twenty second March 2026 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Japanese launch of Resident Evil — or Biohazard — on PlayStation. To have fun, we’ll be publishing numerous articles this week centered on Capcom’s quintessential survival horror collection.
Additionally, a fast be aware earlier than we begin. This text encompasses all the fundamental villains from the mainline video games, so sure, SPOILERS ABOUND. There are Resident Evil Requiem spoilers right here, and so they’re not all down the underside! If you have not accomplished the most recent recreation but and wish to save the shock(s), go away now and are available again while you’ve completed. The ballot is not going anyplace!
After 30 years of Resident Evil, it is protected to say that we have come throughout an entire bunch of nasty, villainous characters. Some have caught round for years, others just for a single recreation, however all of them have made their mark on the overarching RE narrative in their very own manner.
Even essentially the most despicable evildoers can discover their manner into our hearts, although, so at the moment we would like to seek out out which of RE’s villains is your absolute favorite. Might or not it’s the terrifying but tragic Lisa Trevor? Or maybe Ricardo Irving, a personality so clearly irritating that it would really be good (no)? This is your likelihood to have your say.
Earlier than we start, we have restricted the next listing to named villains within the mainline collection. Sure, we might have included the Tyrant from RE1, however then what about RE0’s Proto-Tyrant, or the Hypnos T-Sort, or the Thanatos? Equally, if we included Crimson Head Zombies right here, then we would even have so as to add the Lickers, the Hunters, the Regenerators, and so forth. So that you get it. There’s solely a lot time within the day.
So with out additional ado, let’s check out our lineup, lets? In roughly chronological order (in-universe), we start with…
James Marcus (Queen Leech)
So this is not actually James Marcus, however reasonably a leech taking his kind. Although, to be trustworthy, even the person himself cannot be thought-about a saint. What an exquisite singing voice, although.
Albert Wesker
Lengthy thought-about to be the villain of the collection, Albert Wesker’s preliminary betrayal of the S.T.A.R.S. models is without doubt one of the most devious acts we have seen from anyone. The sun shades, the slick-backed hair, the slight crimson glow of his eyes… He stays iconic.
Lisa Trevor
We might debate for days as as to if Lisa Trevor is an precise villain, however holy flippity-flop, is she terrifying. The groans of anguish and the clanking of chains make for a significantly creepy presence within the Spencer property.
HUNK
Some people will ceaselessly deny it, however we’re keen to go on file to say that the ‘Commander’ you face in Requiem is certainly HUNK. He even shares the identical voice actor because the character’s look in RE2, so it is him (until it is a ruddy clone).
HUNK is a real icon, although, one of the vital recognisable characters in collection historical past. We love him.
Tyrant (Mr. X)
Regardless of its suave sense of favor, Mr. X is an absolute menace, stalking gamers all through the R.P.D. with gusto and proving to be immensely scary within the course of. Should you spherical a nook and run into this chap, you would possibly want a brand new pair of underwear.
William Birkin
Even earlier than Birkin mutated, he was a correct little scamp, having created the lethal G-Virus. However when he begins to show and turn out to be all of the extra monstrous with every subsequent encounter, he makes for one of many collection’ most memorable villains.
Nemesis
Ahh, Nemi… Regardless of being butchered in RE3 Remake, the unique pursuer loses none of its efficiency. It is one of the vital ruthless enemies in collection historical past, and we would not say no to a cheeky reappearance of some variety sooner or later.
Nicholai Zinoviev
Okay, this man’s simply an absolute software. He is arguably essentially the most outwardly villainous characters of the Raccoon Metropolis incident; always betraying others for his personal achieve. His final destiny was left ambiguous, so it is a disgrace he hasn’t proven up once more since.
Alexia / Alfred Ashford
The maniacal twins from Code Veronica are probably amongst essentially the most over-the-top villains within the collection, and that is precisely what makes them so nice. If rumours of a remake are true, could none of their eccentricity be tarnished.
Dr. Salvador
We’re pushing the boundaries of which characters really qualify for the listing right here, however Dr. Salvador is simply so darn iconic. The primary time we heard the rev of his chainsaw made our hearts drop, and there is maybe no higher demise scene than when Leon (particularly his neck) falls foul of Salvador’s vicious assaults.
Ramon Salazar
Salazar is totally hilarious, and his presence in RE4 is without doubt one of the many causes that entry stays so beloved to today. Although he has the looks of a kid, we could not wait to place the castellan into the bottom – proper hand included.
Osmund Saddler
Saddler is the quintessential evil villain, always boasting about his plans for world domination, and we frankly love simply how apparent all of it is. Granted, his presence suffers a bit after the genius of Salazar, however he is nonetheless an RE legend in our eyes.
Bitores Mendez
Mendez, or “The Large Cheese” as Luiz calls him, is a hulking menace within the earlier hours of RE4. He is mainly a Tyrant in all however identify, and the ultimate encounter is without doubt one of the biggest boss fights in collection historical past.
