Resident Evil stands as one of the most legendary titles in the gaming world. It has defined the genre of survival and action horror across animated films, major motion pictures, and a brief Netflix series. Since the initial release in 1996, the Resident Evil franchise has introduced iconic and memorable characters. From Leon S. Kennedy, a rookie police officer from Raccoon City, to Chris Redfield, a legend within the BSAA, the Resident Evil universe has showcased their efforts to safeguard their city from the ruthless threat of biochemical terrorism.
In this article, we will explore all the playable characters in Resident Evil, ranked from weakest to strongest.
Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers regarding events in the series’ games.
Ada Wong
- Appeared in: Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 4 Remake – Separate Ways, Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil Darkside Chronicles
Unpredictable. Mysterious. Enigmatic. These three terms best describe Ada Wong’s character. Unlike others, no one knew exactly who Ada Wong was or what she looked like prior to the Raccoon City incident in 1998.
Ada Wong has captured Leon Kennedy’s heart and significantly influenced him. While she might not be the most physically formidable character, she is an expert marksman. Ada becomes a playable character in Resident Evil 6, unlocking after players complete all three main chapters.
- Resident Evil 4 – Separate Ways
This expansion of Resident Evil 4 Remake centers on Ada Wong and her distinct adventure. Her narrative intertwines with Leon’s as she is assigned to secure a sample of Las Plagas for her operator. This story is high quality and worthwhile for fans who wish to understand Ada’s contribution to the main plot. Ada excels in stealth, adeptly outmaneuvers her enemies with martial arts, and utilizes a grappling hook akin to Batman’s. She is one of the most cunning and dangerous heroes in the Resident Evil franchise.
Claire Redfield
- Appeared in: Resident Evil 2, Code Veronica, Resident Evil Survivor 2, Darkside Chronicles, and Revelations 2
Claire Redfield is a legendary character within the series and a survivor of the Raccoon City incident in 1998. She grew up close to her brother Chris Redfield after their parents passed away in the 1980s. As Chris Redfield’s younger sister, Claire hasn’t received much focus in the series since Resident Evil 2. She is a resilient character, committing her life to combating the threat of bio-organic weapons. Claire shows genuine concern for those around her and fights against any malevolent forces that threaten them.
Although she has featured in other games, it is in Resident Evil 2 that Claire truly shines. We witness her bold personality and resilience as a character. However, it’s evident that Claire deserves more recognition and appreciation in the series.
Claire is a master sniper and becomes even more lethal with her signature grenade launcher. It was Chris who trained her in combat before she eventually joined him in their battle against bioterrorism. Claire is a playable character in Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 2 Remake, and Code Veronica.
Jill Valentine
- Appeared in: Resident Evil, Resident Evil 3, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil: Revelations, and Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles
Jill Valentine is a founding member of the BSAA and is an essential character in the franchise. She survived the Arklay County outbreak in 1998, which underscores her commitment to combating serious bioterrorism.
As a respected and capable agent, Jill is a fierce fighter who knows how to complete her missions effectively. She has been central to events in Raccoon City, the haunted Queen Zenobia ship, the Spencer Estate, and more. Jill was also the sole female member of Captain Wesker’s Alpha Team.
She stands firm in her beliefs, with a deep understanding of what is right and how to achieve her goals even in dire situations. Overall, Jill has been a steadfast presence for fans since the series’ inception. We look to her for inspiration and guidance, and her compassion and resolve resonate with many of us.
Chris Redfield
- Appeared in: Resident Evil, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil 8, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, Code Veronica, and Resident Evil Revelations
A well-known figure in the BSAA, Chris Redfield is a legendary character in the series. He started his journey in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Special Tactics and Rescue Service in Raccoon City. With his muscular physique, Chris Redfield is not easily overshadowed.
It’s amusing how often Chris Redfield becomes the subject of jokes. A notable example is when he punches a rock in Resident Evil 5 to save his partner Sheva Alomar. Despite this, he remains an essential and fascinating character in the series.
Chris is committed to eradicating bio-organic weapons. Nothing can stand in his way, and his incredible strength is almost otherworldly. Ultimately, we come to greatly appreciate him, as he is a remarkable asset to Ethan Winters’ survival. While Chris may initially come across as harsh to others, his actions stem from a desire to protect those he cares about.
Leon S. Kennedy
- Appeared in: Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 6, and Resident Evil Darkside Chronicles
Among the characters in the Resident Evil series, Leon Kennedy stands out as one of the most beloved. He serves as the heart of the franchise. His striking design and sarcastic demeanor provide a significant impression of Resident Evil as a whole.
