Resident Evil Survivor is a first-person shooter developed for the PlayStation, marking the franchise's first real-time 3D environment. Players navigate through levels while combating enemies using a targeting reticle. The game features infinite ammunition for standard firearms, while advanced weapons have limited supplies. Each level concludes with two door choices, leading to different routes but converging at a single ending.
Resident Evil Survivor is the first Resident Evil title to be rendered in real time as opposed to making use of pre-rendered backdrops. Levels are explored in first person, and when enemies are encountered the press of a button will bring up a targeting reticle for shooting. As with most light-gun games there is infinite pistol ammunition available, but limited ammunition for more powerful weapons. At the end of each level two doors are presented which both lead to different levels, although all paths eventually lead to the same ending.