Resident Evil Board Game: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide

Steamforged Games boasts an impressive library of board game adaptations based on popular video game franchises, including Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves, Gears of War, and the upcoming behemoth, Elden Ring. But let's focus on their acclaimed Resident Evil trilogy: Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 3.

Launched in 2019, 2021, and 2023 respectively, these three games share a core gameplay loop, making them easily accessible to newcomers and experienced players alike. Up to four players collaborate, navigating perilous environments – dark corridors, burning streets, and sinister labs – to unravel the storylines of each game. Each title includes meticulously detailed plastic miniatures, bringing the terrifying creatures and iconic survivors to life on your tabletop.

Featured in this article

---

### 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

Gameplay unfolds across 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, potentially attacking or pursuing the active player, creating thrilling moments of suspense. The Tension Phase introduces unpredictable events via a dedicated card deck, adding an element of escalating danger.

Combat utilizes dice rolling, comparing results against weapon stats and character abilities. Outcomes range from pushing enemies back to eliminating them, or even missing entirely. The system cleverly balances risk and reward, encouraging strategic decision-making. Successfully shooting an enemy also alerts nearby foes, adding a layer of tactical depth.

Each game features multiple scenarios, playable as standalone adventures or as a connected campaign. Modular game boards are built using tiles, representing various locations and containing items, locked doors, and other interactive elements. Between scenarios, players track their inventory, health, and other relevant information that may impact subsequent gameplay.

The series offers significant replayability. While many mechanics are shared across titles, there’s room for creative mixing and matching. Players can freely combine characters and scenario tiles from different games, creating unique and personalized experiences.

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+
See it at Amazon

The latest installment refines the series' mechanics, introducing exciting new features. Players take on the roles of classic characters like Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, exploring the infamous Spencer Mansion. The game also introduces support characters like Albert Wesker, who can be dispatched on risky missions for additional resources. The game's narrative is more flexible, allowing for varied exploration paths, and the use of cards to build the game board provides a quicker setup than previous entries.

Standard zombies present a more significant threat, with their corpses remaining on the board until burned using a new resource: Kerosene. This mechanic adds another layer of strategic challenge, as neglecting to burn bodies can lead to the emergence of stronger Red Zombies.

If you're only looking to purchase one game from the series, Resident Evil is an excellent starting point.

Resident Evil Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost Expansion

### Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost 0See it at Amazon
**MSRP**: $69.99
See it at Amazon

This expansion introduces six new scenarios and two new bosses, Neptune and Plant-42, along with new locations such as the Guard House and Aqua Ring.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

### 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+
See it at Amazon

The original entry in Steamforged’s Resident Evil board game series, Resident Evil 2, immerses players in the Raccoon City Police Department, pitting them against Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and the terrifying Mr. X. The game features eight scenarios, taking players from the S.T.A.R.S. office to a desperate escape from the Umbrella Laboratory.

While a fun experience, Resident Evil 2 lacks the refinements of its successors. The linear campaign structure and some minor component issues (dark tiles, missing parts) detract slightly from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, the strategic gameplay remains engaging.

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 Amazon
**MSRP**: $54.99USD
See it at Amazon

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 0See it at Amazon
**MSRP**: $32.99
See it at Amazon

A smaller expansion played alongside the B-Files expansion, featuring a confrontation with a Stage Three Birkin.

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion

### Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion 0See it at Amazon
**MSRP**: $54.99
See it at Amazon

Adds five new 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 0See it at Amazon
**MSRP**: $32.99
See it at Amazon

Introduces Hunk and Tofu as playable characters, along with new modes and challenges.

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+
See it at Amazon

Resident Evil 3 builds upon the gameplay of its predecessor, offering a more open-ended campaign structure. Players choose from Jill Valentine, Carlos Oliveira, Mikhail Viktor, or Nikolai Zinoviev, each with unique abilities. The game introduces a Danger Tracker mechanic, reflecting the increasing peril as Raccoon City crumbles around the players.

While the game components are largely high-quality, the scenario map is a noticeable exception, feeling somewhat flimsy compared to the rest of the game's production value. Despite this minor drawback, Resident Evil 3 offers a thrilling and strategic experience.

Resident Evil 3 Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion

### Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion 0See it at Amazon
**MSRP**: $44.99
See it at Amazon

Adds new playable characters, including Barry Burton, along with advanced versions of existing characters, new enemies, and a permadeath mode.

Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion

### Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion 0See it at Amazon
**MSRP**: $69.99
See it at Amazon

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