"Resident Evil: Board Game Series Purchase Tips"

In the expansive library of Steamforged Games, you'll discover a treasure trove of board game adaptations from some of the video game industry's most iconic franchises, including Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves, and Gears of War. Soon, they'll add to this impressive collection with their eagerly anticipated Elden Ring adaptation. However, today, we're delving into their Resident Evil series, focusing on Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3.

Steamforged kicked off their Resident Evil journey with Resident Evil 2 in 2019, followed by Resident Evil 3 in 2021, and culminating with Resident Evil in 2023. These three titles share a core set of mechanics, allowing players to immerse themselves in cooperative gameplay. Up to four players can take turns exploring eerie corridors, scorched streets, and sinister laboratories, bringing to life the narratives of each game. Each title is enhanced with meticulously crafted plastic miniatures, representing both the monstrous foes and the resilient survivors.

Featured in this article

### Resident Evil: The Board Game

1See it at Amazon### Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost

0See it at Amazon### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

0See it at Amazon### Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game - Malformations of G B-Files Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Resident Evil 3: The Board Game

0See it at Amazon### Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion

0See it at Amazon

Each player's turn in these games unfolds across three phases: the Action Phase, the Reaction Phase, and the Tension Phase. During the Action Phase, players have four actions at their disposal to move, open or close doors, search areas for items, trade with other players, use items from their inventory, or attack. In the Reaction Phase, enemies react by moving towards or attacking the active player, prompting a dice roll to determine if the player can evade the threat. Finally, the Tension Phase requires the player to draw a card from the Tension deck, which can lead to various outcomes, ranging from nothing happening to dire consequences. By the end of the first round, players should have a solid understanding of the game mechanics and can focus on surviving the zombie apocalypse.

Combat in these games involves rolling dice and comparing the results against the stats and abilities of the player's equipped weapons. Outcomes can range from pushing enemies back, killing them, or missing entirely. Shooting can attract enemies in adjacent rooms if doors are open, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay that enhances the survival horror atmosphere.

As campaign board games, each title features multiple scenarios that can be played individually or as part of a connected storyline, with elements carrying over between sessions. Scenarios are constructed using tiles marked with various tokens indicating locked doors, items, and other interactive elements. At the end of each scenario, players assess their inventories and health, which can impact future games. For those who prefer standalone play, each scenario comes with starting gear and information.

For enthusiasts collecting multiple entries in the series, there's the option for crossover play, albeit with some adjustments. The shared mechanics allow for creative mixing and matching of characters and scenario tiles across games, offering a personalized gaming experience.

Resident Evil: The Board Game

### Resident Evil: The Board Game

1See it at AmazonMSRP: $114.99 USDPlayers: 1-4 (best with 2)Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)Ages: 14+See it at Amazon

The latest and most polished of the trilogy, Resident Evil, refines and enhances the mechanics from its predecessors while introducing innovative elements. Players take on the roles of Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton as they explore the enigmatic Spencer mansion and its surroundings. Unique to this game, players can also utilize support characters like Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers, who can undertake special missions to gather supplies and provide benefits, albeit at the risk of their own survival.

This game introduces a flexible narrative flow, allowing players to explore the mansion's rooms in various orders, with rooms unlocked by items and puzzles. The mansion and other locations are now represented by cards, improving setup time and offering a dynamic building experience similar to Betrayal at the House on the Hill. If you're looking to dive into just one game from the series, Resident Evil is the top choice. Zombies pose a greater threat here, as their bodies remain on the board until burned with Kerosene, potentially returning as more dangerous Red Zombies.

Resident Evil Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost Expansion

### Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $69.99See it at Amazon

The Bleak Outpost expansion introduces six new scenarios and two new bosses, Neptune and Plant-42, taking players to new locations like the Guard House and Aqua Ring. Ideal for fans of the base Resident Evil game, these scenarios can be played as part of a mini-campaign or as standalone sessions.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge website price)Player: 1-4 (Best with 2)Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)Ages: 14+See it at Amazon

Resident Evil 2 was the inaugural title in Steamforged's Resident Evil series, introducing players to the zombie-filled corridors of the Raccoon City police station and the horrors of the Umbrella Corporation. Players can embody Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, or Robert Kendo as they face Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and Birkin across eight scenarios, journeying from the S.T.A.R.S Office to their escape from the Umbrella Laboratory.

While Resident Evil 2 is the second game chronologically, it's recommended to start here due to its foundational mechanics, despite lacking some refinements found in later titles. The campaign follows a linear progression without options to deviate. Some quality-of-life issues, like dark scenario tiles and missing parts for life and ammo dials, are present but can be mitigated. Gameplay remains engaging, requiring strategic planning to avoid being overwhelmed.

Resident Evil 2 Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion

### Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $54.99USDSee it at Amazon

The B-Files expansion for Resident Evil 2 doubles the scenarios, introduces new items, enemies, and the challenge of escaping from Mr. X.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game - Malformations of G B-Files Expansion

### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game - Malformations of G B-Files Expansion

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $32.99See it at Amazon

Designed to complement the B-Files expansion, Malformations of G lets players confront Birkin Stage Three before escaping.

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion

### Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $54.99See it at Amazon

The Survival Horror expansion adds five new playable characters, advanced versions of base game characters, new enemies, and a PvP mode, enhancing the game's replayability.

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion

### Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $32.99See it at Amazon

This expansion introduces Hunk and Tofu as playable characters, along with new modes like Extreme Battle, providing fresh challenges and the iconic Tofu miniature.

Resident Evil 3: The Board Game

### Resident Evil 3: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge’s website)Players: 1-4 (Best with 2)Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)Ages: 14+See it at Amazon

Resident Evil 3 builds upon the mechanics introduced in Resident Evil 2, moving away from a linear scenario structure to offer players choices in exploring the devastated Raccoon City. Players can embody Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills to navigate the city while evading Nemesis.

The game introduces a Danger Tracker mechanic, reflecting the city's deterioration and increasing difficulty as players progress. The Narrative deck adds variability to each playthrough, enhancing the survival horror experience. However, the scenario map, printed on a glossy paper-like material, feels somewhat out of place among the game's other robust components.

If you're drawn to a more open-ended campaign structure, Resident Evil 3 is an excellent entry point into the series.

Resident Evil 3 Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion

### Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $44.99See it at Amazon

The Last Escape expansion adds new playable characters, advanced versions of the base game's cast, and new monsters like Brain Suckers, Giant Spiders, and crows. It also introduces new rules, cards, and a permadeath variant for added challenge.

Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion

### Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $69.99See it at Amazon

City of Ruin introduces nine new scenarios, taking players through locations like the City Hospital, City Park, and Dead Factory, with new enemies, bosses, and weapons. Players will need all their skills and tools to face the new Stage 3 Nemesis.