In the Steamforged Games library, you'll discover adaptations of some of the video game world's most iconic franchises, including Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves, Gears of War, and the highly anticipated Elden Ring adaptation set to release soon. However, our focus today is on the Resident Evil series, which includes 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 games share a core set of mechanics. In each title, you and up to three friends take turns navigating through dark corridors, burning streets, and sinister labs, reenacting the stories of each game. Each game comes with a variety of highly detailed plastic miniatures, representing both the terrifying creatures you'll face and the survivor heroes you'll control.

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### 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 is divided 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 areas for items, trading with other players, using items from their inventory, or attacking enemies. In the Reaction Phase, enemies move towards or attack the active player, prompting a dice roll to determine if the player can evade the threat. The Tension Phase involves drawing from the Tension deck, which can result in nothing happening, something bad occurring, or something really bad happening. 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 is resolved through dice rolls, comparing the results to the equipped weapon's stats and abilities. Outcomes can range from pushing an enemy to an adjacent square, killing it, or missing entirely. Even basic zombies can be challenging to defeat if luck isn't on your side. Firing a weapon can also attract enemies from nearby rooms, adding a strategic element to combat that enhances the survival horror atmosphere.

As campaign board games, each title includes multiple scenarios that can be played as standalone experiences or as part of a connected narrative, where progress carries over between sessions. Scenarios are constructed using tiles with tokens indicating locked doors, items, and other elements. At the end of each scenario, players assess their inventories, health, and other factors that may influence future games. For those opting for one-off games, each scenario provides starting gear and information.

For players who own multiple entries in the series, there's potential for crossover, though some adjustments may be necessary. Mechanics are consistent enough to allow for mixing characters and scenario tiles between games, creating unique experiences.

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 refined of the trilogy, Resident Evil, builds on the best elements of its predecessors while introducing new mechanics. Players can choose from Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton to explore the mysterious Spencer Mansion and its surroundings. New support characters like Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers can be sent on missions to gather supplies, adding a layer of risk and reward.

Resident Evil introduces a flexible narrative flow, allowing players to explore the mansion in various orders, with rooms unlocked by items and puzzles. The game uses cards to represent locations, improving setup time compared to previous games. If you're looking to play just one game from the series, Resident Evil is the top recommendation. Standard zombies pose a greater threat, as their corpses 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 adds six new scenarios and two new bosses, Neptune and Plant-42, taking players to new locations like the Guard House and Aqua Ring. This expansion is a great 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 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 introduced players to the zombie-infested corridors of the Raccoon City police station and the horrors of the Umbrella Corporation. Players can take on the roles of Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, or Robert Kendo, facing off against Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and Birkin across eight scenarios. The campaign follows a linear path, with scenarios leading directly into one another.

While Resident Evil 2 may lack some of the refinements found in later titles, it remains a fun game to play with friends. However, it's recommended to start with this game rather than the first, as it sets the stage for the series.

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 doubles the number of scenarios, introduces new items, enemies, and the goal 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

This small-box expansion is designed to be played with the B-Files expansion, allowing players to face 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 gameplay mode, offering a fresh twist on the game.

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 fighting through hordes of enemies and the Extreme Battle mode, a PVP race to stop the outbreak.

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 on the mechanics of its predecessor but introduces a non-linear scenario approach, allowing players to explore the ruins of Raccoon City in various ways. Players can choose from Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills to survive the Nemesis's pursuit.

The game's Danger Tracker mechanic reflects the city's deterioration, making the game progressively more challenging. The Narrative deck adds variety to each playthrough, enhancing the survival horror experience.

The only downside is the scenario map, which feels less durable compared to other components. If you prefer a more open-ended campaign, Resident Evil 3 is an excellent starting point for 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 introduces new playable characters, 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.

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 offers nine new scenarios set in locations like the City Hospital, City Park, and Dead Factory, introducing new enemies and bosses, including Stage 3 Nemesis. New weapons and items help players navigate these challenges.