Resident Evil Survival Unit is a bold new step for Capcom’s iconic survival horror franchise, shifting from traditional action gameplay to a mobile strategy format. Co-developed by Sony Music Entertainment Japan, JOYCITY, and Capcom, the game is scheduled to launch in late 2025 for iOS and Android. The game also marks a major creative collaboration, introducing a brand-new original monster—“Mortem”—designed by acclaimed artist Yoshitaka Amano, a first in Resident Evil’s long history.
The game’s development is being led by Shinji Hashimoto, known for his work on Final Fantasy titles, with Masachika Kawata (Capcom) supervising content to ensure lore authenticity. Kye Dongkyun of JOYCITY, a studio recognized for its strength in real-time strategy design, is overseeing core gameplay mechanics. In a recent showcase, the developers unveiled extensive details on gameplay, characters, and thematic direction, emphasizing survival, limited resources, and tactical management.
Gameplay Overview
Resident Evil Survival Unit is set in a timeline parallel to Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, placing players in control of a survival base located around a derelict mansion. Players must manage survivors like Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine, Carlos Oliveira, and others, each possessing unique tactical roles—combat, scavenging, technology, and more.
The gameplay focuses on open-field exploration, base-building, real-time tactical decisions, and alliances with other survivor groups. As players explore the ruins of a collapsing city, they must choose between cooperation or conflict, managing scarce resources and planning base expansions. Over time, what begins as a small refuge evolves into a dominant survival faction.
Amano’s Contribution and Original Monster
One of the most noteworthy announcements was the debut of “Mortem,” a creature designed by Yoshitaka Amano, celebrated for his iconic work on the Final Fantasy franchise. Mortem is described as a “shadow-like presence” meant to induce fear through suggestion rather than revelation. According to Amano, “It’s scarier not to know.”
Creative Team Insights
- Shinji Hashimoto called the project a personal milestone: “It means a lot to me to challenge myself with something I could not do before.”
- He emphasized the decision to adapt Resident Evil into a strategy title, saying, “The survival element fits well with strategy games.”
- Masachika Kawata highlighted how this entry allows supporting characters to shine: “Characters who didn’t have major roles in the main series now take center stage.”
- Kye Dongkyun expressed enthusiasm as both a producer and longtime fan: “I’m excited to deliver this new experience as a strategy game.”
Core Features at Launch
- Rebuild and customize your base around an abandoned mansion.
- Command iconic characters from the Resident Evil series, each with special skills.
- Form alliances or engage in PvP conflicts with other survivor factions.
- Explore a vast open map, uncovering lore-driven content and encountering rival survivor groups.
- In-game decisions shape the story’s progression and the survival outcome.
Pre-Registration and Availability
Pre-registrations are now open on the official website and app stores. The game is listed as free-to-play with in-app purchases. The official store page hints at a placeholder release date of December 31, 2025, suggesting a launch window at the end of the year.
