Capcom's Resident Evil Survival Unit Launches Globally Next Week

Resident Evil fans have a new, unexpected challenge heading their way next week. Capcom, in collaboration with publisher Aniplex and co-developer JOYCITY, is launching Resident Evil Survival Unit on November 18. The game is launching in 151 countries and regions including India. This new free-to-play title offers a mobile-first experience compatible with both iOS and Android.

However, it isn't the Resident Evil survival game you're used to. It's a real-time strategy (RTS) spin-off that has already surpassed 2 million pre-registrations, reflecting strong global anticipation.

In the world of Resident Evil Survival Unit, strategy is the key. The story kicks off as an unknown infection spreads, causing the city to crumble in the blink of an eye. Players are left stranded in the ruins with a group of isolated survivors. The gameplay focuses on real-time strategy, combat, gathering, and managing technology branches.

Players must carefully manage resources to rebuild an abandoned mansion, restoring its facilities to carve out a path to survival. In a fan-favourite callback, the iconic merchant from Resident Evil 4 returns to help manage the base. The game also features crucial decisions, forcing players to choose between cooperating with others or solving conflicts through other means.

All-Star Cast and a Legendary Collab

The main draw for many will be the all-star cast. Survival Unit lets you recruit a "dream team" of heroes from across the franchise, including Leon S. Kennedy, Jill Valentine, Claire Redfield, Chris Redfield, Ada Wong, and Carlos Oliveira. Each character brings unique skills and traits to the strategic battles. 

In a unique collaboration, legendary Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano was also brought in to design a new original monster for the game, an "eerie presence" named Mortem, designed to create "psychological unease".

The hype is already strong, with the game surpassing all its pre-registration milestones. Players who sign up early on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the game's official website will receive a bundle of bonus rewards. This includes an Advanced Flare Gun, a 200k Rewards Package, a 5-minute Speedup, a free Gem, a 7-day Base Skin, and a Special Flare Gun.

This mobile launch is a new direction for the series, and it has been met with mixed reactions from some fans on social media. Many expressed disappointment that the new title is a strategy spin-off rather than a new mainline horror game or a remake of a cult classic like Resident Evil: Outbreak.

For those players, Survival Unit is seen as a way to bridge the gap until the launch of the next major instalment, Resident Evil: Requiem, is released.