Resident Evil 9: The Next Evolution in Survival Horror
The Resident Evil franchise continues to dominate the world of survival horror, and fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next installment — Resident Evil 9. After the massive success of Resident Evil Village, Capcom seems to be gearing up for another chilling experience. From potential storylines to speculated titles like Resident Evil 9: Apocalypse, here’s everything you need to know about the much-anticipated game.
What Is Resident Evil 9?
Resident Evil 9 is expected to be the next mainline entry in Capcom’s legendary horror series. As the ninth major title, it's likely to build upon the narrative of the previous games, particularly Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village, which introduced Ethan Winters and a new storyline outside of the classic Raccoon City saga.
A New Chapter in Horror Gaming
Resident Evil 9 may take the franchise into new territory, both narratively and geographically. Rumors suggest it could introduce fresh characters, eerie locations, and a darker, more supernatural tone. With the working title reportedly being Resident Evil 9: Apocalypse, fans are buzzing with theories about what “apocalypse” might hint at in terms of gameplay and plot.
Resident Evil 9 Release Date: What We Know
One of the most asked questions online is: When is the Resident Evil 9 release date?
As of now, Capcom has not officially announced a release date for Resident Evil 9. However, various insider leaks and industry speculation suggest that the game is currently in development and may release as early as late 2025 or early 2026. Given the typical development cycle of major Resident Evil titles, this timeline makes sense — Resident Evil Village was released in 2021, and Capcom often works on a 4-5 year cycle between mainline games.
Early Development Rumors
According to some reliable industry sources, Resident Evil 9 has been in development since at least 2018. These early reports, combined with Capcom’s consistent push for annual releases (including remakes and spin-offs), hint that the next major installment is closer than we think.
Resident Evil 9: Apocalypse – Is This the Final Title?
Many fans believe the upcoming title will be called Resident Evil 9: Apocalypse, based on leaks from credible sources and internal Capcom documentation. While the title hasn’t been confirmed officially, it aligns with the thematic evolution of the series — from viruses and bioterrorism to more apocalyptic and supernatural threats.
What Could “Apocalypse” Mean?
The word “Apocalypse” implies a cataclysmic event or the end of the world — a fitting direction if the game plans to scale up from the isolated horrors of Resident Evil Village. This could involve:
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A global outbreak of a new bioweapon
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The fall of major cities
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Supernatural enemies influenced by viruses
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A darker, more psychological tone
The title may also symbolize the conclusion of the storyline that began with Resident Evil 7, possibly wrapping up the Ethan Winters arc — or introducing a brand-new protagonist.
Expected Gameplay and Features
While no official gameplay footage of Resident Evil 9 has been released, fans and insiders have speculated about several potential features.
First-Person or Third-Person?
Resident Evil 7 and Village used a first-person perspective, which significantly increased the horror element. Some rumors suggest Resident Evil 9 will continue this trend, while others say it may return to a third-person view like the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 4. A hybrid system could be possible, giving players the option to switch perspectives.
Open World and Exploration
Another exciting rumor is the potential for open-world exploration. Resident Evil Village introduced semi-open areas with exploration, and Capcom may expand on this by making Resident Evil 9 a fully open-world game, possibly set in a remote village or crumbling city overtaken by bio-mutants.
AI Improvements and Enemy Variety
Capcom is expected to improve enemy AI and introduce more diverse enemies, including new types of mutated creatures, smarter enemies, and possibly even supernatural foes—especially if “Apocalypse” involves elements beyond science.
Will Familiar Faces Return?
With each new Resident Evil installment, fans eagerly hope for the return of iconic characters like Leon S. Kennedy, Chris Redfield, or Jill Valentine. While Resident Evil 9 might introduce a new lead, some leaks have hinted that Chris Redfield may play a supporting role, continuing from his appearance in Village.
Ethan Winters: Will He Return?
Spoiler alert for Resident Evil Village — Ethan’s fate was left ambiguous. While many believe his story ended in Village, Resident Evil 9 may surprise us with flashbacks, new revelations, or even his return.
Resident Evil 9 Will Redefine Horror Again
Though Capcom has kept things under wraps, it’s clear that Resident Evil 9 is going to be one of the most talked-about and anticipated horror games of the coming years. Whether it ends up being called Resident Evil 9: Apocalypse or something else entirely, the franchise’s legacy ensures that fans are in for a terrifying and thrilling ride.
Stay tuned as we await more updates, trailers, and an official Resident Evil 9 release date.
Ravens may have landed hidden gem by nabbing Alohi Gilman in Odafe Oweh trade
The Baltimore Ravens made a shocking trade on Tuesday, dealing outside linebacker Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick.
The big player in the deal was Oweh, who is coming off a 10-sack season in 2024, but has yet to tally his first sack of 2025. The 26-year-old is also in a contract year, and was likely on his way out of Baltimore by season’s end, so he will get a chance to stand out on one of the better contenders in the AFC as he looks to play into a big-time contract by the time the 2026 offseason rolls around.
With most of the attention on Oweh, Baltimore’s acquisition of Gilman is flying under the radar. He is not a flashy player by any means, but he has been a strong contributor to Los Angeles’ defense throughout his six-year career. Now, he joins a Ravens’ defense that is searching for its identity in the midst of a disastrous start to the 2025 campaign.
Many of the issues that have led to Baltimore having the league’s worst defense through five weeks have been due to the lack of communication. Blown coverages have been a common theme, as they have given up 1,313 passing yards, which is the second-worst mark in the NFL. In Gilman, the Ravens now have themselves an Ar’Darius Washington replacement, which should allow the rest of the secondary to flex their versatile muscles.
Alohi Gilman is an underrated acquisition
Washington played a key role in 2024, helping turn around a defense that was among the worst in the NFL through the first half of the regular season. Since he was thrust onto the starting defense, Baltimore became one of the best units. While the Ravens faced some of the worst offenses down the stretch of that season, the unit looked far more sound, and they could see similar reconstructions with Gilman playing next to rookie safety Malaki Starks.
Gilman has posted a 65.5 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus. He has proven to be a starting-caliber safety, and while he has the tendency to blow coverages every now and then, he brings depth to a depleted secondary. Most notably, the move will allow versatile safety Kyle Hamilton to hover around the field and be the dynamic playmaker everyone knows he is capable of being.
