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Resident Evil fans, prepare yourselves: the franchise’s next chapter, Resident Evil 9—tentatively titled Resident Evil Apocalypse—is rumored to be its most ambitious yet. While Capcom hasn’t spilled all the beans, leaks, trends, and speculation give us a glimpse of what’s in store. Here’s everything you need to know so far:
When’s the Apocalypse Coming?
Capcom hasn’t confirmed a release date, but based on its development cycles, we could be looking at a late 2024 or early 2025 launch. With Resident Evil Village dropping in 2021, a 3-4 year gap suggests this might be the studio’s most polished and expansive entry yet.
A Wilderness of Horror: Storyline and Setting
Rumors suggest the game is set in a North American wilderness, featuring dense forests, winding rivers, and eerie caves. The plot might incorporate the ninth moon cycle, tying into folklore-inspired enemies like human-voice-imitating creatures—a possible nod to the Wendigo myth.
A mysterious woman dressed in gold and brown is rumored to take center stage, while fan-favorite characters like Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, or Leon S. Kennedy might return for what could be the series’ climactic chapter.
Gameplay: Survival Meets Exploration
Expect Capcom to stay true to its survival horror roots while leaning into action-heavy gameplay à la Resident Evil 4 and 5.
What’s Rumored to Be New?
- Open-World Exploration: Larger, interconnected environments could allow for more free-roaming gameplay, blending tension with exploration.
- Enhanced Enemy AI: If the rumors hold, enemies might utilize more psychological tactics, making every encounter even more terrifying.
- RE Engine Powerhouse: With Capcom’s RE Engine behind games like Resident Evil Village and Dragon’s Dogma 2, expect jaw-dropping visuals, dynamic lighting, and immersive mechanics.
Will Your Rig Survive the Horror?
While official PC specs are still under wraps, here’s a safe bet based on Resident Evil Village:
Minimum Requirements:
- GPU: GTX 1050 Ti or equivalent
- RAM: 8 GB
- CPU: Quad-core processor
Recommended Specs:
- GPU: GTX 1660 Super or higher
- RAM: 16 GB
- CPU: Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 processor
For the best experience, aim for RTX GPUs to enjoy the real-time ray tracing and photorealistic details Capcom’s RE Engine can deliver.
Why This One’s a Big Deal
Capcom is reportedly pouring its biggest budget and longest development cycle ever into Resident Evil 9. Leaks suggest this could tie together ongoing storylines, making it a must-play for longtime fans and a potential benchmark for the survival horror genre.
Should You Pre-Order?
The hype is real, but resist the urge to pre-order until we see official trailers and gameplay footage. Capcom’s reputation for polish is solid, but major gaming events will give us a clearer picture of what to expect. Resident Evil 9 promises to blend heart-pounding horror with thrilling innovation, pushing the series to new heights. So, dust off your gaming setup and brace yourself—the apocalypse might just redefine survival horror.
