Should I Play Resident Evil 0 Or 1 First?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You are a series newcomer who wants to experience the story in chronological order, appreciating how the first‑generation bioweapon outbreak unfolded before the mansion incident.
• Good fit: You enjoy retro‑style survival horror and are comfortable with older control schemes and higher difficulty, making Resident Evil 0’s classic feel a rewarding challenge.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You have limited time and prefer a smoother learning curve; Resident Evil 0’s antiquated mechanics may slow you down compared to Resident Evil 1’s more refined gameplay.
• Warning sign: You are primarily after high‑quality graphics and voice acting; the original Resident Evil (the 2002 remake) offers a more polished audiovisual experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Resident Evil 0 provides the earliest canonical events, giving context to characters and the T‑virus origin that enriches the rest of the series.
• Playing the prequel first lets you appreciate the evolution of gameplay design, noticing deliberate improvements in later titles.

Cons

• The control scheme, camera angles, and inventory management feel dated, which can frustrate players accustomed to modern standards.
• The narrative pacing is slower and relies on trial‑and‑error puzzles that some may find tedious compared to the streamlined experience in Resident Evil 1.

Decision Checklist

• Do I prioritize story chronology over immediate gameplay polish?
• Am I comfortable with older control schemes and higher difficulty spikes?
• Is my available playtime sufficient to navigate a slower‑paced, more puzzle‑heavy experience?

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re unsure, you could start with Resident Evil 1 (the 2002 remake) for a balanced mix of classic story and modern mechanics, then play Resident Evil 0 as a supplemental prequel. Another option is to begin with Resident Evil 2 Remake, which offers a contemporary entry point while still respecting series lore, and later explore the earlier titles for nostalgia.

Final Recommendation

For players who value narrative chronology and don’t mind retro gameplay, start with Resident Evil 0 and follow with Resident Evil 1. If you prefer smoother controls, better graphics, and a quicker entry, begin with Resident Evil 1 (remake) and consider Resident Evil 0 later as a nostalgic side quest. As always, match your choice to your patience for dated mechanics and your desire for story depth, and seek community reviews if you need further guidance.