Psychologist Reveals Why Gamers Find Resident Evil Save Rooms So Relaxing

When it comes to relaxing music, it doesn't get much more chill than a Resident Evil save room and a psychologist reveals why that is the case.

Ever since Resident Evil made its debut on the original PlayStation in 1996, it’s tormented (and entertained) its legion of fans with its gripping story of conspiracy and betrayal, intense action sequences, and arguably, most importantly, its gruesome enemies.

With so much action and horror, it only makes sense that Resident Evil gamers deserve a much-needed resBITE, once in a while, am I right? (Sorry, not sorry). That respite comes in the form of the super-chill, save room.

From the moment players entered the very first save room in the Spencer Mansion, they knew this was a safe place where zombies could not get at them. Not only were gamers comforted by the locked and secured room, not to mention the option to save (as long as you had an Ink Ribbon at hand), but also the instantly soothing music that gave instant tranquil vibes.

Depending on the fan that you ask, each will have their own favourite save room music, and to be honest, you can’t go wrong with most, and the latest version in Resident Evil Requiem, which has major RE7 vibes, would be a solid choice too.

For me personally, I’ll probably go with the save room music from the original Resident Evil 2 from 1998, followed by either the 2001 Resident Evil remake or the original Resident Evil 3, in any order.

Why Is the Resident Evil Save Music so Chill?

Straight off the bat, the simple explanation would be to let gamers instantly know that they’re in a safe place, hidden from all the horrors that lurk beyond the door. But what do other fans of the series think?

“I need a team of neuroscientists to figure out why Resident Evil save rooms are so incredibly soothing, ethereal & melancholic. YT Compilations get millions of views,” tweeted timsoret. “It's engraved in the memory of gamers. Millions of us were in these rooms, lonely, finding temporary respite.”

“When you're low on health with no ammo, and you slowly open the door, anticipating some fresh hell but... there's a typewriter,” replied kiaran_ritchie. “Pure dopamine.”

“Incredible. There was an anxious tension in that save room music too, like it was reminding you that your respite is only temporary, yet it still managed to be calming,” added RichardPritzel.

“Code Veronica save room music is still the GOAT! My only one ‘complaint’ about RE9 so far is that the save room music is a bit underwhelming,” said MeatCobainGamin.

What Does a Profession Think? A Psychologist May Have the Answer

“Hi! My name is David, and I'm a psychologist specialising in trauma and video games,” announced David_psicologo. “I've been following the Resident Evil series since I was a kid, and I've recently been analysing the series from a psychological perspective, examining both its design and characters, so I'll try to answer your question.

“These rooms evoke the feelings you mentioned because they're designed to convey comfort, security, and control (something the series takes away during moments of tension or danger). Playing with these two very different kinds of sensations is what makes it so psychologically powerful.

“Feel free to ask me anything you want, or follow my account if you like the content. Cheers!”

Do you have a favourite Resident Evil save room theme? Be sure to let us know.