Resident Evil 9: Open-World Leaks, Development Timeline, and What to Expect in 2025

Intro

Imagine roaming a creepy island filled with fog and zombies as you uncover secrets in a huge open-world horror game. That’s the idea for Resident Evil 9, as hinted by leaker Dusk Golem. He says that Capcom started working on this game back in 2017 with plans to make it the series’ very first open-world entry. Announced under director Koshi Nakanishi in July 2024, it looks like Resident Evil 9 is ready to wrap up the story that kicked off with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, likely coming out in 2025 or 2026. But since Capcom hasn’t confirmed anything officially, fans are stuck trying to figure out rumors about where it’s set, who’s in it, and how it plays.

The excitement around Resident Evil 9 really picked up in 2024 when Dusk Golem mentioned that it would use the RE Engine's open-world tech, seen in Dragon’s Dogma 2, to shake things up in the survival horror genre. Posts on X and gaming threads like Reddit show a mix of excitement and doubt. Some fans are looking forward to this “big reinvention,” while others are concerned that an open-world style might lose the series' tight, suspenseful vibe. This guide on Temploop (https://temploop.net) covers the leaks, development story, and what Resident Evil 9 might bring when it drops. Whether you're a longtime fan or just getting into the zombie action, this guide will give you insights, tips, and answers to keep you on top of the horror scene.

Why is this important? The Resident Evil series has set the standard for survival horror for almost 30 years, and Resident Evil 9 could change the genre with its bold vision. Let’s dig into the rumors and figure out what’s real and what’s not, and get hyped for what could be Capcom's most ambitious game yet.

The Leaks: What We Know About Resident Evil 9

The main leaks about Resident Evil 9 come from Dusk Golem (@AestheticGamer1), a leaker who has had hits and misses in the past but has dropped accurate deets for games like Resident Evil 8 and Resident Evil 4 Remake. Here are the main points:

Development Timeline

• Kicked off in 2017 : Dusk Golem mentioned that Resident Evil 9 started being made in early 2018, possibly as what was first thought to be Resident Evil 8, at the same time as Resident Evil Village. That gives it a 7-8 year development period, making it the longest for any Resident Evil game.
• Biggest Budget Ever : This game is said to have the highest budget in the franchise’s history, showing just how ambitious it is.
• Directed by Koshi Nakanishi : Confirmed by Capcom in July 2024, Nakanishi, who directed Resident Evil 7, is leading the charge with hopes for a “substantial” upgrade.

Open-World Structure

• Open-World Tech : Dusk Golem said back in March 2024 that Resident Evil 9 will use open-world technology created for Dragon’s Dogma 2, making it either semi-open or fully open-world.
• Not Fully Open-World : Later info points to it having big interconnected zones instead of a true open world, somewhat like the hub in Resident Evil Village.
• RE Engine Upgrades : The updated RE Engine will allow for bigger environments, changing weather, and smooth exploration, which could crank up the horror through unexpected moments.

Setting and Story

• Southeast Asian Island : Dusk Golem first claimed the game would be set on an island based on Singapore, but he also mentioned this might not be current info.
• North America Alternative : A leak from 2022 suggested a North American setting with creatures like Wendigos and Skinwalkers, but that one isn’t as believable.
• Story Wrap-Up : Rumors say that Resident Evil 9 will tie up the trilogy that started with Resident Evil 7, possibly ending story arcs for characters like Ethan Winters or Chris Redfield.

Protagonists and Enemies

• Protagonists : There’s talk that Leon S. Kennedy or Jill Valentine might take the lead, with some rumors suggesting dual campaigns. However, Dusk Golem later said Jill won’t play a significant role.
• Enemies : Leaks say there will be zombie-like enemies infected with Megamycete that can use weapons and show odd behaviors like praying to the moon. A “Goatman” stalker and a creature with a mouth on its belly also popped up in rumors, but Dusk Golem called those fake.

Release and Reveal

• Release Timeframe : Early leaks hinted at a January 2025 launch, but Dusk Golem said it might now be late 2025 or 2026 due to some delays.
• Reveal Timeline : Fans are buzzing about a possible reveal at The Game Awards 2025 or during a PlayStation event, given Capcom's past trends.

Fan Reactions and Community Buzz

The open-world rumor has really split fans, based on discussions on X and Reddit:

• Excitement : Folks like @Casca_In_Red on Reddit see promise in adding open-world features, mentioning that Resident Evil Village set the stage for it.
• Skepticism : Users like @M4K0V1CH worry that going open-world could lessen the carefully crafted horror, emphasizing a preference for tight, linear design.
• Missing Shinji Mikami : With Shinji Mikami gone from Tango Gameworks since 2023, some fans are anxious about the depth of the story. However, others find comfort in Nakanishi's previous work.

