Resident Evil 5 Dethroned as the Series Best Seller

Fifteen years after its release, Resident Evil 5 has gracefully slipped off the sales pedestal, no longer holding the crown for Capcom’s celebrated survival horror franchise. The sales landscape of the Resident Evil series has shifted dramatically, demonstrating that the enduring appeal of the back catalogue continues to punch well above expectations.

The shift is led by the Resident Evil 2 remake, which has taken the lead in overall sales. This remake has moved a staggering 19.75 million copies, easily eclipsing the final total of Resident Evil 5’s 19.01 million units. This incredible performance highlights how the franchise’s recent revitalizations are resonating deeply with fans.

This sales dynamic tells a fascinating story about longevity and excitement. The fact that Resident Evil 5’s sales took nearly a decade and a half to settle into their final numbers speaks volumes about the immense anticipation surrounding the game when it first launched, especially riding on the legacy of its predecessor.

Beyond the main entries, the Resident Evil back catalogue is clearly thriving. The success of the franchise has been fueled by subsequent, highly anticipated releases, including the remakes for Resident Evil 4 and the recent expansion, Resident Evil Requiem.

Resident Evil 4’s remake has achieved an impressive milestone of 16 million copies sold. Meanwhile, Resident Evil Requiem has already moved 8 million copies and is poised for even greater success as it receives further discounts and anticipated expansions.

When you look at the entire portfolio, the combined sales for all Resident Evil games now stand at an astonishing 213 million copies. This figure positions the franchise as a global juggernaut, edging past the total sales of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy franchise.

Capcom’s success extends beyond its horror legends. Other titles are also performing spectacularly, with Monster Hunter: World selling an astonishing 30.45 million copies and the new franchise entry, Pragmata, reaching up to 2.51 million units sold.

Looking ahead, the franchise continues to expand its horizons. The next major steps involve launching the cinematic experience with Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil movie on September 16th, followed by the arrival of the highly anticipated Resident Evil Veronica sometime in 2027.