One of the longest-running franchises in gaming is Capcom’s Resident Evil. While the series has hit many stumbling points over the years, Resident Evil 7 was a turning point that brought the survival horror series back into the mainstream. Now, the series has split into new games and a string of equally excellent remakes. As fun as revisiting those classic games is, it is the new entries that have fans most excited, especially given where Resident Evil 8 left things. That obviously means Resident Evil 9 is next up for the core series, but what will that game look like and when can we expect it? Capcom is focused on more imminent upcoming video games like Monster Hunter Wilds and Okami 2, but there’s no doubt work is being done on its flagship series. Details are more secretive than the Umbrella Corporation’s agenda, but we’ve collected as many documents as possible to give you all the intel we could find.
Release date speculation
Resident Evil 7 Director, Kōshi Nakanishi, confirmed a new Resident Evil is in development.
He wasn't sure where to go with the series after 7, but he says he's found something substantial. pic.twitter.com/yuq1SQYM28
— Stealth (@Stealth40k) July 1, 2024
There’s no official release window for Resident Evil 9. In fact, we only know that it is being made and that Resident Evil 7 Director Koshi Nakanishi will return to direct this entry.
Some leakers have speculated that Resident Evil 9 could come as early as 2025, but take that information with some skepticism. Resident Evil 8 came out in 2021, so it is possible this new entry could come next year, though 2026 seems like a more realistic expectation.
Platforms
No platforms are confirmed for Resident Evil 9, though we feel it is more than safe to say it will at least come to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Odds are it won’t hit last-gen consoles, but we can’t be sure.
Trailers
There isn’t even a single screenshot of whatever Resident Evil 9 will look like. The only small tease comes from Nakanishi who stated “It was really difficult to figure out what to do after [Resident Evil 7], but I found it, and to be honest, it feels substantial. I can’t share any details just yet, but I hope you’re excited for the day I can.”
Spoiler warning for Resident Evil 8: Since Ethan bit the dust at the end of that game’s DLC, we will need a new protagonist for Resident Evil 9. Rose seems like the obvious choice, but Chris is another potential option.
Rumors about Jill potentially being at least one of the main playable characters exploring some form of hospital setting started swirling around the internet, however notable leaker Dusk Golem apparently has information debunking them. According to them “Jill doesn’t play a major role in RE9 unfortunately. This current hospital rumor floating around is 100% bullshit. Crushing the Jill hopium now before wrong expectations are set.” Furthermore, they also state that all other rumors are false as well.
After that statement, another leaker called Rino sourced a new rumor from Dusk Golem that states “Leon S Kennedy is claimed or be the main protagonist of Resident Evil 9, and Jill was only part of early drafts, but won’t be have a meaningful role in the game.” While the post did include an image of an older Leon, always take these leaks as speculation until we get official confirmation.
Gameplay
Based on who is directing Resident Evil 9, and the way the new titles have played so far, we expect this new game to continue with the first-person perspective the series has adopted since Resident Evil 7. There could be a third-person and/or VR modes added later, but we believe it will at least launch as another first-person horror game.
Beyond that, the only core things we expect to be doing are inventory management, solving puzzles, and fighting horrific monsters and bosses while exploring a unique location. There are bound to be plenty of tricks and new mechanics in store, but it would be impossible to guess at what those could be as of now.
Preorder
Sorry, Resident Evil fans, but there is no preorder information for Resident Evil 9 right now. Until we get a much clearer release date, Capcom won’t announce what preorder options there will be. We do expect plenty of editions to pick from, both physical and digital, so stay tuned to this article for updates.
