story, or the sheer depth of the franchise, figuring out how to start a Resident Evil collection is easier than you think. You just need to know where to begin.

Resident Evil is one of gaming's most iconic survival horror franchises. With over 100 million games sold worldwide as of 2023 (Capcom Investor Relations), it spans decades of content and collectibles that go way beyond the screen. 

From the classic originals to modern remakes, and from in-game items to Resident Evil collectibles like the Resident Evil: William Birkin TUBBZ (Boxed Edition) and the Resident Evil: Claire Redfield TUBBZ Plushie, there is a lot to explore. This guide will help you cut through the noise and start smart. 

Key Takeaways

Here is what you will walk away knowing:

• You do not need to play every Resident Evil game to enjoy the franchise.
• The best entry points for beginners are RE2 Remake, RE7, and RE4 Remake.
• Building your Resident Evil collectibles alongside your game library makes the hobby even more rewarding.

Understanding the Resident Evil Franchise and Where to Begin

Resident Evil launched in 1996 and kicked off the survival horror genre as we know it. Over nearly three decades, it has grown into a character-driven narrative universe featuring a mix of mainline games, remakes, and spin-offs. That scope can feel intimidating, but it should not stop you.

What Makes Resident Evil a Must-Play Survival Series

The series blends puzzle-solving, resource management, and tense atmosphere into gameplay mechanics unlike anything else. Each entry brings a new perspective on a world infected by bio-organic weapons and corporate corruption. Whether you prefer slow-burning horror or intense action, the franchise covers it all.

The character-driven narrative is one of the strongest hooks. Characters like Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, and Chris Redfield carry storylines across multiple titles, building a lore that rewards long-term fans while still welcoming newcomers.

Choosing Your First Entry Point as a New Player

One of the most common questions is: Which Resident Evil can I start with? The honest answer is most of them. The franchise is not as chronologically locked down as some franchises. That said, the three best beginner-friendly entry points right now are:

• Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019): A perfect blend of tension, character, and modern gameplay.
• Resident Evil 7: Biohazard: A first-person horror experience that resets the main storyline for a new era.
• Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023): Action-forward with excellent pacing, great for players new to the genre.

All three are widely available, critically praised, and do not require knowledge of earlier games to enjoy. 

Getting Started with Your First Resident Evil Collection

Learning how to start a Resident Evil collection means thinking about more than just games. You are building a hobby. That includes the games themselves, the platforms you play on, and the physical collectibles you want to display alongside them.

Beginner Tips for Building Your Collection

Start with remakes. Modern remasters bring classic titles to current platforms with updated graphics, controls, and performance. It gives you the best experience without having to hunt down retro hardware.

TUBBZ US offers officially licensed Resident Evil collectibles that bring your favorite characters to life as rubber duck figures and plushies. 

The Resident Evil: Leon S Kennedy TUBBZ Plushie is a fan favourite. It captures Leon in his iconic look in a fun, chibi duck format that sits perfectly on any gaming shelf. 

The Resident Evil: Claire Redfield TUBBZ Plushie turns the beloved Claire into a super-soft plush companion, ideal for fans who want a tactile addition to their gaming collection. 

Understanding Game Order and Story Flow

One of the biggest points of confusion for new fans is figuring out how to start playing Resident Evil in order. The good news is that you have options, and neither approach is wrong.

Release Order vs Chronological Timeline

The Resident Evil games, in order of release, begin with the 1996 original and run through to Resident Evil Village (2021) and its DLC. The chronological timeline tells the in-universe story differently, beginning with Resident Evil 0 and ending with Village.

Most players and critics recommend release order for newcomers. This way, you experience the evolution of gameplay mechanics and story reveals as they were intended.

Do You Really Need to Follow the Full Order?

Not really. Is it necessary to play the Resident Evil games in order? No. Many fans jump in mid-series and work backward. The remakes in particular are designed to stand alone. Spin-off titles like the Revelations series add extra lore but are not essential to understanding the main storyline. 

