Capcom’s legendary horror franchise is ditching the shadows (sort of) and stepping into real-time strategy territory. Say hello to Resident Evil Survival Unit, a new mobile RTS developed in partnership with Aniplex and JoyCity, launching soon on iOS and Android.
Yes, you read that right. Resident Evil is going tactical.
This isn’t your typical third-person zombie shooter or atmospheric corridor crawler. It’s a full-on strategy game set in the RE universe where survival means outsmarting your enemies, not just blowing their heads off.
What We Know
- The trio behind it: Capcom (IP owner), JoyCity (Korean mobile developer behind Gunship Battle), and Aniplex (Sony’s animation and game publishing arm)
- Genre twist: A real-time strategy game featuring what looks like squad-based unit management
- Mobile-first: Launching on iOS and Android in North America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and other Asian regions
- First look coming July 10: Expect actual gameplay and more during the official reveal livestream
So far, Capcom has been tight-lipped about what exactly the game looks like. But given JoyCity’s track record, we’re likely talking base-building, unit deployment, and resource micromanagement — with zombies, of course.
Strategy Meets Survival Horror?
Resident Evil has always been about resource management. Limited ammo. Tough decisions. Do you fight or run? Survival Unit seems to take that logic and plug it into an RTS framework.
Think XCOM meets Fallout Shelter with a splash of Resident Evil 3 panic.
That alone could be a hit or a horror show depending on execution.
The Bigger Picture
Why is this interesting? Because it’s more than just a mobile spin-off. It signals Capcom’s willingness to explore Resident Evil in new genres and chase a broader, mobile-hungry audience.
And let’s be honest — strategy games on mobile are booming, especially in Asian markets. Titles like Arknights, Iron Marines, and The Walking Dead: Survivors have proven that tactical gameplay and mobile touchscreens go together surprisingly well.
For Capcom, this is both brand experimentation and a smart business move. If it lands, they’ve got a new revenue stream. If it flops, they can move on quietly. Either way, the core franchise stays untouched.
Monetisation Watch
The big question: Will it be free-to-play? Almost certainly.
Which means:
- Gacha mechanics?
- Energy systems?
- Pay-to-win unit upgrades?
We’ll find out soon, but don’t be surprised if the monetisation strategy mirrors what works in South Korea and Japan where character collecting, limited events, and resource bottlenecks dominate the mobile scene.
What to Expect on July 10
The official reveal stream (3 PM PT / 6 PM ET) will likely include:
- Actual gameplay and UI design
- Whether this is canon or a side story
- If iconic characters like Leon, Claire, or Jill are involved
- How deep the strategy layer really goes
- Launch timeline and early access plans
Read: Amazon’s Next 007 Game Reinvents the Icon for a New Generation
Geekhub’s Take
Capcom pushing Resident Evil into mobile RTS territory is unexpected but not unwelcome. Done right, this could:
- Introduce a new generation to the RE universe
- Add gameplay variety to the brand
- Tap into the massive mobile RTS market without stepping on the toes of core fans
Done wrong? It could be another generic base-builder wearing a zombie mask.
Either way, we’re watching.
TL;DR
Resident Evil: Survival Unit is Capcom’s first real-time strategy entry in the series, developed with Aniplex and JoyCity. It’s coming to mobile soon, and we get our first proper look on July 10.
Livestream: YouTube reveal – July 10 at 3 PM PT / 6 PM ET
Geekhub will cover the full breakdown right after the reveal. Stay tuned.
