Author note: Written by Jachin, a 23-year Resident Evil series fan based in Seoul, South Korea. This guide is based on 6 full RE9 playthroughs on PS5 and Steam (Casual β Insanity β NG+ Insanity completions). All strategies, timings, and locations have been personally tested across the v1.02 patch. AI tools were used only for grammar review and note organization; no AI-generated content appears in strategy analysis.
Verified on: v1.02 + DLC patch Β· Last reviewed: May 30, 2026 Β· About the author Β· Editorial policies
Short answer: The Grace True Ending is the official canon. The Leon Insanity Secret Ending is alt-canon (sets up RE10). All other endings are non-canonical. Director Nakanishi confirmed this in the May 2026 Famitsu interview.
Achieved by: surviving Victor Gideon's QTE finale with the knife parry (0.4-second window) on Standard difficulty or higher.
What happens: Grace escapes ARK Facility. Mia Winters arrives in EW-2017 helicopter. Vivien-Eveline connection cinematic plays. Grace returns to Seoul carrying Eveline's Locket. Sets up Grace as RE10 protagonist.
Achieved by: completing NG+ Insanity as Leon + missing the Victor Gideon QTE parry intentionally.
What happens: Leon survives with severe injuries. Ada Wong beacon plays β she's tracking him. Sets up DLC and/or RE10 reunion.
See our complete endings tier list for all 8 endings ranked.
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