twenty second March 2026 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the Japanese launch of Resident Evil — or Biohazard — on PlayStation. To have a good time, we’ll be publishing numerous articles this week centered on Capcom’s quintessential survival horror collection.
Additionally, a fast notice earlier than we begin. This text encompasses the entire foremost villains from the mainline video games, so sure, SPOILERS ABOUND. There are Resident Evil Requiem spoilers right here, they usually’re not all down the underside! If you have not accomplished the newest sport but and need to save the shock(s), go away now and are available again whenever you’ve completed. The ballot is not going wherever!
After 30 years of Resident Evil, it is secure to say that we have come throughout a complete bunch of nasty, villainous characters. Some have caught round for years, others just for a single sport, however all of them have made their mark on the overarching RE narrative in their very own approach.
Even probably the most despicable evildoers can discover their approach into our hearts, although, so as we speak we would like to search out out which of RE’s villains is your absolute favorite. May it’s the terrifying but tragic Lisa Trevor? Or maybe Ricardo Irving, a personality so clearly irritating that it would truly be sensible (no)? This is your likelihood to have your say.
Earlier than we start, we have restricted the next record to named villains within the mainline collection. Sure, we may 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 fairly a leech taking his kind. Although, to be trustworthy, even the person himself cannot be thought of a saint. What an exquisite singing voice, although.
Albert Wesker
Lengthy thought of to be the villain of the collection, Albert Wesker’s preliminary betrayal of the S.T.A.R.S. items is among 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 may debate for days as as to whether 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 critically creepy presence within the Spencer property.
HUNK
Some of us will without end 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 (except it is a ruddy clone).
HUNK is a real icon, although, probably the most recognisable characters in collection historical past. We love him.
Tyrant (Mr. X)
Regardless of its suave sense of fashion, 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. When you spherical a nook and run into this chap, you may 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 develop into 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 probably the most 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 probably the most outwardly villainous characters of the Raccoon Metropolis incident; consistently 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 presumably amongst probably 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 truly qualify for the record 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 better loss of life scene than when Leon (particularly his neck) falls foul of Salvador’s vicious assaults.
Ramon Salazar
Salazar is completely hilarious, and his presence in RE4 is among the many causes that entry stays so beloved to this present day. 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, consistently 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 Massive Cheese” as Luiz calls him, is a hulking menace within the earlier hours of RE4. He is principally a Tyrant in all however identify, and the ultimate encounter is among the best boss fights in collection historical past.
Jack Krauser
As soon as a buddy, now a foe, the rivalry between Krauser and Leon was one of many true highlights of RE4. His eventual transformation, by which his arm turns into a large bloomin’ sword, is awe-inspiring, but his weak spot to knives in the end makes him a pushover.
Excella Gionne
Excella in all probability is not the primary character that involves thoughts when you consider RE villains, however her means to get on Wesker’s good facet is commendable. She’s just like the Wormtongue of the RE universe, and we could not wait to ship her packing.
Ricardo Irving
Irving looks 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 approach 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 when you’ve accomplished Requiem. In the end, nevertheless, his actions behind the scenes have catastrophic penalties within the collection historical past, and he stays completely iconic.
Carla Radames
When you’ve by no means performed RE6 (and certainly, many of us are all too eager to say they by no means will!), you may assume 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 a few of the most ridiculous transformations we have ever seen. Some hate it, however we find it irresistible.
Ustanak
Just like the Nemesis, Ustanak is pitched as a pursuer enemy, but it surely falls approach 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 possibly can argue that Mia Winters is not a villain in any respect, however we must always remind you that she was truly concerned with The Connections, now the overarching villainous company. Even so, the impact the Mildew had on her makes her a critically 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 most important influence. 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 probably the most repellent villains within the collection.
Lucas Baker
Lucas did not make a lot of an influence at first, however the Noticed-like traps and the revelation that he is truly an agent for The Connections elevate him considerably. He additionally relishes his evil methods, and that at all times makes for an ideal villain.
Eveline
In the end, we’ve got to confess, Eveline did not make a lot of an impression on us. She’s definitely creepy, and we’ll at all times bear in mind these nerve-shredding giggles, however her absence all through the sport positively harm her general influence.
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 influence, however for goodness’ sake, she actually slices Ethan’s hand off out of nowhere. If that ain’t impactful, we’re unsure what’s.
Karl Heisenberg
Heisenberg winds up being one of many extra important villains in Village, and he is definitely obtained a memorable presence. His means to govern metallic 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 lady herself, however regardless, we would maintain the 2 as the very best villains in Village. Your complete part involving Beneviento is among the scariest in your entire 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 sorry for the man. He is probably the most pathetic, self-loathing being possible, 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 sport, however her transformation on the finish greater than makes up for it. She’s probably the most well-designed villains within the collection, and he or she had the potential to be a brand new overarching evildoer. Alas, she useless.
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 probably the greatest villains of the final decade or so.
Zeno
Is that… Wesker? No. It is principally a clone, despite the fact that Requiem by no means outright states it. Zeno has comparable talents 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 fashion.
So, who did you vote for ultimately? Tell us with a remark beneath, and share a few of your greatest villain reminiscences from the collection when you’re at it.
