For years, the Resident Evil series has relied on the knife as the primary weapon for close-quarters combat, making it a core part of the survival experience. However, this long-standing tradition is set to change in the ninth entry of the franchise.
According to game director Koshi Nakanishi, the iconic character Leon S. Kennedy will use an axe instead of a knife as his main melee weapon. This marks a notable shift in combat design and signals a fresh approach to close-range encounters in the upcoming title.
The axe will allow players to cut down zombies with heavier, more powerful strikes, offering a more brutal and impactful melee experience. Despite its destructive potential, Nakanishi confirmed that the weapon will have limited availability, meaning players won’t be able to rely on it at all times.
This limitation aligns with the series’ survival-horror roots, where resource management and strategic decision-making remain essential. Players will need to carefully choose when to use the axe, adding tension and variety to combat situations rather than replacing firearms or other tools entirely.
By introducing the axe as a melee option, Resident Evil 9 aims to refresh its combat mechanics while preserving the atmosphere of danger and scarcity the franchise is known for. The change has already sparked curiosity among fans, eager to see how this new weapon will influence gameplay when the game is officially released.