Jack Krauser
As soon as a good friend, now a foe, the rivalry between Krauser and Leon was one of many true highlights of RE4. His eventual transformation, during which his arm turns into a large bloomin’ sword, is awe-inspiring, but his weak spot to knives finally makes him a pushover.
Excella Gionne
Excella in all probability is not the primary character that involves thoughts when you concentrate on RE villains, however her means to get on Wesker’s good aspect is commendable. She’s just like the Wormtongue of the RE universe, and we could not wait to ship her packing.
Ricardo Irving
Irving seems like the results of somebody at Capcom saying, “We’d like a brand new Salazar in RE5.” He is over-the-top, however not in the identical endearing manner as Salazar. Actually, if there’s one character within the collection we would encourage you to not vote for, it is Irving.
Oswell E. Spencer
Spencer is a sophisticated character, notably should you’ve accomplished Requiem. In the end, nonetheless, his actions behind the scenes have catastrophic penalties within the collection historical past, and he stays completely iconic.
Carla Radames
Should you’ve by no means performed RE6 (and certainly, many of us are all too eager to say they by no means will!), you would possibly suppose that that is Ada Wong. Yep, we have entered the realm of clones. As such, Carla does little to face out from the group.
Derek Simmons
Simmons is an underrated villain in our eyes. His place within the collection’ lore is questionable, positive, however he boasts among the most ridiculous transformations we have ever seen. Some hate it, however we adore it.
Ustanak
Just like the Nemesis, Ustanak is pitched as a pursuer enemy, however it falls manner wanting the legacy of its predecessor. Very cool design, for positive, however we’re not satisfied many of us maintain it in excessive regard.
Mia Winters
Like Lisa Trevor, you might argue that Mia Winters is not a villain in any respect, however we must always remind you that she was really concerned with The Connections, now the overarching villainous company. Even so, the impact the Mould had on her makes her a significantly formidable foe. Do not let her close to a chainsaw.
Jack Baker
Though Eveline seems to be the principle villain of RE7, it is Jack Baker that arguably makes the largest impression. His gleeful pursuit of Ethan all through the Baker Property is terrifying, and the eventual chainsaw battle stays notably memorable. Groovy!
Marguerite Baker
If Jack Baker is menacing, then Marguerite is creepy. Actually creepy. Her transformation into an insect-like monstrosity is as disgusting because the dilapidated lair she inhabits, and he or she stays one of the vital repellent villains within the collection.
Lucas Baker
Lucas did not make a lot of an impression at first, however the Noticed-like traps and the revelation that he is really an agent for The Connections elevate him considerably. He additionally relishes his evil methods, and that all the time makes for a terrific villain.
Eveline
In the end, we have now to confess, Eveline did not make a lot of an impression on us. She’s actually creepy, and we’ll all the time keep in mind these nerve-shredding giggles, however her absence all through the sport positively harm her general impression.
Alcina Dimitrescu
Girl D turned the speak of the city when she was revealed for RE Village, and we can’t lie, she’s a genuinely nice villain. Her fast demise positively diminishes her general impression, however for goodness’ sake, she actually slices Ethan’s hand off out of nowhere. If that ain’t impactful, we’re undecided what’s.
Karl Heisenberg
Heisenberg winds up being one of many extra vital villains in Village, and he is actually obtained a memorable presence. His means to govern steel makes him fairly distinctive within the RE universe, and it is a disgrace we in all probability will not see him once more.
Donna Beneviento
We’re in all probability extra acquainted with Angie, Beneviento’s doll, than the girl herself, however regardless, we would maintain the 2 as one of the best villains in Village. All the part involving Beneviento is without doubt one of the scariest in the whole collection, and Angie’s glee at Ethan’s expense is equally hilarious and terrifying.
Salvatore Moreau
Moreau’s a bizarre creature, and we really feel a bit of sorry for the man. He is essentially the most pathetic, self-loathing being conceivable, however when he transforms and stalks you thru a reservoir, any sense of empathy goes out the window.
Mom Miranda
The general lack of Mom Miranda all through Village echoes that of Eveline within the earlier recreation, however her transformation on the finish greater than makes up for it. She’s one of the vital well-designed villains within the collection, and he or she had the potential to be a brand new overarching evildoer. Alas, she lifeless.
Victor Gideon
Ooh boy, we love Gideon. Not solely does he look completely revolting, however the bizarre equipment on his face offers him an much more menacing presence. His soft-spoken nature is punctuated by bursts of rage, and we would say he is the most effective villains of the final decade or so.
Zeno
Is that… Wesker? No. It is mainly a clone, although Requiem by no means outright states it. Zeno has comparable skills to Wesker and even shares the identical voice actor, however his eventual destiny makes him a little bit of a moist lettuce by comparability. Nonetheless, there isn’t any denying his edgy sense of favor.
So, who did you vote for ultimately? Tell us with a remark under, and share a few of your finest villain recollections from the collection when you’re at it.
Nintendo Life’s resident horror fanatic, when he’s not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into horror e book whereas nursing a beautiful cup of tea. He additionally enjoys lengthy walks and listens to every thing from TOOL to Chuck Berry.
