Over the years, Resident Evil has 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 that Resident Evil has 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 Evil has experimented with different approaches in the past. The most successful changes were with RE7 and Village, as the two games demonstrated how much potential there is in first-person Resident Evil titles. 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 approach is another intriguing step in a new direction, but it's unlikely to have the same impact as past experimentation.
Resident Evil Requiem Waiting Room Playlist
Resident Evil Requiem is still seven months away, but there are plenty of games fans can be playing in the meantime, some of which tie in directly.
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
- An in-depth showcase for RE Survival Unit will air on July 10.
- Curious fans will be able to tune in on YouTube at 3 PM PT / 6 PM ET.
Right now, there is very little known about what RE Survival Unit entails, 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 that RE Survival Unit is simply the beginning.
With RE Requiem officially slated for early 2026, Capcom may be ready to capitalize on the Resident Evil franchise in a fresh way. After RE Village's release back in 2021, the wait for the next mainline entry has been a long one. Of course, the RE4 remake 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 if RE Survival Unit could be the first of many experimental spin-offs to both ignite hype for RE Requiem ahead 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 to expand Resident Evil's horizons, but it would truly be surprising if a spin-off project became a major influence on future games.
RE Requiem launches on February 27, 2026.
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. Beyond RE Survival Unit, Star Wars Zero Company and Game of Thrones: Was for Westeros are also on the horizon. There are also indie hits like Manor Lords and long-running series like Civilization 7 that bring even more options.
Star Wars Zero Company and Game of Thrones: Was for Westeros are 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. With the history of Resident Evil being defined by a blend of horror and action, it will be fascinating to see if RE Survival Unit can still bring the scares within a strategy setting. This remains to be seen, but more details will be revealed on July 10.
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