Resident Evil: The Board Game Series Buying Guide

Steamforged Games boasts a remarkable collection of board game adaptations based on iconic video game franchises. From the thrilling hunts of *Monster Hunter* to the stylish action of *Devil May Cry*, the swashbuckling adventures of *Sea of Thieves* to the gritty combat of *Gears of War*, and the highly anticipated arrival of their colossal *Elden Ring* adaptation, their catalog is truly impressive. But today, we're diving into their acclaimed *Resident Evil* trilogy: *Resident Evil*, *Resident Evil 2*, and *Resident Evil 3*.

Launching with *Resident Evil 2* in 2019, followed by *Resident Evil 3* in 2021, and culminating with *Resident Evil* in 2023, this trio shares a core set of mechanics. Up to four players collaborate, taking turns navigating treacherous environments—dark corridors, burning streets, and sinister labs—as they unravel the narratives of each game. Each title is richly detailed with high-quality plastic miniatures, bringing the terrifying creatures and iconic survivors to life on your tabletop.

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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 turn unfolds in three phases: Action, Reaction, and Tension. Players have four actions per turn, allowing them to move, interact with doors, search for items, trade, use items, or attack. Enemies react during the Reaction Phase, moving towards or attacking the active player, who then rolls dice to determine success or failure. The Tension Phase introduces suspense through a card draw, potentially leading to positive, negative, or significantly detrimental events. By the end of the first round, players grasp the core gameplay and can focus on survival strategies.

Combat involves dice rolling, comparing results against weapon stats and abilities. Outcomes range from pushing enemies back to successful kills or complete misses, highlighting the surprising resilience of even basic zombies. Successful attacks may trigger enemy movement from adjacent rooms (if doors are open), creating tactical considerations and enhancing the survival horror atmosphere.

As campaign board games, each *Resident Evil* title offers multiple scenarios playable as standalone experiences or a cohesive narrative campaign. Modular game boards are constructed using tiles, representing locked doors, items, and other elements. After each scenario, players track inventory, health, and other relevant information that might impact future scenarios. Standalone scenarios also provide starting gear and information, offering flexibility for different playstyles.

The series' shared mechanics allow for crossover between games. While not explicitly stated in the rules, players can mix and match characters and scenario tiles across titles, creating unique experiences (for example, Leon Kennedy navigating the Spencer Mansion alongside Chris Redfield).

Resident Evil: The Board Game

Resident Evil: The Board Game

1See it at Amazon

**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 refined entry, *Resident Evil*, refines previous mechanics and introduces exciting new elements. Players choose from iconic characters like Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton to explore the Spencer Mansion and its surroundings. A unique addition is the inclusion of support characters—Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers—who can be dispatched on missions, offering benefits at the risk of their own demise.

Borrowing from *Resident Evil 3*, the narrative offers flexible exploration, allowing players to tackle rooms in various orders, unlocking areas through item acquisition and puzzle solving. The game board uses cards instead of paper, improving setup speed and creating a dynamic playing field similar to *Betrayal at House on the Hill*.

Standard zombies present a more significant threat; upon death, their corpses remain, requiring the use of a new resource, Kerosene, for disposal to prevent their reanimation as more dangerous Red Zombies. *Resident Evil* refines and expands gameplay in several other ways, making it a strong standalone entry point to the series.

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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This expansion introduces six new scenarios, two new bosses (Neptune and Plant-42), and new locations like the Guard House and Aqua Ring. A perfect addition for fans of the base game, offering both standalone and campaign play.

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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The original entry in Steamforged's *Resident Evil* series, *Resident Evil 2*, immerses players in the Raccoon City Police Station, facing Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and Birkin across eight scenarios. While chronologically the second game (or third, counting *Zero*), it's recommended to play *Resident Evil* first due to refinements in later titles.

The game features a linear campaign, unlike later entries. Some minor component issues exist, such as dark tiles and missing parts for certain dials, though these don't significantly impact gameplay. Despite these minor flaws, *Resident Evil 2* offers strategic depth and tense scenarios.

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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Doubles the number of scenarios, adding new items, enemies, and the challenge of escaping 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

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**MSRP**: $32.99

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A small expansion for use with the B-Files expansion, featuring a confrontation with Birkin Stage Three.

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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Adds five playable characters, enhanced versions of existing characters, new enemies, and a PvP mode.

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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Introduces Hunk and Tofu as playable characters, adding new modes including horde-based escape and a PvP race against the outbreak.

Resident Evil 3: The Board Game

Resident Evil 3: The Board Game

0See it at Amazon

**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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Building upon *Resident Evil 2*, *Resident Evil 3* offers a more open-ended campaign, allowing players to explore the ravaged Raccoon City in different orders. Players choose from Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills. The game introduces a Danger Tracker mechanic, increasing difficulty as the city deteriorates based on player actions and objectives.

While most components are high-quality, the scenario map uses a less durable paper stock compared to other elements. The flexible narrative and escalating difficulty create a compelling survival horror experience.

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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Adds new playable characters (Barry Burton, Brad Vickers, etc.), advanced versions of base characters, new enemies (Brain Suckers, Giant Spiders), and a permadeath variant.

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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Features nine new scenarios set in locations like the City Hospital and Dead Factory, introducing new enemies and bosses, along with new weapons and items.