Resident Evil Survival Unit, the upcoming strategy game spin-off for smartphones, has been given a proper reveal — and now we know it’s set in a parallel universe where you form a squad of characters from the series’ biggest stars (and also Barry Burton) to take on zombies and monsters.
Described by developer Aniplex as “the world’s first full Resident Evil for mobile” during a new showcase video, Resident Evil Survival launches later this year for iPhone and Android devices.
Gameplay sees you building up a familiar-looking mansion as your base, where your characters will live and interact. You’ll then head out onto survival missions against familiar Resident Evil foes, with Aniplex promising a “global multiplayer experience.”
You can watch the full showcase video just below.
For now, it looks like the game’s real-time defense battles will be single-player, but Aniplex says you’ll also be able to “connect and compete in real time across the globe” with other fans.
Survival Unit’s story begins with your player character shaking off the effects of being an Umbrella Corporation test subject, then recruiting a team of Resident Evil stars to fight back. Over time, you’ll upgrade these characters by purchasing items from the Resident Evil Merchant, to take on progressively tougher threats.
Recurring Resident Evil characters such as Leon S Kennedy, Jill Valentine, Claire Redfield, and fan-favourite Resi 1 character Barry Burton are all included, alongside some deeper cuts.
With her daughter set for a starring role in Resident Evil Requiem, it’s interesting to see the return here of Resident Evil Outbreak’s Alyssa Ashcroft. Becca Woolett makes a return from Resident Evil: Resistance, while Resident Evil 2’s fallen hero cop Marvin Branagh is also included.
Just don’t expect any of the new story here to be reflected in Requiem when it arrives next year. For all Survival Unit leans on the main Resident Evil franchise, this announcement makes clear that it will be a non-canon entry to the series — meaning there’s no clues as to Leon’s mysterious current status.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
