Resident Evil Board Games: Guide to the Haunting Series - News

Steamforged Games has brought several popular video game franchises to the tabletop, including Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves, Gears of War, and the upcoming Elden Ring adaptation. This article focuses on their Resident Evil board game trilogy: Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 3.

Released in 2023, 2019, and 2021 respectively, these games share similar mechanics. 1-4 players cooperate to navigate perilous environments, battling hordes of terrifying creatures using detailed plastic miniatures. Gameplay unfolds over three phases: Action, Reaction, and Tension. Players have four actions per turn, choosing from movement, door manipulation, item acquisition, trading, item use, or combat. Enemies act during the Reaction phase, potentially attacking the active player. The Tension phase introduces unpredictable events from a dedicated deck.

Combat involves dice rolling, comparing results against weapon stats and abilities. Success might push enemies back, kill them, or result in a miss. Successful attacks can trigger enemy movement in adjacent rooms, adding strategic depth. The dice-based system emphasizes risk assessment, enhancing the survival horror atmosphere.

Each game features multiple scenarios playable as standalone adventures or a linked campaign. Modular tile-based maps create dynamic levels. Player inventory, health, and other information carry over between scenarios in campaign mode, while starting gear is provided for standalone play.

Crossover elements exist between games, allowing for character and tile mixing, though some adjustments may be needed for optimal thematic consistency.

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+

This refined entry improves upon its predecessors. Players explore the Spencer Mansion and surrounding areas as iconic characters like Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield. New support characters, including Albert Wesker, embark on optional missions. The game uses card-based map building, streamlining setup. Killed standard zombies remain, requiring kerosene to burn their corpses and prevent reanimation as stronger Red Zombies.

Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost

0See it at Amazon MSRP: $69.99

This expansion adds six scenarios, two new bosses (Neptune and Plant-42), and new locations like the Guard House and Aqua Ring.

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+

The original game in the Steamforged series, Resident Evil 2, features eight scenarios set in the Raccoon City Police Station and Umbrella Laboratory. Players take on the roles of Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, or Robert Kendo. While enjoyable, it lacks the refinements of later entries, including darker tiles and some assembly issues.

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion

0See it at Amazon MSRP: $54.99USD

Doubles the number of scenarios and introduces new items, enemies, and the goal of escaping Mr. X.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game - Malformations of G B-Files Expansion

0See it at Amazon MSRP: $32.99

A smaller expansion for use with B-Files, featuring a confrontation with Birkin Stage Three.

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion

0See it at Amazon MSRP: $54.99

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

Introduces Hunk and Tofu as playable characters, along with new modes including horde-based escape and a PvP race.

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+

Building upon Resident Evil 2, this game offers a non-linear campaign, allowing players to explore Raccoon City in various orders. The Danger Tracker mechanic increases difficulty as the city deteriorates.

Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion