When it comes to horror gaming royalty, few names command as much respect — and rabid anticipation — as Resident Evil. After the immense success of Resident Evil Village (Resident Evil 8) and various high-profile remakes, fans are hungry for what’s next in Capcom’s legendary survival horror saga.
Resident Evil 9 (or RE9) is surrounded by mystery, but early leaks, rumors, and insider reports have already started painting an exciting — and terrifying — picture of what’s to come.
Let’s dive deep into everything we know (and think we know) about Resident Evil 9 so far!
Is Resident Evil 9 Confirmed?
As of April 2025, Capcom has not officially announced Resident Evil 9. However, credible industry insiders and multiple reputable leakers have hinted that RE9 is well into development and could be Capcom’s next major release after the Resident Evil 4 Remake DLCs cycle winds down.
Rumors suggest that Capcom originally planned Resident Evil 9 as part of a larger “connected trilogy” beginning with Resident Evil 7, followed by Resident Evil Village. This would make RE9 the epic conclusion to Ethan Winters’ storyline — or at least wrap up major plot threads involving the Mold and bioweapon experiments.
RE9 Rumored Release Date
The million-dollar question: When is Resident Evil 9 coming out?
- Industry leaker Dusk Golem (who has a solid Resident Evil track record) suggested that RE9 was originally scheduled for a 2024 release, but internal shifts pushed it back.
- As of current reports, late 2025 or early 2026 seems the most realistic launch window.
- Capcom’s internal fiscal forecasts also hint at a major unannounced title for 2025-26 — widely speculated to be RE9.
Key takeaway:
If Capcom follows its usual announcement cycle, we might see a teaser trailer in late 2025, followed by a release 6-9 months later.
What Will Resident Evil 9 Be About?
The story details are the most closely guarded secret, but here’s what rumors and insider leaks suggest:
- Setting: The game will likely shift away from Eastern Europe (where Village was set) and move toward a more open-world tropical environment — possibly an isolated island or exotic peninsula.
- Theme: The overarching theme will involve ancient cults, occult rituals, and twisted folklore.
- Protagonist: No confirmed news yet, but some leaks suggest a new character might take the lead, while familiar faces like Chris Redfield or even a grown-up Rosemary Winters may appear.
- Enemies: Expect a shift from werewolves and vampires to supernatural horrors tied to biotechnology — think witches, phantoms, and cursed beings.
Fun Fact:
RE9 was apparently codenamed “Resident Evil Apocalypse” during early development stages — though final titles usually change.
RE9 Gameplay Leaks: What’s New?
According to early rumors from test build leaks:
- Semi-Open World: Exploration will be a bigger focus, with interconnected hubs and non-linear progression.
- New Inventory System: Building on RE4’s beloved attache case, RE9 could offer deeper crafting and weapon modification.
- Enhanced Horror: Capcom aims to make RE9 the scariest Resident Evil yet, pushing psychological horror elements more aggressively than even RE7.
Gameplay Enhancements Expected:
- Dynamic weather system
- Stealth mechanics (similar to The Last of Us)
- Companion system for certain missions
Has There Been a Resident Evil 9 Trailer Leak?
As of now, no official trailer for Resident Evil 9 has been released publicly.
However, closed-door footage allegedly exists:
- Small internal presentations reportedly showed early environment walkthroughs, with heavy jungle foliage, ritualistic sites, and supernatural creatures.
- Leaked descriptions mention a terrifying, silent stalker enemy who hunts the player relentlessly across multiple zones.
These descriptions match previous Capcom ambitions to make RE9 a survival horror game that constantly unsettles the player without giving them clear safety zones.
Caution:
Always treat trailer leak claims cautiously unless verified by major outlets like IGN, Eurogamer, or GameSpot.
How Will Resident Evil 9 Compare to RE Village and RE7?
| Feature | Resident Evil 7 | Resident Evil Village | Resident Evil 9 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting | Louisiana Mansion | Gothic European Village | Tropical Island/Exotic Land |
| Tone | Pure Survival Horror | Action-Horror Blend | Psychological/Supernatural Horror |
| Camera | First Person | First Person | Likely First Person |
| Story Focus | Bio-Weapon Horror | Family Dynasty Horror | Occult, Curses, Ancient Evil |
Should You Be Excited?
If you’re a fan of:
- Psychological terror
- Non-linear exploration
- Classic survival horror tension
…then YES, you should absolutely be hyped for Resident Evil 9. Capcom has been on a hot streak with RE7, RE Village, and the REmake series. Early signs point to RE9 being a bold evolution that honors the series’ horror roots while experimenting with fresh ideas.
Final Thoughts
The rumors swirling around Resident Evil 9 are both exciting and chilling. While we await official announcements, the early signs point toward a bold, horrifying, and unforgettable addition to the Resident Evil legacy.
Whether you’re a veteran zombie-slayer or a newcomer to the horrors Capcom creates, RE9 is shaping up to be one of the biggest releases in gaming — possibly redefining the survival horror genre for the next generation.
Stay tuned!