This part will look over posts on X and discussions on Reddit to gauge what the community thinks about the potential open-world shift.

Comparing Resident Evil 9 to Past Reinventions

Resident Evil has a history of big changes, like:

• Resident Evil 4 (2005) : Changed things up with an over-the-shoulder camera and action-driven gameplay, greatly influencing modern third-person shooters.
• Resident Evil 7 (2017) : Made a jump to first-person, putting a spotlight on psychological horror and exploration.

An open-world Resident Evil 9 could be the next big leap, possibly mixing exploration with survival horror, similar to what The Evil Within 2 did. This section will compare past changes and how Resident Evil 9 might find a balance between open-world freedom and horror tension.

Potential Gameplay Features

Based on leaks, Resident Evil 9 might add some cool features:

• Exploration : Expect big, interconnected areas where dynamic weather affects visibility and how enemies behave.
• Resource Management : With fewer ammo and health items in a larger world, players will need to plan strategically.
• Enemy Variety : Megamycete-infected zombies with unique behaviors like using weapons or teaming up for attacks could show up.
• Puzzles : There could be more puzzles in open spaces, similar to what we saw in Resident Evil Village's castle.

This section will dive into how gameplay might look, drawing connections to mechanics in Dragon’s Dogma 2 and combat from Resident Evil 4 Remake.

Setting and Story Speculation

The rumored settings – an island in Southeast Asia or a wilderness in North America – suggest some cool environments:

• Southeast Asia : An island with jungle and city vibes, inspired by Singapore, could connect to the spread of Megamycete.
• North America : A forest filled with Wendigo-like creatures could tap into folklore horror from the 4chan leaks.

In terms of story, Resident Evil 9 might wrap up threads from Resident Evil 7 and Village, likely involving Umbrella or the Mold. This section will explore story possibilities, including character returns and new threats.

How to Gear Up for Resident Evil 9

To prepare yourself:

• Follow Leakers : Keep an eye on @AestheticGamer1 on X for new info, but double-check with official sources.
• Play Previous Titles : Check out Resident Evil 7 and Village to catch up on the trilogy's story, available on PS5, Xbox, and PC.
• Join Fan Communities : Get involved on Reddit’s r/HorrorGaming or r/GamingLeaksAndRumours for fan theories.
• Watch for Events : Be on the lookout for a reveal at The Game Awards 2025 or a PlayStation event.

Challenges and Controversies

• The Risks of Open-World : Fans are worried that scripted horror moments could be lost, making open-world games feel less scary.
• Leaker Trustworthiness : Dusk Golem’s mixed history, including some claims that turned out to be false, raises questions.
• Delays in Development : Rumored delays pushing the release to 2026 could leave fans frustrated, though Capcom's solid track record is encouraging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Resident Evil 9 confirmed to be open-world?
   Leaker Dusk Golem suggests it’s using open-world tech, but it may only have semi-open areas instead of a fully open design.
2. When will Resident Evil 9 come out?
   Rumors hint at a late 2025 or 2026 release, with a possible reveal at The Game Awards 2025.
3. Who’s in charge of Resident Evil 9?
   Koshi Nakanishi, who directed Resident Evil 7, is leading this project.
4. Will it be first-person or third-person?
   Leaks suggest it’ll stick with third-person, similar to Resident Evil 4 Remake and Village’s third-person mode.
5. Who’s the main character in Resident Evil 9?
   Rumors point to Leon Kennedy or Jill Valentine being the lead, though Dusk Golem downplayed Jill’s role.
6. What’s the setting for Resident Evil 9?
   Leaks mention a Southeast Asian island or a North American forest, but nothing's confirmed yet.
7. Will zombies be back in Resident Evil 9?
   Leaks confirm that there will be Megamycete-infected zombies as the main foes, possibly with weapons and unique actions.
8. Is Dusk Golem a trustworthy leaker?
   Dusk Golem is hit or miss but has proven to be reliable with Resident Evil leaks in the past.
9. What platforms will Resident Evil 9 be available on?
   It should drop on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with no plans for PS4 or Xbox One.
10. Will Resident Evil 9 finish the current trilogy?
    Leaks say it’ll wrap up the story from Resident Evil 7 and Village.

Wrap-Up

Resident Evil 9 looks to be an exciting new direction for Capcom’s storied franchise. With leaks pointing to an open-world setup, a lengthy development process, and a probable release in 2025 or 2026, fans are buzzing with excitement. While the idea of exploring a huge, horror-laden world is thrilling, concerns about losing the series’ intense vibe are also prevalent. This guide has peeled back the layers of rumors – from settings to characters – gearing you up for the next chapter in survival horror. Keep an eye on Temploop (https://temploop.net) for more gaming news, and get ready to face the unknown in Resident Evil 9!