Resident Evil is one of the most popular video game series. With a worldwide fan base, any news about a new title generates a wave of speculation. Now, Resident Evil 9 is in the spotlight, even without an official announcement from Capcom .
- Resident Evil 9 could bring back psychological horror and mechanics from RE7
- Resident Evil 9 may be delayed to 2026
In recent months, several rumors have surfaced, suggesting possible protagonists, settings, and even a new villain. Will we finally see Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine team up on a new mission? Will the game have an open world? And what will the next biological threat be? Check out everything we know so far about the highly anticipated Resident Evil 9!
Are Leon and Jill back? Who will be the protagonists of Resident Evil 9?
One of the most talked-about rumors suggests that Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine will be the main protagonists. If true, this will be the first time the two will share the lead role in a game in the franchise.
Leon hasn't starred in a new title since Resident Evil 6 (2012), while Jill hasn't had a central role since Resident Evil 5 (2009). The return of these iconic characters would be a gift for fans, especially considering that the last few games have focused on Ethan Winters.
Additionally, Chris Redfield and Barry Burton are rumored to appear in the plot, supporting the protagonists. However, their roles would be secondary, serving more to expand the narrative.
What will the story of the game be?
Since Resident Evil 7, Capcom has brought a darker, more terrifying approach to the franchise. However, Resident Evil 9 may be the final chapter in this new phase, wrapping up the storyline begun in the seventh game.
Rumors suggest the story will be tied to the organization that created Eveline, the biological weapon from Resident Evil 7. Now, this group is reportedly mass-producing clones of the character, posing a global threat.
The main villain this time around is said to be a mysterious antagonist named Mr. Simon, responsible for coordinating the new organization and its biological research. It's unclear whether he'll be a new character or someone already familiar from the franchise.
Setting: Resident Evil 9 may feature a more open map
Each game in the series takes players to a new setting, and Resident Evil 9 will be no different. Leaked information indicates that the game will be set in a fictional rural town on a Southeast Asian island, inspired by Singapore.
In addition to the main city, players will be able to explore a variety of terrifying environments, such as:
- Abandoned forests
- Dark and claustrophobic caves
- Sinister laboratories
- A mysterious temple
- A biological weapons factory
Furthermore, another major development could be the implementation of open-world elements. Capcom has already expressed interest in this mechanic with Dragon's Dogma 2, and there are rumors that the game will feature larger, more explorable areas, moving away from the franchise's classic linearity.
The biggest investment in the history of the franchise
Capcom traditionally releases two major AAA games per year, but Resident Evil 9 could break that mold. Rumor has it the biggest budget of the franchise, surpassing even Resident Evil Village.
Development reportedly began in 2018, making it the longest-running title in the series. This reinforces the idea that Capcom is preparing something truly ambitious for fans.
Will Resident Evil 9 be the biggest game in the saga?
With so many rumors circulating, the game promises to be one of the biggest and most ambitious entries in the franchise. Thus, the possibility of bringing back familiar characters, a story connected to the previous games, and more open-ended gameplay puts Capcom in a challenging position.
If the leaks are correct, the new game could mark the triumphant return of Jill Valentine and Leon Kennedy. Furthermore, it could solidify the franchise as one of the biggest names in horror gaming. Now, we just have to wait for the official announcement to find out what's really coming!
