Capcom is aiming to redefine the franchise again with Resident Evil 9, potentially the biggest entry in the series to date.
While an exact release date is still pending, all signs and credible leaks point to Resident Evil 9 being the dominant horror gaming event of late 2025 or early 2026. Capcom officially confirmed in late 2024 that Koshi Nakanishi, the visionary director behind the acclaimed Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, is at the helm of Resident Evil 9. This news alone has sent expectations skyrocketing. Nakanishi saved the franchise once by switching to first-person; with Resident Evil 9, he aims to innovate again.
The most persistent and credible rumor surrounding Resident Evil 9 is the shift to an “open-world” structure. Unlike the linear corridors of previous games, Resident Evil 9 is built on the RE Engine’s new “Dragon’s Dogma 2” open-world tech. This suggests that Resident Evil 9 will allow players to explore a massive, seamless environment—rumored to be a fictional island inspired by Southeast Asia or Singapore—without load screens.

In Resident Evil 9, players will reportedly control legacy characters (leaks suggest Leon S. Kennedy or Chris Redfield) as they investigate a new biological threat. The “open field” approach of Resident Evil 9 means that enemies can stalk you across long distances. Imagine the terror of Mr. X or Lady Dimitrescu, but with the freedom to chase you through a whole forest or town in Resident Evil 9.
Capcom has stated that Resident Evil 9 has been in development longer than any other game in the series. This extended cycle ensures that the fidelity of Resident Evil 9 will be generation-defining. Ray-tracing, photogrammetry, and 3D audio will make the horror of Resident Evil 9 feel disturbingly real.

The story of Resident Evil 9 is rumored to wrap up the “Winters Family” arc while setting up a new era for the BSAA. With the subtitle potentially being Resident Evil 9: Revenant or Resident Evil 9: Requiem (based on trademark filings), the game deals with the aftermath of the fungal virus.
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For gamers, Resident Evil 9 is the title to watch. If the 2026 window holds, it will compete directly with other heavy hitters, but the brand power of Resident Evil 9 is unmatched. Prepare for resource scarcity, puzzle-solving, and combat on a scale never before seen in the series.