Resident Evil: The Board Game Series Buying Guide

Steamforged Games boasts an impressive collection of board game adaptations from iconic video game franchises. From *Monster Hunter* and *Devil May Cry* to *Sea of Thieves* and *Gears of War*, their catalog is extensive, with the highly anticipated *Elden Ring* adaptation on the horizon. However, let's delve into their captivating *Resident Evil* series, encompassing the adaptations of the first three games.

Beginning 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 collaboratively navigate perilous environments – dark corridors, burning streets, and sinister labs – reliving the narratives of each respective game. Each title features richly detailed plastic miniatures, bringing the gruesome creatures and iconic survivors to life on your tabletop.

Featured in this article

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### Resident Evil: The Board Game

1See it at Amazon

### 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, manipulate doors, search for items, trade, use items, or attack. Enemies react during the Reaction Phase, moving towards or attacking the active player, leading to dice rolls to determine success or failure. The Tension Phase involves drawing from a special deck, introducing unpredictable events – ranging from uneventful to disastrous.

Combat utilizes dice rolls, comparing results against weapon stats and abilities. Outcomes vary from pushing enemies to kills or misses, highlighting the unexpected resilience of even basic zombies. Shooting also triggers enemy movement in adjacent rooms (if doors are open), adding a strategic layer to combat decisions.

As campaign board games, each title offers multiple scenarios playable individually or sequentially, mirroring the original game narratives with carryover elements between sessions. Levels are constructed using tiles, featuring locked doors, items, and other discoveries. After each scenario, players assess inventory, health, and other factors influencing subsequent gameplay. Standalone scenarios also provide starting gear and information, offering flexibility for various playstyles.

The series allows for crossover elements between games, though some adjustments might be necessary for optimal integration. Due to shared mechanics, players can mix and match characters and scenario tiles across titles (though this isn't explicitly stated in the rules).

Resident Evil: The Board Game

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### 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 iteration refines previous entries, incorporating new mechanics. Players such as Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, and others explore the Spencer Mansion and surrounding areas. New support characters, including Albert Wesker, can be deployed on missions for supplies, adding a strategic layer. Narrative flexibility allows for varied exploration order, unlocking rooms through item discovery and puzzle-solving. The game utilizes cards for location building, streamlining setup compared to previous titles.

Standard zombies pose a greater threat; their corpses remain on the board unless burned using Kerosene, potentially reanimating as stronger Red Zombies. Various refinements and evolutions in gameplay further enhance the experience. This is a strong standalone entry point to the series.

Resident Evil Board Game Expansions

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### Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost

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**MSRP**: $69.99

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

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

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### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

0See it at Amazon

**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 inaugural title in Steamforged's *Resident Evil* series, it introduces players to Raccoon City Police Station and Umbrella Corporation horrors. Players assume the roles of Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, and others, facing Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and Birkin across eight scenarios. While chronologically second (or third, excluding *Zero*), it's recommended to start with *Resident Evil* (2023) due to refinements in later titles.

This game features a linear scenario approach and some minor component issues (dark tiles, missing parts). Despite these, the gameplay remains engaging, requiring strategic planning to overcome challenges.

Resident Evil 2 Board Game Expansions

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

0See it at Amazon

**MSRP**: $54.99USD

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Doubles the number of scenarios, introducing new items, enemies, and the goal of escaping Mr. X.

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

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**MSRP**: $32.99

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A companion expansion to *B-Files*, adding a confrontation with Birkin Stage Three.

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

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**MSRP**: $54.99

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

### 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 PvP.

Resident Evil 3: The Board Game

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### 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+

See it at Amazon

Building upon *Resident Evil 2*, this entry offers a more open-ended campaign structure. Players choose from Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills. The game's difficulty dynamically increases as Raccoon City deteriorates, influenced by player actions and objectives. A Danger Tracker mechanic reflects the escalating threat, adding tension.

While the game board is functional, the map's paper quality feels less refined than other components. If you prefer a less linear campaign, this is a solid starting point.

Resident Evil 3 Board Game Expansions

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### Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion

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**MSRP**: $44.99

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Adds new characters (including Barry Burton), advanced character versions, new enemies (Brain Suckers, Giant Spiders), and a permadeath variant.

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

0See it at Amazon

MSRP: $69.99

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Introduces nine new scenarios set in locations like the City Hospital and Dead Factory, featuring new enemies and a Stage 3 Nemesis.