When you hear “Resident Evil,” the first image that likely comes to mind is Leon Kennedy. He encapsulates the essence of the games, and his remarkable abilities make players feel fortunate to have him alongside them. Leon has endured significant trials to reach his current status, and it’s evident from his portrayal in the games that he will remain a prominent character for years to come.
His skills as a fighter and survivor were showcased brilliantly in the RE4 Remake, with his knife proficiency being a highlight of this version. Though Leon has been absent since the events of Resident Evil 6, fans hope to see this beloved character return in the next main installment following the Resident Evil 4 Remake.
In conclusion, how would you rank the best Resident Evil characters?
Ranking the Playable Characters of Resident Evil: From Weakest to Strongest
Resident Evil is one of the most iconic titles in the gaming industry. It has set the standard for survival and action horror through animated films, feature films, and a short-lived Netflix TV series. Since the first installment in 1996, the Resident Evil series has featured iconic and unforgettable characters. From Leon S. Kennedy, a rookie cop from Raccoon City, to Chris Redfield, a legend of the BSAA, the Resident Evil universe has seen them all do their best to protect their city from the merciless threat of biochemical terrorism.
In this article, we’ll take a look at all of the playable Resident Evil characters, ranked from weakest to strongest.
Disclaimer: The article may contain spoilers for the events of the series’ games.
1. Ada Wong
- Appeared in: Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 4 Remake – Separate Ways, Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil Darkside Chronicles
Unpredictable, mysterious, and enigmatic, Ada Wong has captured Leon Kennedy’s heart and made a significant impact on him. Although she may not be the most physically powerful character, she is a skilled marksman capable of using stealth and martial arts. In Resident Evil 6, Ada is a playable character unlocked after completing all three main chapters.
Resident Evil 4 – Separate Ways
This is a story expansion for Resident Evil 4 Remake featuring Ada Wong in her own adventure. Her narrative intertwines with Leon’s as she is tasked with obtaining a sample of Las Plagas for her operator. Fans of Ada’s character will appreciate the quality storytelling and her impact on the main plot.
2. Claire Redfield
- Appeared in: Resident Evil 2, Code Veronica, Resident Evil Survivor 2, Darkside Chronicles, and Revelations 2
Claire Redfield is a legendary figure in the series and a survivor of the 1998 Raccoon City incident. As Chris Redfield’s younger sister, Claire is dedicated to combating the threat of bio-organic weapons. Although she has not been prominent since Resident Evil 2, she showcases her bold nature and tenacity to fight evil forces.
In Resident Evil 2, players see Claire’s growth as a master sniper and her effectiveness with a grenade launcher. Her journey reflects her dedication to supporting those around her in the battle against bioterrorism.
3. Jill Valentine
- Appeared in: Resident Evil, Resident Evil 3, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil: Revelations, and Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles
Jill Valentine is one of the founders of the BSAA and is a crucial figure in the fight against bioterrorism. Having survived the 1998 outbreak, she is a powerful and respected agent. Jill takes on numerous threats throughout the series, from the Raccoon City incident to various battles across the globe.
4. Chris Redfield
- Appeared in: Resident Evil, Resident Evil 5, Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil 8, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, Code Veronica, and Resident Evil Revelations
Chris Redfield is a legendary figure in the series, beginning his career in the U.S. Air Force before joining special teams dedicated to managing bioterrorism. With a strong physique and unmatched determination, Chris is committed to wiping out bio-organic threats.
5. Leon S. Kennedy
- Appeared in: Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 4, Resident Evil 6, and Resident Evil Darkside Chronicles
As a defining character in the Resident Evil series, Leon S. Kennedy represents the heart of the franchise. With his sarcastic attitude and incredible combat skills, he is a fan-favorite. His journey across the games highlights his growth and resilience against overwhelming odds.
Character Abilities Comparison
| Character | Strength | Agility | Stealth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada Wong | Medium | High | Very High |
| Claire Redfield | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Jill Valentine | High | Medium | Medium |
| Chris Redfield | Very High | Low | Low |
| Leon S. Kennedy | High | High | Medium |
In-Game Skills and Tactical Tips
- Ada Wong: Utilize her stealth abilities to sneak past enemies or deliver critical hits.
- Claire Redfield: Master the grenade launcher for crowd control and take down tougher foes quickly.
- Jill Valentine: Rely on her combat training to efficiently dispatch enemies with a variety of weapons.
- Chris Redfield: Use his raw strength to handle melee combat and high-damage weaponry.
- Leon S. Kennedy: Employ his agility for dodging attacks while taking advantage of his sharpshooting skills.
