Steamforged Games boasts an impressive library 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 soon to join the ranks. But for now, let's delve 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 gameplay loop. Up to four players cooperatively navigate perilous environments—dark corridors, burning streets, and sinister labs—reliving the narratives of each respective game. Each title features exquisitely detailed miniatures representing both the terrifying creatures and the heroic survivors.
Featured in this article
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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 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 and attacking, requiring dice rolls to evade danger. The Tension Phase involves drawing from a Tension deck, introducing unpredictable events—from benign occurrences to dire consequences. By the end of the first round, players grasp the core mechanics and can focus on survival strategies.
Combat involves dice rolling, comparing results against weapon stats and abilities. Outcomes range from pushing enemies to outright kills, or misses. Even basic zombies prove challenging, and successful shots attract enemies from adjacent rooms (if doors are open). This system adds a layer of tactical depth, emphasizing the survival horror theme.
As campaign-driven games, each title offers multiple scenarios playable as standalone experiences or linked together to form a cohesive narrative. Modular tile-based maps feature tokens representing doors, items, and other elements. Between scenarios, players manage inventory, health, and other persistent information. Standalone scenarios also offer pre-set starting gear and information. This flexibility caters to both single-session and campaign playstyles.
The series features some crossover potential for players owning multiple titles. Characters can be mixed and matched across games, and scenario tiles can be interchanged, although thematic consistency might be compromised. While not explicitly stated in the rules, such customization is feasible.
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+
See it at Amazon
The latest and most refined entry, *Resident Evil*, refines the mechanics of its predecessors. Players such as Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, and others explore the Spencer Mansion. New support characters, including Albert Wesker, can be deployed on missions, providing benefits at the risk of their demise.
The narrative flow is flexible, allowing players to tackle rooms in various orders, unlocking areas through item discovery and puzzle-solving. The map utilizes cards instead of paper, streamlining setup. Standard zombies are more threatening; their corpses remain until burned with Kerosene, otherwise they reanimate as stronger Red Zombies.
*Resident Evil* refines and expands gameplay beyond its predecessors. If choosing only one game from the series, this is the recommended starting point.
Resident Evil Board Game Expansions
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### Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost
0See it at Amazon
**MSRP**: $69.99
See it at Amazon
This expansion adds six scenarios and two bosses (Neptune and Plant-42), introducing new locations like the Guard House and Aqua Ring. It’s a perfect complement to the base game, offering both standalone and campaign 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+
See it at Amazon
The inaugural game 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 second (or third, excluding *Zero*), it's recommended to start with *Resident Evil* due to refinements in later titles.
*Resident Evil 2* features a linear campaign, lacking the flexibility of later games. Minor component issues, such as dark tiles and missing parts, exist but are manageable. Despite these flaws, it remains a fun and strategically demanding experience.
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
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
0See it at Amazon
**MSRP**: $32.99
See it at Amazon
A small expansion for use with the B-Files expansion, adding a confrontation with Birkin Stage Three.
### Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion
0See it at Amazon
**MSRP**: $54.99
See it at Amazon
Highly recommended, this expansion adds five playable characters, enhanced versions of existing characters, new enemies, and a PvP mode.
### 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, adding new modes including horde survival and a PvP race against the outbreak.
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
*Resident Evil 3* builds upon its predecessor, offering a more open-ended campaign. Players choose from Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills. The city deteriorates as the game progresses, influenced by player actions, adding to the challenge.
A Danger Tracker reflects the escalating threat, and a Narrative deck adds variability. The map uses sturdy cards, but the scenario overview board feels less substantial than other components. If preferring a more open-ended campaign, this is a strong starting point for the series.
Resident Evil 3 Board Game Expansions
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### Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion
0See it at Amazon
**MSRP**: $44.99
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Adds new characters, including Barry Burton, and introduces new enemies and rules, including a permadeath variant.
### 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 in locations such as the City Hospital and Dead Factory, with new enemies and a Stage 3 Nemesis encounter.
