Over the years,Resident Evilhas mainly been a third-person horror series, but Capcom just recently announced a big shake-up, and it’s coming to mobile. This isn’t the first time thatResident Evilhas entered the mobile world, but the newly-revealed spin-off,Resident Evil Survival Unit, brings a real-time strategy twist.
Despite the franchise’s staple formula,Resident Evilhas experimented with different approaches in the past. The most successful changes were withRE7andVillage, as the two games demonstrated how much potential there is in first-personResident Eviltitles. Also, with the next mainline title in the series,RE Requiem, players will be able to switch back and forth between first-person and third-person, further showcasing the impact that the first-person change had on the overall franchise.RE Survival Unit’s real-time strategy approachis another intriguing step in a new direction, but it’s unlikely to have the same impact as past experimentation.
Capcom’s Willingness to Be Flexible With Resident Evil is Fun, But the Franchise’s Staple Features Are Bound to Remain the Standard
A Real-Time Strategy Spin-Off Might Make Ripples, But Not Waves
Right now, there is very little known about whatRE Survival Unitentails, especially when it comes to the overall story. The fact that it’s a real-time strategy game raises a lot of questions about how the narrative will unfold, so the full showcase will hopefully bring forth plenty of answers. There is also the possibility thatRE Survival Unitis simply the beginning.
WithRE Requiemofficially slated for early 2026, Capcom may be ready to capitalize ontheResident Evilfranchisein a fresh way. AfterRE Village’s release back in 2021, the wait for the next mainline entry has been a long one. Of course, theRE4remake helped keep a lot of fans entertained for a while, but fresh content is almost always anticipated the most. Since the wait has been so long, it makes one wonder ifRE Survival Unitcould be the first of many experimental spin-offs to both ignite hype forRE Requiemahead of release and benefit from its potential success after launch. Of course, this is purely speculation, but it would definitely be an intriguing strategy that could open the door for some compelling twists on the franchise.
Regardless, a real-time strategy offering is unlikely to change the franchise in any huge way. As fun as the real-time strategy genre is,Resident Evil’s linear, narrative-focused tradition is the heart of the series. There is still plenty of room for Capcom toexpandResident Evil’s horizons, but it would truly be surprising if a spin-off project became a major influence on future games.
RE Requiemlaunches on June 24, 2025.
Strategy Games Are Having a Bit of a Moment Right Now
Whether it be real-time strategy or turn-based tactical strategy, the overall strategy genre is set to get a robust offering of fresh titles, with many centered around major franchises. BeyondRE Survival Unit,Star Wars Zero CompanyandGame of Thrones: Was for Westerosare also on the horizon. There are alsoindie hits likeManor Lordsand long-running series likeCivilization 7that bring even more options.
Star Wars Zero CompanyandGame of Thrones: Was for Westerosare also set for a 2026 launch.
All of these games are incredibly different from one another, but strategy remains at the center of their unique gameplay mechanics. Withthe history ofResident Evilbeing defined by a blend of horror and action, it will be fascinating to see ifRE Survival Unitcan still bring the scares within a strategy setting. This remains to be seen, but more details will be revealed on July 10.
