The ninth installment in the Resident Evil franchise, Resident Evil 9 (2025), picks up after the explosive events of Resident Evil Village and the interconnected storylines that have shaped the saga. With director Johannes Roberts returning to helm the project, fans can expect another terrifying, action-packed journey into the world of bioweapons, survival horror, and grotesque creatures.

Plot: After narrowly escaping the horrors of the village and defeating Mother Miranda, Ethan Winters (who had previously been at the center of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village) has settled into a quiet life with his family. However, peace is short-lived as new threats emerge. The story takes place several years after the events of Village, where Ethan, now working as a researcher, begins to unravel a conspiracy far darker than he could have imagined.

The plot revolves around a mysterious organization known as Umbra Corporation, which has been quietly researching new forms of bioweapons in the shadows. They seek to build on the legacy of the Umbrella Corporation and its infamous T-Virus, but with new advancements that allow them to control not only the monsters they create, but also the human mind itself.

As Ethan is drawn back into the heart of this new terror, old allies, including Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, return to help him uncover the secrets of Umbra and stop them from creating an army of powerful, mind-controlled soldiers. Alongside familiar faces, newcomers like Claire, a former Umbra scientist who seeks redemption for her past involvement with the company, and Jin, a mysterious operative with a personal vendetta against Umbra, play pivotal roles.

The narrative delves into the effects of the virus not just on the body, but on the mind, as Ethan finds himself struggling with visions, hallucinations, and memories of the terrifying events he endured in the village. These psychological aspects bring a new layer of horror to the game, blending the series’ signature survival horror with mind-bending psychological terror.

New monsters emerge, including grotesque bio-engineered hybrids with the ability to manipulate reality, which adds an even more unpredictable and terrifying element to the game. From the dense, snow-covered mountains in the northern reaches of Europe to the crumbling ruins of abandoned Umbra facilities, Resident Evil 9 offers a diverse range of locations, each more horrifying than the last.

The game’s action is heightened by a deeper focus on stealth and resource management, forcing players to think strategically rather than relying on brute force. Players can expect tense moments, dramatic confrontations with mutated enemies, and shocking twists that keep them on the edge of their seat.

The gameplay mechanics continue the trend set by previous titles in the series, with a third-person perspective and a focus on survival elements. Ethan’s unique connection to the virus plays a major role, providing him with enhanced strength and regenerative abilities, but it also brings personal consequences that he must face as the story unfolds.