Resident Evil 9, tentatively titled Resident Evil Extinction, has been quietly listed on Metacritic for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X, suggesting that Capcom could be preparing to reveal the next installment in its iconic survival horror series. While Capcom has yet to officially confirm the game, a series of recent leaks have provided a detailed glimpse into the storyline, setting, and gameplay mechanics fans can expect from the next chapter of the Resident Evil franchise.
According to these leaks, Resident Evil IX is set on a fictional island called “Tierra del Fuego,” located in Southeast Asia. The island’s setting is reportedly inspired by the real-life Japanese volcanic island of Miyake-jima, known for its dangerous volcanic gases. Inhabitants of Miyake-jima often wear gas masks for survival, and this environmental threat seems to have influenced the atmosphere of Resident Evil Extinction. The game is said to feature a diverse blend of cultural influences from 11 Southeast Asian countries, combining architectural and traditional elements to create a unique, immersive environment.
The central antagonist of Resident Evil Extinction will be a biological threat known as the White Mold, a new variation of the Mold organism that was featured in Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village. This new strain of Mold is reportedly inspired by the Torrubiella fungus, which infects and gradually consumes insects. In the game, victims of the White Mold undergo extreme physical and mental degradation, eventually transforming into monstrous creatures based on mythological figures from Southeast Asian folklore.
Players will assume the role of Adrian Clark, a tourist visiting the island with his family. The plot takes a dark turn when Adrian witnesses the murder of his wife by the locals and the mysterious abduction of his son. Throughout the game, Adrian embarks on a quest to find his child, navigating the dangers posed by the White Mold and the island’s hostile inhabitants. Long-time Resident Evil fans will be pleased to know that the game will feature appearances from several iconic characters, including Leon Kennedy. Now in his 50s, Leon will play an episodic role in aiding Adrian, with other familiar faces such as Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, and Claire Redfield expected to appear in post-launch DLC.
In terms of gameplay, Resident Evil Extinction will follow the first-person perspective used in recent Resident Evil titles, but after completing the main story, players will unlock the option to play in an over-the-shoulder (OTS) perspective. Notably, downloadable content (DLC) that features well-known characters from the series will only be available in OTS mode. The game’s narrative will also delve into the island’s volcanic environment, which plays a key role in the storyline. The volcano is tied to ancient extremophiles—organisms worshipped by the island’s inhabitants—that have the potential to enhance the White Mold, drawing the attention of two rival factions: The Connections and the BSAA.
The BSAA, now controlled by Blue Umbrella, has become a corrupt organization. Blue Umbrella, which supplies bio-organic weapons (BOW soldiers) to various nations, plays a central role in the apocalyptic state of the world in Resident Evil Extinction.
Please take these leaks with a grain of salt, as always. The listing on Metacritic may suggest that an official announcement is coming soon. Rumors point to a release date in 2026.