Complete Overview of Resident Evil Games

To give you a clearer picture of how to start a Resident Evil collection, here is a structured breakdown of the main titles and spin-offs available on modern platforms.

Main Titles vs Spin-Off Games Explained

The core franchise runs from RE1 through RE Village, with remakes for RE1, RE2, RE3, and RE4. Spin-off titles like Revelations and Code Veronica expand the lore but are not required for the main storyline. Classic vs remake versions often cover the same story with dramatically different gameplay mechanics, so you can experience both if you want a deeper dive.

Platform-Specific Tips for PS5 and PS4 Players

Your platform shapes your options. Both PS5 and PS4 have solid RE libraries, but there are key differences worth knowing before you buy.

Building a Collection on PlayStation 5

If you want to know how to start a Resident Evil collection on PS5, the best move is to start with RE2 Remake, RE3 Remake, RE7, or RE4 Remake. All four are available on PS5 with native optimizations, faster load times, and DualSense haptic feedback. The Resident Evil games, to play on PS5, line up neatly, since most modern remasters are available digitally or as physical PS5 editions.

Console compatibility on PS5 also benefits from backward compatibility with PS4 titles, which dramatically expands your game selection on day one.

Building a Collection on PlayStation 4

Starting a Resident Evil collection on PS4 is straightforward. The platform has one of the largest RE libraries available, including RE1 HD Remaster, RE2 Remake, RE3 Remake, RE4 Remake, RE5, RE6, RE7, and RE Village. The Resident Evil games, to play on PS4, cover the same general lineup as PS5, making it an excellent choice even if you have not upgraded consoles yet.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing what not to do is just as useful as knowing what to do. Here are the most common missteps new collectors and players make.

Misconceptions About Order, Difficulty, and Completeness

• Thinking you must start from the beginning. RE1 is a great game, but it has no beginner-friendly entry points in 2025. Start with a remake.
• Buying every game at once. Pace yourself. Focus on one or two titles before expanding your library.
• Ignoring the chronological timeline entirely. A quick look at the overall story structure helps you appreciate later entries much more.
• Skipping collectibles. Resident Evil collectibles add a physical dimension to your hobby and often hold their value well.
•  Assuming all entries feel the same. Gameplay mechanics shift significantly across the series. RE7 plays nothing like RE5. 

Conclusion

Starting a Resident Evil collection does not have to be overwhelming. You now know how to start a Resident Evil collection, which games are best for beginners, how the order works, and how to approach both PS4 and PS5 libraries. The franchise rewards every kind of fan.

Pick one game. Play it. Then let the world of Resident Evil pull you deeper. And while you are building your game library, explore the range of officially licensed Resident Evil collectibles at TUBBZ US to make your collection something you can display with pride. 

Whether it is the William Birkin Boxed Edition or the Claire Redfield Plushie, these are the kinds of pieces that turn a game library into something special. 

FAQs

What is the best way to start a Resident Evil collection?

Begin with one of the modern remakes, such as RE2, RE7, or RE4 Remake. These titles are polished, widely available, and ideal entry points for new players.

Which Resident Evil can I start with?

Any of the standalone remakes works perfectly. RE7: Biohazard and RE4 Remake are two of the best choices for players new to the franchise.

Which Resident Evil is the best for beginners?

RE4 Remake (2023) is often considered the most accessible for new players, balancing action and horror with excellent pacing and modern controls.

Is it necessary to play the Resident Evil games in order?

No. Most titles in how to start a Resident Evil collection are designed to be enjoyed as standalone experiences. Playing in release order enhances the lore but is not required.

How do I know which Resident Evil collectibles to buy first?

Start with characters you already know from the games you have played. Pieces like the William Birkin TUBBZ Boxed Edition are a great first step if you enjoyed the RE2 Remake.