The Resident Evil series, one of the most iconic franchises in the survival horror genre, has captivated gamers with its thrilling narratives, horrifying monsters, and innovative gameplay. After the success of Resident Evil Village (2021), fans have been eagerly awaiting the next installment, Resident Evil 9. While Capcom has been tight-lipped about the specific details, there has been plenty of speculation regarding the release date, storyline, and new features of the upcoming game.
In this article, we’ll dive into what we know so far about Resident Evil 9, its potential release date, and what fans can expect from the next chapter in the series.
What We Know About Resident Evil 9
As of now, Resident Evil 9 has not been officially announced with a release date, and Capcom has provided very few concrete details. However, there are a few key insights based on interviews, statements from Capcom, and the success of previous Resident Evil games.
Story and Setting
Following the events of Resident Evil Village, it’s widely believed that Resident Evil 9 will continue the story of Ethan Winters or possibly his daughter, Rose Winters. The end of Resident Evil Village left a significant cliffhanger, with Rose taking a central role in the story and raising questions about her future. Some fans speculate that Rose could become the new protagonist in Resident Evil 9, exploring her unique abilities and connection to the events of the previous games.
Additionally, Chris Redfield is likely to return, continuing his role in the larger narrative involving the remnants of the Umbrella Corporation and other bioweapons.
Gameplay and Features
In terms of gameplay, Resident Evil 9 is expected to maintain the same balance of survival horror and action that defined Resident Evil Village. The first-person perspective introduced in Resident Evil 7 and continued in Village will likely remain, though it’s possible Capcom could include a third-person option (similar to the post-launch update for Village).
New enemies, settings, and weapons are expected, as Capcom has a history of evolving the gameplay mechanics with each new release. With the open-world elements introduced in Village, we may see more expansive environments, more complex puzzles, and a deeper narrative focus.
Resident Evil 9 Release Date: When Can We Expect It?
Although Resident Evil 9 does not have an official release date yet, there are a few clues that could give us a rough idea of when the game might arrive.
- Capcom’s Release Schedule
Capcom typically follows a pattern of releasing a major new Resident Evil game every 3 to 4 years. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard came out in January 2017, and Resident Evil Village launched in May 2021. Given this, it’s reasonable to expect Resident Evil 9 to be released around 2024 or 2025. - Post-Village DLC and Updates
Resident Evil Village received several updates and downloadable content (DLC) packs after its release, including the “Winters’ Expansion” in October 2022, which added new game modes and a third-person perspective. Capcom tends to continue supporting games with post-launch content, but they also use this time to develop new entries in the series. The release of these updates could signal that Capcom is transitioning toward development for Resident Evil 9. - Industry Trends
Capcom has been known to take its time when developing high-quality titles, especially for a franchise as beloved as Resident Evil. With Resident Evil Village being such a massive success, Capcom will likely want to ensure that Resident Evil 9 lives up to the high expectations of fans. As such, it’s not surprising if they take a few years to perfect the next game, with a potential release date of late 2024 or 2025.
Possible Platforms for Resident Evil 9
As with Resident Evil Village, we can expect Resident Evil 9 to be released on a variety of platforms, including:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
It’s also possible that the game could be released on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, although this depends on Capcom’s development strategy and whether they choose to support last-gen consoles. Given that next-gen consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S have been widely adopted, Resident Evil 9 may lean heavily on the capabilities of these newer platforms for enhanced graphics and performance.
What’s Next for Resident Evil?
In addition to Resident Evil 9, Capcom has been expanding the Resident Evil universe with other projects, including remakes and spin-off games. The recent success of the Resident Evil 4 Remake has shown that there is still a demand for classic Resident Evil titles to be reimagined for modern audiences.
Moreover, Capcom has been developing more multiplayer modes for the series, such as Resident Evil RE:Verse, a multiplayer battle royale-style game featuring iconic characters from the franchise. While these projects are separate from the mainline entries, they help maintain interest in the Resident Evil brand and set the stage for future releases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will Resident Evil 9 be released?
There is no official release date yet for Resident Evil 9, but based on past release patterns, it is likely to be released in late 2024 or 2025. Capcom has not yet confirmed a timeline, so this is purely speculative.
2. Who will be the protagonist in Resident Evil 9?
It’s currently unclear who will take the lead in Resident Evil 9. It’s possible that Ethan Winters could return, though many believe the story may shift to Rose Winters, Ethan’s daughter, after the events of Resident Evil Village. Chris Redfield may also play a significant role.
3. Will Resident Evil 9 feature first-person or third-person gameplay?
It is likely that Resident Evil 9 will retain the first-person perspective introduced in Resident Evil 7 and continued in Resident Evil Village. However, Capcom may also include a third-person option, similar to the post-launch update for Village.
4. What platforms will Resident Evil 9 be available on?
Resident Evil 9 will likely be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It’s possible that the game could also release on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but this will depend on Capcom’s development plans.
5. Will Resident Evil 9 be an open-world game?
While Capcom has not confirmed the specifics of the game’s structure, it is likely that Resident Evil 9 will feature larger, more expansive environments, similar to Resident Evil Village. However, it is unclear whether the game will fully embrace an open-world format or stick with the more linear progression seen in previous games.
6. Is Resident Evil 9 a continuation of Resident Evil Village?
Yes, Resident Evil 9 is expected to be a direct sequel to Resident Evil Village, continuing the story of Ethan Winters, his daughter Rose, and the aftermath of the events in Village. However, it’s unclear whether Ethan will remain the protagonist or if Rose will take on a larger role in the new game.
Conclusion
While the exact release date for Resident Evil 9 remains unknown, fans can expect to see the next chapter in the iconic series sometime in 2024 or 2025. With its rich history of horror, action, and unforgettable characters, Resident Evil 9 is sure to continue the franchise’s legacy of delivering heart-pounding, immersive gameplay. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, the upcoming installment promises to offer another thrilling adventure filled with terrifying monsters and intricate storytelling.
Keep an eye out for official announcements from Capcom as more details about the game emerge, including a confirmed release date. Until then, Resident Evil fans can look forward to the future of the series with excitement and anticipation.
