Resident Evil Board Game Series: Ultimate Buying Guide

Steamforged Games has made a name for itself by bringing some of the video game industry's most iconic franchises to the tabletop world. From Monster Hunter to Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves to Gears of War, and with their highly anticipated Elden Ring adaptation on the horizon, the company has shown its prowess in adapting digital experiences into physical games. In this article, we'll delve into Steamforged's Resident Evil series, focusing on Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3.

Starting with Resident Evil 2 in 2019, followed by Resident Evil 3 in 2021, and culminating with Resident Evil in 2023, these titles share core mechanics while each offering a unique experience. Players, along with up to three friends, navigate through eerie corridors, devastated streets, and sinister labs, reliving the iconic stories from the video games. Each game is enhanced with intricately detailed plastic miniatures representing both the terrifying creatures and the survivor heroes you control.

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Resident Evil: The Board Game

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Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost

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Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

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Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion

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

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Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion

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

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Resident Evil 3: The Board Game

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Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion

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Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion

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Each player's turn is broken down into three phases: the Action Phase, the Reaction Phase, and the Tension Phase. During the Action Phase, players have four actions to use, which can include moving, opening or closing doors, searching for items, trading with other players, using items from their inventory, or attacking enemies. In the Reaction Phase, enemies move toward or attack the active player, prompting a die roll to determine if the player can evade the threat. Finally, the Tension Phase involves drawing a card from the Tension deck, which can result in no effect, a negative outcome, or a severe negative outcome. By the end of the first round, players should have a solid understanding of the gameplay, allowing them to focus on strategies for survival and success in the zombie-infested world.

Combat in the Resident Evil board games relies on dice rolls, compared against the equipped weapons' stats and abilities. Outcomes can range from pushing an enemy back, killing it, or missing entirely. The challenge of even basic zombies adds to the tension, especially on unlucky rolls. Firing a weapon also alerts enemies in adjacent rooms, adding a strategic layer to combat decisions and enhancing the survival horror atmosphere.

As campaign board games, each title features multiple scenarios that can be played individually or as part of a continuous narrative, with progress and items carrying over between sessions. Scenarios are built using tiles, with tokens indicating locked doors, items, and other elements. At the end of each scenario, players assess their inventory, health, and other factors that could impact future games. Whether played as standalone adventures or part of a campaign, the scenarios offer a comprehensive start with pre-determined gear and information.

For fans who own multiple games in the series, there's room for creativity. Characters and scenario tiles can be mixed and matched across games, though some adjustments may be necessary. This flexibility allows for unique combinations, such as having Leon explore the Spencer Mansion alongside Chris.

Resident Evil: The Board Game

Resident Evil: The Board Game

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MSRP: $114.99 USD
Players: 1-4 (best with 2)
Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)
Ages: 14+
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The latest and most polished entry in the trilogy, Resident Evil refines and builds upon the mechanics of its predecessors while introducing new elements. Players take on the roles of Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton as they explore the mysterious Spencer Mansion and its surroundings. New support characters like Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers can be deployed on special missions, adding depth to the gameplay.

Resident Evil introduces a flexible narrative structure, allowing players to explore the mansion in various orders, unlocking rooms with specific items and solving puzzles. The game uses cards to represent locations, improving on the paper dashboards of Resident Evil 3 and making scenario setup quicker and more engaging, similar to Betrayal at House on the Hill.

This game stands out with its enhanced threat from zombies, which remain on the board as corpses until players use a new resource, Kerosene, to burn them. If not burned, they can reanimate as more dangerous Red Zombies. If you're not planning to play the entire series, Resident Evil is the most recommended entry due to its refinements and innovations.

Resident Evil Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost Expansion

Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost

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MSRP: $69.99
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The Bleak Outpost expansion adds six new scenarios and introduces 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 game, these scenarios can be played as a mini-campaign or standalone adventures.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

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MSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge website price)
Player: 1-4 (Best with 2)
Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)
Ages: 14+
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As the inaugural title in Steamforged's Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 2 immerses players in the zombie-filled corridors of Raccoon City's police station and the horrors of the Umbrella Corporation. Players can choose from Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, or Robert Kendo to face off against Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and Birkin across eight scenarios, from the S.T.A.R.S Office to the escape from the Umbrella Laboratory.

While Resident Evil 2 is the second game chronologically, it's recommended to start here due to its lack of some refinements found in later titles. Its linear campaign and darker tiles present some challenges, but the game remains a fun and strategic experience.

Resident Evil 2 Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion

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MSRP: $54.99USD
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The B-Files expansion doubles the number of scenarios, introduces new items, enemies, and the goal of escaping from Mr. X, providing more content for Resident Evil 2 enthusiasts.

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

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

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MSRP: $32.99
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Designed to complement the B-Files expansion, Malformations challenges players to confront Birkin Stage Three before making their escape.

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion

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MSRP: $54.99
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The Survival Horror expansion is highly recommended, introducing five new playable characters, advanced versions of existing ones, new enemies, and a PVP mode for added variety and challenge.

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

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

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MSRP: $32.99
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This expansion adds fan-favorite characters like Hunk and Tofu, along with new modes such as fighting through hordes of enemies and a PVP race to prevent an outbreak. The Tofu miniature alone is a compelling reason to get this expansion.

Resident Evil 3: The Board Game

Resident Evil 3: The Board Game

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MSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge’s website)
Players: 1-4 (Best with 2)
Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)
Ages: 14+
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Resident Evil 3 builds on the foundation laid by Resident Evil 2, both in story and mechanics. Players can take on the roles of Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills, as they navigate the ruins of Raccoon City while being pursued by Nemesis. Unlike its predecessor, Resident Evil 3 offers a non-linear approach to scenario exploration, though some areas remain locked until key items are found.

The game introduces the Danger Tracker, which escalates as the city deteriorates, influenced by player actions and successes. The Narrative deck adds variability to each playthrough, enhancing the survival horror experience. While the game's components are generally high-quality, the scenario map is printed on a less durable material compared to other elements.

If you're looking for a more open-ended campaign experience and want to bypass Resident Evil 2, this game 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

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MSRP: $44.99
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The Last Escape expansion introduces new playable characters, including advanced versions of the base game's cast, and new monsters like Brain Suckers, Giant Spiders, and crows. It also includes new rules, cards, and a permadeath variant, challenging players to use their skills and strategies to survive.

Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion

Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion

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MSRP: $69.99
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City of Ruin offers nine new scenarios set in locations like the City Hospital, City Park, and Dead Factory, introducing new enemies and bosses. Players will need new weapons and items to face the formidable Stage 3 Nemesis, making this expansion a thrilling addition to the Resident Evil 3 experience.