A new report claims Resident Evil 9 is taking the franchise in a bold new direction, comparing it to the massive shifts seen in Resident Evil 4 and 7.
If you’re a Resident Evil fan, chances are you’ve been keeping a close eye on all the rumors and leaks surrounding the next big entry in the series, Resident Evil 9. It’s been a while since Resident Evil Village dropped, and with Capcom staying quiet, speculation has been running wild.
Over the past few months, we’ve heard whispers about returning characters, a creepy new setting, and even details from alleged playtests. But now, we’ve got something even bigger—claims that Resident Evil 9 will be a “big reinvention” of the series, on par with what Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 7 did for the franchise.
Resident Evil 9 Will “Almost Definitely” Be Revealed This Year
This new information comes from well-known Resident Evil leaker Dusk Golem, who has shared reliable details in the past. In a new post on X (formerly Twitter), they suggested that the reason Resident Evil 9 is taking so long is because it’s a “very ambitious” title for Capcom and is a “big reinvention of the series.”
According to them, this isn’t just another sequel that builds off RE7 or Village, it’s a full-on reinvention of the series. Instead of playing like the recent remakes or the first-person horror of the last two mainline games, Capcom is apparently trying “new things” and pushing for something much bigger.
“I know a lot of people are also antsy at the lack of Resident Evil news for a year & a half now. The thing I think people will realize when [Resident Evil 9] is revealed is [that] the reason this game is taking so long is because it’s like a big reinvention of the series, to the same level as RE4 & RE7,” they said in a post on X.
“It’s not going to play just like RE7/RE8 or the Remakes, it’s trying new things & very ambitious. It will almost definitely be revealed this year, so just hold tight.”
That’s a big claim. Both Resident Evil 4 and Resident Evil 7 completely changed how the series played—RE4 went all-in on over-the-shoulder action, while RE7 brought back survival horror with a first-person perspective. If RE9 is truly doing something that significant, it could be one of the biggest changes in the franchise’s history.
While Capcom hasn’t officially revealed anything, there have been plenty of leaks floating around. Based on previous reports, Resident Evil 9 could be set on an eerie island tied to Eveline’s origins from RE7. Rumors also suggest the return of fan-favorite characters like Jill Valentine and Leon Kennedy, alongside Chris Redfield and Barry Burton.
Enemy-wise, leaked playtest details mentioned zombies that can wield weapons, a terrifying stalker enemy called the “Goatman,” and a mysterious antagonist named Mr. Simon. There’s also speculation that the game will explore hallucinations, which could be a unique gameplay mechanic.
Of course, as with any leak, it’s important to take all of this with a grain of salt. Until Capcom officially reveals the game, nothing is set in stone. That being said, if these claims are true, Resident Evil 9 could be one of the most exciting entries in the series yet.
What do you think about this potential shake-up for Resident Evil 9? Are you excited about a fresh new take on the franchise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!