After ruling the sales charts for nearly fifteen years, Resident Evil 5 has finally lost its crown as the best-selling game in the Resident Evil franchise. The 2009 release, which starred Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar, has been surpassed by a more contemporary entry, the acclaimed Resident Evil 2 Remake from 2019.
Upon its original launch, Resident Evil 5 garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success, due in large part to its engaging gameplay, advanced technical features for its time, and an innovative cooperative mode. This co-op functionality, allowing players to team up either locally or online, was a significant draw that helped the game maintain its popularity over the years. Across all platforms—including the initial PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, PC ports, and subsequent re-releases—the title amassed total sales of approximately 19.01 million units.
Resident Evil 2 Remake Takes the Lead
The Resident Evil 2 Remake has climbed steadily in popularity since its 2019 debut, ultimately overtaking Resident Evil 5 in sales to become the franchise’s new top seller. Despite some critiques targeting its gameplay and presentation, which drew comparisons to the 2005 classic Resident Evil 4, the remake tapped into the franchise’s loyal fanbase and attracted new players with its modernized graphics and reimagined narrative.
This milestone marks a significant shift in the series’ legacy, with Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield now reigning as the leading characters in terms of commercial success. The transition underscores the evolving tastes of the gaming community and highlights Capcom’s ability to reinvent its iconic titles for new generations.