Being well-suited for one another as partners takes a lot of chemistry, which isn't exactly something a pair can conjure up if things just weren't meant to be. Some partners only click after having years of friendship behind them, while others can spark up a unique connection in an instant.
In the Resident Evil universe, it's not uncommon for each protagonist to have their own buddy to count on whenever they find themselves in a tricky situation. Half the appeal of the Resident Evil series is the charming cast of characters, and seeing the great teamwork and chemistry between these beloved characters makes both the lore and gameplay that much more engaging. Here are some of the best and most iconic duos in the RE universe.
8 Claire Redfield & Moira Burton (RE Revelations 2)
Claire finally makes her return as the protagonist after a long fifteen years (her previous title being RE Code: Veronica) in RE: Revelations 2. Instead of being accompanied by Leon or Steve, this time, Claire finds herself partnered up with Barry Burton's daughter, Moira Burton. Players can either enjoy the game co-op style or play on their own, allowing an AI to take control of the other character.
Moira is no longer the helpless little girl that fans remembered in passing back in RE1, she's all grown up and even took an interest in her dad's job by taking up a job in a biohazard prevention agency called TerraSave alongside Claire. Despite her young age and lack of training (in comparison to other RE protagonists), Moira proves herself quite capable and a great partner to have Claire's back.
7 Rebecca Chambers & Billy Coen (RE Zero)
Rebecca and Billy teamed up before the events of RE1 in the Arklay Mountains. RE Zero sees Rebecca Chambers as a rookie member of the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo team, making her way through an abandoned Umbrella facility with convict and former officer, Billy Coen. Rather than pick a single character to stick with throughout the entire playthrough, RE Zero allows the player to switch between the two protagonists, allowing an AI to take over the other character.
Technically speaking, the two could not be more complementary to one another. Rebecca and Billy (like Jill and Chris) have unique abilities that the other does not possess, making their teamwork necessary to complete the game's obstacles and puzzles.
6 Chris Redfield & Sheva Alomar (RE5)
Chris and Sheva begin their interactions rather cordially in RE5, keeping things strictly professional. However, a strictly professional relationship would be doomed to go stale after a while. Luckily, Chris and Sheva being to have deeper conversations about politics and their personal beliefs, being able to better connect with one another and each other's values.
Along with their little dialogue breaks between hordes of zombies to show off their chemistry, Chris and Sheva match up perfectly when it comes to combat ability. Their teamwork was even enough to save a brainwashed Jill Valentine as well as defeat longtime RE villain, Albert Wesker once and for all!
5 Ethan Winters & The Duke (RE8)
In a village where everyone seems to be out for Ethan's head on a platter, Duke was a breath of fresh air. Initially, the two butt heads quite a bit, but as the story goes on, Ethan begins to understand that the Duke is truly there to help him out and has no ill intent. Ethan in RE8 is tired and broken, so having a friend like the Duke to give him a helping hand (no pun intended) when he needs it most is a relief. Duke offers a sense of comfort to Ethan, letting him (and the player) know they always have a safe place to hide out to buy ammo and medical supplies. The Duke is just the right kind of support Ethan needs in his grueling journey.
4 Leon Kennedy & Ashley Graham (RE4)
Ashley may have started as a damsel in distress, a mere princess that needs rescuing at the hands of her brave prince, but the RE4 remake gave Ashley a whole different vibe. The original game depicted Ashley as a bit needier, a helpless young girl that sadly couldn't overcome the horrific reality of her situation and gave in to the fear. Meanwhile, in the RE4 Remake, Ashley was given a much bigger role.
In the 2023 remake, Ashley can often fend for herself rather than needing Leon's help every step of the way. Not only is 2023 Ashley stronger and even helpful at times, but she also has great chemistry with the protagonist (and partner) Leon. The two have hilarious conversations throughout the game that truly showcase the charming friendship between the unlikely duo. Perhaps Ashley's little crush on her knight in shining armor has to do with their fantastic teamwork, but hopefully, no one tells her about Ada!
3 Jill Valentine & Carlos Oliveira (RE3)
Jill begins her journey in RE3 rather hesitant to trust Carlos as he worked for the U.B.C.S. (Umbrella Biohazard Countermeasure Service), and while the two did butt heads for a good portion of RE3's story, the two eventually learn to trust one another to make it out of Raccoon City in one piece.
Despite knowing what horrors Umbrella was capable of, Jill still decided to rely on Carlos, which then earned his trust in return. The two, being the capable soldiers they are, take turns in saving one another from impending doom.
And who could forget that it was Carlos that single-handedly cured RE mainstay protagonist Jill Valentine before she succumbed to her infection? Without Carlos, the RE series wouldn't have been the same.
2 Leon Kennedy & Dog (RE4)
One of Leon Kennedy's most helpful partners throughout the series is neither human nor has a name! The dog from RE4 (whom Leon just refers to as "That Dog") is first found helplessly stuck in a bear trap. If the player chooses to help the little guy out (which most players do), the dog will show his gratitude in one of the most heroic ways possible.
After being freed by Leon and walking off his injured leg for a bit, the dog comes back to partner up with Leon to make for one of the most epic two-on-one boss battles of the entire RE series. Leon and "That Dog's" team effort to take down El Gigante showed fans that sometimes, a language barrier doesn't always ruin a great duo (or friendship).
1 Jill Valentine & Chris Redfield (RE1)
Longtime S.T.A.R.S. members Jill and Chris haven't had the chance to fight side by side in a little while but that doesn't stop them from being the most iconic RE duo. Jill and Chris made their debut in the very first RE as they made their fated journey to the Spencer mansion. While the pair get split up after landing, the lore between the two and their time on the S.T.A.R.S. Alpha team speaks volumes about how well the two work together.
If it wasn't obvious from the gameplay in RE1 where Chris and Jill are constantly in search of one another in the mansion, worried about the other's well-being, it's stated that the two S.T.A.R.S. members often trained together, leading to a strong bond and friendship.
Bonus: Ethan Winters & Karl Heisenberg
When RE8 had released, fans everywhere discussed how the game's ending could have gone had protagonist Ethan Winters made a different decision.
In a sudden turn of events, Heisenberg states that he's rather interested in Ethan and took a liking to him and his capabilities. Heisenberg, eager to form a partnership with Ethan, excitedly proposes the two form an alliance to stop Mother Miranda together. While Heisenberg was feverishly eager to make a new friend, Ethan sadly turned him down, stopping one of the best RE duos dead in its tracks.
However, that never stopped fans from believing that had this duo happened, it'd be one of the best RE teams ever!