"Resident Evil Board Game Series: Ultimate Buying Guide"

Steamforged Games has made a name for itself by bringing some of the video game world's most iconic franchises to life on the tabletop, from Monster Hunter to Devil May Cry, and from Sea of Thieves to Gears of War. Their upcoming adaptation of Elden Ring is highly anticipated, but today, we're focusing on their Resident Evil series, which includes Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3.

The Resident Evil series by Steamforged Games kicked off with Resident Evil 2 in 2019, followed by Resident Evil 3 in 2021, and culminating with Resident Evil in 2023. Each game in this trilogy follows a similar structure, with shared mechanics that allow players to immerse themselves in the survival horror experience. Players can team up with up to three friends to navigate through eerie corridors, burning streets, and sinister labs, reliving the narratives of the original video games. Each game comes with a host of meticulously crafted plastic miniatures that represent both the monstrous adversaries and the valiant survivor characters.

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 in the trilogy, Resident Evil, builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessors while introducing innovative mechanics. Players can take on the roles of iconic characters like Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton as they explore the enigmatic Spencer mansion and its surroundings. A notable addition is the inclusion of support characters like Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers, who can be dispatched on special missions to gather supplies and aid the team, albeit at the risk of their own survival.

This game enhances the narrative flexibility seen in Resident Evil 3, allowing players to tackle the mansion's rooms in various orders. Rooms are unlocked using different items and solving puzzles, and the game uses special cards to construct the mansion and other locations, streamlining setup compared to the earlier games. If you're looking to dive into just one game from the series, Resident Evil is the top recommendation. Standard zombies pose a greater threat now, remaining on the board as corpses until players use a new resource, Kerosene, to burn them, preventing their return as more dangerous Red Zombies.

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 two formidable bosses, Neptune and Plant-42, introducing players to new areas like the Guard House and Aqua Ring. This is an excellent addition for fans of the base game, offering both a mini-campaign and standalone sessions.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

0See it at Amazon

MSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge website price)
Players: 1-4 (Best with 2)
Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)
Ages: 14+
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Resident Evil 2 was the inaugural entry in Steamforged's Resident Evil board game series, introducing players to 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 battle against Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and Birkin across eight scenarios, starting from the S.T.A.R.S Office and culminating in a harrowing escape from the Umbrella Laboratory.

While this game is the second in the series chronologically, it might be better to start here due to the more refined mechanics in the later games. Resident Evil 2 follows a linear scenario progression without much flexibility, and some quality-of-life issues, like dark scenario tiles and missing parts for life and ammo dials, can detract from the experience. However, the game remains enjoyable, especially when played with friends, as it demands 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

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MSRP: $54.99 USD
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The B-Files expansion doubles the number of scenarios, introduces new items, enemies, and the challenge of escaping from Mr. X, enhancing the Resident Evil 2 experience.

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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This small-box expansion complements the B-Files, allowing 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 introduces five new playable characters and advanced versions of two base game characters, along with new enemies and a PVP mode, making it a highly recommended addition for those seeking variety.

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 beloved characters Hunk and Tofu, along with new modes that challenge players to fight through hordes of enemies or engage in a PVP race to prevent an outbreak. The unique Tofu miniature alone is a compelling reason to add this to your collection.

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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Resident Evil 3 builds on the mechanics of Resident Evil 2, introducing a more open-ended exploration of the devastated Raccoon City. Players can choose from Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills to survive the city's ruins while evading the relentless Nemesis. The game's narrative is less linear, allowing players to explore at their own pace, though some areas remain locked until specific key items are found.

A new Danger Tracker mechanic escalates the tension as the city deteriorates, and a Narrative deck adds variety to each playthrough. The survival horror atmosphere is heightened by decisions about whether to seek more resources or press forward. The only minor drawback is the scenario map's material quality, which feels less robust than the rest of the components. If you're interested in a more flexible 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

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MSRP: $44.99
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The Last Escape expansion introduces new playable characters and advanced versions of the base game's cast, along with new monsters like Brain Suckers, Giant Spiders, and crows. It also includes 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

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MSRP: $69.99
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City of Ruin offers nine new scenarios set in locations such as the City Hospital, City Park, and Dead Factory, with new enemies and bosses to face. New weapons and items are crucial for tackling the formidable Stage 3 Nemesis.