The Resident Evil franchise has long been a staple of survival horror, thrilling players with its blend of terrifying monsters, complex narratives, and pulse-pounding action. With the success of Resident Evil Village (2021) and its subsequent DLC releases, fans have been eagerly anticipating the next major entry in the series: Resident Evil 9. Although Capcom has yet to reveal many details, there is already plenty of speculation and excitement surrounding what the ninth installment might bring to the table.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at everything we know so far about Resident Evil 9, from the possible plot and setting to expected gameplay mechanics, and what fans can expect from the next evolution of the franchise.
What is Resident Evil 9?
Resident Evil 9 is the upcoming entry in the Resident Evil series, which will likely continue the story of Ethan Winters (the protagonist of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village) and further expand upon the events of Resident Evil Village. While Capcom has not officially confirmed details about the game, Resident Evil 9 is expected to be a direct sequel to Resident Evil Village, wrapping up any lingering plot threads and introducing new characters, locations, and threats.
The Story: Where Will Resident Evil 9 Take Us?
As of now, the plot of Resident Evil 9 remains under wraps. However, there are several possible directions the story could take based on the events of Resident Evil Village.
Ethan Winters’ Fate
One of the most significant developments in Resident Evil Village was the fate of Ethan Winters, who sacrificed himself at the end of the game to save his daughter, Rose. While the game left some ambiguity around Ethan’s death, his daughter Rose seems to play a central role in the post-credits scene, hinting that she may become an important character in Resident Evil 9.
It’s unclear if Ethan will return as the protagonist or if the focus will shift to Rose, who may now have her own connection to the Mother Miranda and Umbrella Corporation‘s twisted experiments. If Rose does take the lead in Resident Evil 9, it could offer a fresh perspective on the series and bring new gameplay elements tied to her mysterious powers, which are alluded to in the closing scenes of Resident Evil Village.
Chris Redfield’s Role
Chris Redfield, a long-time protagonist and one of the key figures in the series, plays a pivotal role in Resident Evil Village. While Chris was not the main character, his actions set much of the plot in motion, especially with his involvement in the kidnapping of Ethan’s family and the mysteries surrounding the Umbrella Corporation. Given Chris’s continued importance in the series, it’s likely he will have an expanded role in Resident Evil 9. Fans may see him take on a more prominent leadership position as the fight against the remnants of the Umbrella Corporation continues.
The Return of Familiar Foes and New Threats
As with past Resident Evil titles, Resident Evil 9 will undoubtedly feature both new enemies and potential returning villains. The remnants of the Miranda Cult, as well as various other biological experiments and mutated creatures, could be brought into play. Mother Miranda, the central antagonist of Resident Evil Village, might still cast a long shadow over the next chapter, or perhaps a new villain will rise from the ashes of the old world.
Additionally, players can expect to face familiar enemies from previous games, such as zombies, mutated beasts, and bioweapons, while also contending with entirely new, imaginative creatures designed to keep players on edge.
Gameplay: What Changes and Innovations Can We Expect?
The Resident Evil series has undergone significant changes in its gameplay mechanics over the years. From its early days as a fixed-camera survival horror game to the more recent shift to first-person survival horror in Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village, the series has adapted to the times while staying true to its roots. Resident Evil 9 will likely continue this trend, introducing fresh elements while retaining the core gameplay that fans love.
First-Person vs. Third-Person
One of the most significant changes in Resident Evil Village was the use of a first-person perspective, which heightened the immersion and horror elements. However, after the release of the “Winters’ Expansion”, Capcom included an option for third-person mode, giving players more control over the camera and offering a more classic Resident Evil experience.
It’s possible that Resident Evil 9 could offer both perspectives, allowing players to choose between first-person or third-person depending on their preference. This dual perspective approach could help attract both longtime fans of the older Resident Evil titles as well as newcomers who enjoyed the more modern, first-person format of Resident Evil 7 and Village.
More Open-World Exploration
Resident Evil Village featured a more open and expansive environment compared to previous titles, with interconnected areas to explore and discover. If this trend continues in Resident Evil 9, players could expect a larger, more open-world experience, filled with hidden secrets, side quests, and optional content.
Exploration and resource management will likely continue to be a central theme of Resident Evil 9, with players scouring environments for crafting materials, weapons, and upgrades. There may also be a greater focus on puzzles and environmental storytelling, which has always been a hallmark of the series.
Combat and New Abilities
As with previous entries, combat in Resident Evil 9 will likely focus on a combination of action and survival horror elements. Players will need to manage limited resources, such as ammunition and health items, while battling against hordes of terrifying creatures.
With the potential for Rose Winters to play a more central role, it’s possible that her powers may play a part in combat. Perhaps she will have unique abilities to manipulate enemies or alter the environment in ways that add new layers to the gameplay mechanics.
Release Date and Platforms
While there is no official release date yet for Resident Evil 9, it is expected to launch sometime in the next few years, possibly in 2024 or 2025. The game will likely be released on multiple platforms, including:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
- Possibly PlayStation 4 and Xbox One depending on development decisions
Given the success of Resident Evil Village, Capcom is likely to prioritize next-generation hardware to ensure the best possible performance and visual fidelity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will Ethan Winters return as the protagonist in Resident Evil 9?
While Ethan Winters played a significant role in Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village, his fate at the end of Village suggests that he may not be the main character in Resident Evil 9. However, his daughter Rose may take center stage, with Ethan’s story potentially influencing the events in the next game.
2. 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 the game may also release on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, depending on the direction Capcom chooses for its development.
3. Will Resident Evil 9 continue the first-person perspective from Village?
It’s likely that Resident Evil 9 will offer players the option to choose between first-person and third-person perspectives, similar to the post-launch update for Resident Evil Village. Capcom may cater to both fans of the modern first-person experience and those who prefer the more traditional third-person view.
4. When can we expect a release date for Resident Evil 9?
While no official release date has been confirmed, Resident Evil 9 is expected to launch sometime between 2024 and 2025. Capcom will likely provide more details once the game is closer to completion.
5. What new gameplay features can we expect in Resident Evil 9?
While specific gameplay details are not confirmed, players can likely expect a return to open-world exploration, resource management, puzzle-solving, and a combination of action and survival horror elements. Additionally, the potential involvement of Rose Winters could introduce unique gameplay mechanics tied to her abilities.
Conclusion
Resident Evil 9 is shaping up to be a highly anticipated release in the Resident Evil franchise. While much of the game’s details remain unknown, it’s clear that Capcom will continue to push the boundaries of what fans love about the series—mixing survival horror, action, and an engaging narrative. Whether Ethan returns or the focus shifts to his daughter, Rose, Resident Evil 9 promises to be another thrilling and terrifying adventure that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for further updates as Capcom unveils more information in the coming months.
