If you’ve been eyeing Resident Evil 7: Biohazard but worry that skipping earlier entries like 5 and 6 might leave you confused, rest assured you’re not alone. Many players hear “Resident Evil 7” and assume they need a PhD in Umbrella Corporation lore to enjoy it. The truth is far less intimidating. Resident Evil 7 is largely a standalone experience designed to welcome newcomers while rewarding longtime fans with subtle nods.
With its shift to first-person perspective and a fresh setting in the Louisiana bayou, this game reboots the series in many ways. But questions about its connections to previous titles, particularly the action-heavy Resident Evil 5 and 6, are common. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about diving into Resident Evil 7 without the baggage of the franchise’s earlier chapters.
Is Resident Evil 7 Connected to Previous Games?
Technically, yes. Resident Evil 7 takes place in the same universe as all other mainline games, set in 2017, roughly four years after the events of Resident Evil 6. The game acknowledges the existence of bioterrorism, the Umbrella Corporation, and the T-Virus, but the story it tells is largely self-contained. The protagonist, Ethan Winters, is a civilian with no prior knowledge of the bioweapon conspiracies, which mirrors the newcomer’s perspective.
While some documents and late-game reveals tie back to the broader mythology, you won’t encounter major characters from 5 and 6 directly. The connections are more thematic and lore-based rather than plot-critical. In short, you can enjoy the game’s core narrative of a man searching for his missing wife without missing vital context.
The Story of Resident Evil 5 and 6: A Quick Recap
To fully appreciate what you might skip, here’s a brief overview of the two games preceding RE7. Resident Evil 5 (2009) follows Chris Redfield and his partner Sheva Alomar investigating bioterrorism in Africa. They uncover a plot by Albert Wesker to unleash the Uroboros virus and achieve global domination. The game culminates in a volcano showdown and Wesker’s apparent death. It’s an action-heavy co-op experience with less horror emphasis.
Resident Evil 6 (2012) weaves four interconnected campaigns starring Leon Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Jake Muller, and Ada Wong. The stories involve bio-organic weapon attacks across the globe, the C-Virus, and the shadowy organization Neo-Umbrella. The narrative is convoluted, with multiple villainous plots and a heavy dose of action setpieces. By the end, the world is well aware of bioterror threats.
Neither game’s plot is essential for understanding Ethan’s journey. You’ll miss some background on Chris Redfield’s role as a BSAA operative, but his appearance in RE7 is cryptic and doesn’t rely on prior knowledge. If anything, playing 5 and 6 might set up expectations for a style of game that RE7 deliberately avoids.
Should You Play Resident Evil 5 and 6 Before 7?
The short answer: no, you don’t need to. If you’re eager to experience the praised return to horror, jump straight into Resident Evil 7. Playing 5 and 6 might even be counterproductive, as those games emphasize action over atmosphere, potentially giving you a skewed impression of the series’ tone. RE7 stands on its own, and any gaps in your understanding of the larger conspiracy can be filled later.
That said, there are a few reasons you might want to play 5 and 6 eventually. They offer more context on the evolution of the biohazard threat and introduce characters like Chris and the BSAA that appear fleetingly in 7. For completionists or those who enjoy the action-oriented style, they’re enjoyable entries in their own right. Just don’t feel obligated to slog through them first.
Resident Evil 7: A Fresh Start for New Players
Resident Evil 7 was designed as a soft reboot, taking the series back to its survival horror roots. The first-person view, limited resources, and oppressive atmosphere of the Baker estate create an experience grounded in immediate terror rather than franchise lore. Ethan Winters knows little about the world of bioweapons, and neither do you.
The game isolates you in a secluded, swampy mansion, and the horror comes from personal stakes rather than global conspiracies. Puzzles, item management, and evasion are key mechanics, harking back to the original Resident Evil. Because of this isolation, the story doesn’t hinge on remembering past events. Even the few returning elements are reintroduced in a way that makes sense for newcomers.
Which Resident Evil Games Should You Play Before 7?
If you’re adamant about doing some homework before playing 7, consider the following:
- Resident Evil 1 (or its remake): This is where it all started, and it sets up the basic lore of the T-Virus, Umbrella, and the Spencer Mansion. It’s a classic survival horror experience that RE7 emulates in spirit.
- Resident Evil 2 (or its 2019 remake): It expands the universe with the Raccoon City outbreak and introduces Leon and Claire. Not directly tied to 7, but a fan favorite.
- Resident Evil 4: A landmark game that shifted the series toward action but retained horror. It introduces the Las Plagas parasite, which has thematic similarities to the Mold in RE7.
However, none of these are prerequisites. The beauty of Resident Evil 7 is that you can start here and work backward through the franchise if it grabs you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Resident Evil 7 without playing any previous Resident Evil games?
Absolutely. Resident Evil 7 is designed to be accessible to new players. The protagonist is a regular guy with no knowledge of the series’ events, so you learn along with him. While there are references to past games, they are optional lore that does not hinder comprehension of the main plot.
Do I need to play Resident Evil 5 and 6 before 7?
No, you do not. Resident Evil 7’s story is self-contained, and its gameplay is drastically different. You might miss a few callbacks, but nothing critical to enjoying the game’s horror narrative.
Are there story spoilers in Resident Evil 7 for 5 and 6?
Very few. The game barely touches on the events of 5 and 6. It acknowledges the existence of bioterrorism and the BSAA but does not spoil the outcomes of those games’ specific plots. You could play 7 and then go back to 5 and 6 without major spoilers.
Will I understand Resident Evil 7’s story if I skip 5 and 6?
Yes. The central story follows Ethan Winters in his search for his missing wife, and the mystery of the Baker family. All necessary explanations are provided in-game. The broader conspiracy elements are secondary and affect only optional lore discoveries.
Does Resident Evil 7 reference the earlier games?
It does, but subtly. There are documents mentioning Umbrella, cameos by series veteran Chris Redfield, and implications about the origins of the Mold. These are layered in for fans but are not required to follow the primary plot.
Is Resident Evil 7 a good starting point for new players?
Yes, many consider it one of the best entry points in the franchise. The shift to first-person and the return to survival horror make it feel like a fresh beginning. It’s critically acclaimed for its atmosphere and story, both of which stand on their own merits.
Which Resident Evil games are most connected to 7?
Lore-wise, the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 0 have the most connections due to the recurring theme of a dangerous virus and unethical experimentation. However, the immediate narrative of 7 is disconnected enough that you won’t need to have played them.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard represents a bold new direction for the franchise and a perfect on-ramp for curious players. Don’t let the series’ long history intimidate you. Whether you’ve never touched a Resident Evil game or you’ve been away since the early days, the Baker family and their decrepit plantation are waiting to deliver a terrifying standalone experience. So go ahead, answer that mysterious phone call, and step into the world of survival horror. You’ll be just fine without the baggage of 5 and 6.
