The classic Resident Evil games release on Steam today for $9.99 each, with a limited-time 50% discount dropping the price to $4.99 through Wednesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Capcom brings the original trilogy—Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis—to PC alongside Breath of Fire IV to mark the survival horror franchise’s 30th anniversary. Since the first game launched in 1996, the series has sold over 183 million copies, making this PC release a major event for fans who want to revisit the source material.
What You Need to Know
- Release Date: Available now on Steam
- Price: $9.99 each (launch sale: $4.99)
- Sale Ends: April 15, 10:00 a.m. PT
- Games Included: Resident Evil (1996), Resident Evil 2 (1998), Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999), Breath of Fire IV (2000)
- Occasion: Resident Evil 30th anniversary celebration
Classic Resident Evil Games Steam Release Honors 30 Years
Capcom celebrates three decades of survival horror by bringing the originals to a new platform. We tested these ports and found they keep the tense atmosphere that defined the PlayStation era. You still control Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine in the first game, moving through the Spencer Mansion with its fixed camera angles and tank controls. Resident Evil 2 puts you in the shoes of Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they fight through the Raccoon Police Department. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis adds the relentless stalker who hunts Jill Valentine through the doomed city.
These versions differ from the recent remakes. Where the 2019 and 2020 releases use over-the-shoulder cameras and modern action mechanics, these Steam ports preserve the original PS1 experiences. You get the classic save system with ink ribbons, the pre-rendered backgrounds, and the exact puzzle layouts that fans remember from 1996 through 1999.
Technical Upgrades for Modern Hardware
The Steam versions add quality-of-life improvements without changing the core games. From what we’ve seen, Capcom updated these titles to support Windows 10 and 11 along with modern controllers. You can use an Xbox controller or PlayStation DualShock without third-party tools. The games also run at higher resolutions than the original console releases, though they keep the retro visual style intact.
These ports join other classic Capcom releases on PC, but they offer something different from the GOG versions that came out years ago. The Steam release includes achievements and full controller support out of the box, making them the most accessible way to play these classics on modern computers.
Breath of Fire IV Joins the Lineup
RPG fans get a bonus with this drop. Breath of Fire IV makes its Steam debut alongside the horror titles. You play as Ryu, a dragon warrior who teams up with Nina and other heroes to stop an evil immortal emperor. This 2000 classic features turn-based combat and a sprawling story that lasts 30 to 40 hours.
From our experience with the series, Breath of Fire IV holds up as one of the best entries in the franchise. The PC port includes the same technical upgrades as the Resident Evil releases, supporting modern displays and input devices. At $9.99 (or $4.99 during the sale), it offers serious value compared to hunting down an original PlayStation copy.
How Do These Compare to the Remakes?
You might wonder whether to buy these originals or stick with the modern versions. The Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes from 2019 and 2020 completely rebuild those games with new graphics and gameplay. They play like modern third-person shooters.
These Steam ports give you the authentic 1990s experience. The tank controls feel clunky at first, but they create a specific kind of tension. You can’t see around corners easily. Every bullet counts. Mr. X and Nemesis follow different rules in these versions compared to their modern counterparts. For players who want to see where the franchise started, or for veterans craving nostalgia, these originals offer something the remakes cannot replicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do the classic Resident Evil games cost on Steam?
Each game costs $9.99 at full price, but a launch discount cuts the price to $4.99 through April 15 at 10:00 a.m. PT.
Do these Steam versions include the original soundtrack?
Yes, these ports keep the original audio and music from the PlayStation releases. You get the classic save room themes and voice acting.
Will these games work on Steam Deck?
Based on the system requirements, these titles should run well on Valve’s handheld. The simple 3D graphics and fixed camera angles make them perfect for portable play.
Is Breath of Fire IV available separately from the Resident Evil trilogy?
Yes, each title sells individually for $9.99. You do not need to buy the horror games to get the RPG.
What is different about these compared to the GOG releases?
These Steam versions include native controller support and Steam achievements. The GOG releases required additional setup for controllers on some systems.
Grab these classic Resident Evil games on Steam before the April 15 deadline hits and see why the franchise has terrified players for three decades.
Please note that when you make a purchase through our links at GameHaunt, we might earn a small commission. This helps us keep bringing you the free journalism you love on our site! And don’t worry, our editorial content remains totally unbiased. If you’d like to show some support, you can do so here.
