Resident Evil 9 Total Playtime: Story, Side Content & DLC Hours

Resident Evil 9 Total Playtime: Story, Side Content & DLC Hours

As the gaming world eagerly awaits the next terrifying chapter in Capcom's iconic survival horror saga, speculation surrounding Resident Evil 9 (reportedly subtitled "Requiem") is at an all-time high. Among the most pressing questions on fans' minds is the crucial one: what will the resident evil 9 length truly be? Will it be a concise, intense horror sprint, or a more expansive journey through its chilling environments? Unofficial leaks and industry insights have begun to paint a picture of a game that aims to deliver a substantial and satisfying experience, potentially making it one of the longer entries in the series to date.

How Long is Resident Evil 9? Unpacking the Leaks and Official Hints

The pursuit of an accurate resident evil 9 length has led many to the insights of well-known Capcom leaker, Dusk Golem, whose track record for predicting details about the franchise is remarkably strong. According to their information, developers involved in Resident Evil 9 have offered intriguing comparisons regarding its playtime. Initially, many anticipated a story length akin to recent hits like Resident Evil Village (RE8) or Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – focused, intense experiences often completed in around 10 hours for the main narrative. However, Dusk Golem's leaks suggest otherwise, indicating that RE9 might offer significantly more. Producers have reportedly stated the game would be "roughly" the length of the acclaimed Resident Evil 4 Remake, while the director himself commented on it having a "RE game" amount of content. Further clarification from Dusk Golem narrowed this down, stating they've heard the length is "longer than Village, but a bit shorter than RE:4." This places the estimated main story resident evil 9 length in a sweet spot. For comparison, Resident Evil Village's core story typically takes around 10 hours to complete for an average player focusing solely on the narrative. The Resident Evil 4 Remake, by contrast, extends this to approximately 15 hours for its main campaign. Based on these benchmarks, players could reasonably expect Resident Evil 9 to offer a primary storyline that clocks in at a satisfying 13-15 hours. Adding another layer of intrigue, separate reports from preview builds described the game as "roughly 15 hours," although Capcom later denied the accuracy of this specific number without providing an alternative. This kind of back-and-forth is common during development, but it hints at a game that is certainly not on the shorter side. Another compelling rumor suggests the game's approximate 18-hour main story will be divided evenly between two playable characters, Leon Kennedy and a new character named Grace, each getting roughly 9 hours of dedicated gameplay. This innovative approach could offer varied perspectives and fresh mechanics, significantly enriching the overall experience. Regardless of the precise minute-to-minute breakdown, these leaks strongly suggest that the core resident evil 9 length will satisfy those looking for a substantial narrative journey within the survival horror framework.

Comparing RE9's Playtime: A Look at Franchise Precedents

To truly understand what a 13-18 hour main story means for Resident Evil 9, it's essential to contextualize it within the series' rich history. Resident Evil games, particularly the classic entries, have always prioritized replayability and intense, tightly paced experiences over sprawling, open-world narratives. * **Resident Evil Village (RE8):** As mentioned, RE8's main story averages around 10 hours. It was praised for its brisk pace and consistent tension, but some players yearned for more content. * **Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (RE7):** Similar to Village, RE7's story is often completed in 9-10 hours, delivering a concentrated dose of dread. * **Resident Evil 4 Remake:** The 2023 remake significantly expanded on the original, offering a roughly 15-hour main campaign. This was lauded as a fantastic balance of action, horror, and exploration, setting a new bar for modern RE remakes. * **Classic Entries:** Original titles like Resident Evil 2 or Resident Evil 3: Nemesis could often be completed in 6-8 hours on a first playthrough, with subsequent runs getting even quicker. The emphasis was on mastering mechanics, speedrunning, and unlocking additional content. When we consider these precedents, a 13-18 hour resident evil 9 length for the main story puts it firmly on the longer side for the franchise. It surpasses the focused narratives of RE7 and RE8 and even potentially extends beyond the acclaimed RE4 Remake for those aiming for full completion. For an in-depth look at how RE9's story compares, you might be interested in our article on RE9 Story Length Revealed: Longer Than Village or RE4 Remake? Some fans, accustomed to modern RPGs that offer hundreds of hours of gameplay, might still feel that 18 hours isn't "enough." However, for a survival horror title, this is a significant commitment. The Resident Evil series thrives on meticulous level design, strategic resource management, and a palpable sense of dread. Stretching that tension too thin across an excessively long campaign could dilute the experience. A length of 13-18 hours allows for a rich story, varied environments (like the rumored return to Raccoon City ruins), and character development without overstaying its welcome.

Beyond the Main Story: Side Content, Collectibles, and Replayability

While the core story provides a strong foundation for the resident evil 9 length, the true value and total playtime for many players will lie in the wealth of side content, collectibles, and the inherent replayability that modern Resident Evil titles offer. For completionists and those who want to wring every last drop of horror out of their purchase, the total playtime will extend far beyond the initial story completion. Drawing parallels to the Resident Evil 4 Remake, which could easily consume 20+ hours for players aiming to do everything, Resident Evil 9 is projected to offer a similar experience, potentially reaching 18-19 hours or more when all is said and done. What kind of content can we expect to extend the resident evil 9 length? * **Collectibles:** Hidden treasures, lore-expanding files, elusive bobbleheads, and other secrets are hallmarks of the series, encouraging thorough exploration. * **Challenges and Achievements:** Speedrun attempts, "no-damage" runs, knife-only playthroughs, or specific weapon challenges can add dozens of hours for dedicated players. * **Unlockables:** Completing the game on higher difficulties or achieving specific feats often unlocks new weapons, costumes, or bonus game modes (like the fan-favorite Mercenaries mode, which often provides endless arcade-style fun). * **New Game+:** A staple of the series, New Game+ allows players to carry over their acquired weapons and upgrades into a fresh playthrough, often with tougher enemies or new item placements, encouraging multiple runs. * **Higher Difficulties:** From "Hardcore" to "Village of Shadows" equivalents, these modes drastically alter enemy behavior, resource availability, and overall challenge, demanding new strategies and significantly increasing playtime. These elements combine to create a compelling reason to revisit the game long after the credits roll, making the 13-18 hour main story merely the beginning of your nightmare. For a discussion on fan expectations regarding game length, check out Is Resident Evil 9's 18-Hour Story Enough for Fans?

Anticipated DLC: Extending Your Resident Evil 9 Journey

Capcom has a strong history of supporting its Resident Evil titles with substantial post-launch content, and Resident Evil 9 appears to be no exception. According to Dusk Golem's leaks, at least one wave of DLC is already planned and in development. This further cements the overall value proposition and significantly boosts the potential resident evil 9 length. Past DLCs, such as Resident Evil 7's "End of Zoe," Resident Evil Village's "Shadows of Rose," and the excellent "Separate Ways" expansion for the Resident Evil 4 Remake, have not merely been tacked-on extras. They often provide new narrative perspectives, introduce new characters, or delve deeper into existing lore, offering fresh gameplay experiences. The rumor that RE9's DLC might be a prequel starring a character named Alyssa is particularly exciting, potentially adding another 3-5 hours of unique content. This would be a familiar and welcome strategy, expanding the game's universe and providing additional context to the main story. Considering the anticipated 13-18 hours for the main game and side content, an additional 3-5 hours from DLC could push the total experience well over the 20-hour mark for completionists. This ensures that players who invest in Resident Evil 9 will have plenty of horrific encounters to explore, making the overall package incredibly robust.

Conclusion

While much of the information surrounding Resident Evil 9's playtime remains in the realm of leaks and speculation, the emerging picture suggests that Capcom is aiming for a substantial experience. With an estimated main story resident evil 9 length of 13-15 hours, potentially extending to 18 hours with a character split, and pushing past 20 hours for completionists with side content and planned DLC, RE9 is shaping up to be one of the more extensive entries in the beloved horror series. This commitment to a longer, richer narrative, combined with the franchise's hallmark replayability and post-launch support, promises a deep and terrifying dive into the next chapter of Resident Evil. Fans should prepare for a significant journey, full of suspense, scares, and plenty of reasons to keep coming back for more.