Resident Evil Village: Open world - is it in the game? Resident Evil Village guide, walkthrough

Last update: 30 April 2021

This guide page answers the question of whether Resident Evil Village is an open-world game. We explain to what extent you can explore the titular village and the neighboring Dimitrescu Castle. You will also learn what are the potential obstacles on your way to freely explore the map.

The story of Resident Evil Village takes place in two adjacent locations - the titular village and Dimitrescu Castle. Ethan discovers these locations gradually as he progresses through the game.

Resident Evil Village is not a typical open world game. The progress in the main storyline is mostly linear, especially in the first few hours, i.e. you can usually reach your current destination in just one way (excluding minor forks and optional exploration), and you have to solve only one or two puzzles at a given moment.

You cannot walk around freely right away in either the village or the castle. Access to other areas of the map can be blocked by e.g. fallen trees, gates locked from the other side, or doors that require a specific key. You must perform the main storyline activities in the order imposed by the game developers.

As you're playing Resident Evil Village , wou will find that a more thorough exploration of various locations is rewarded and easier with the map of the area. The map marks the explored and visited locations, as well as all blocked passages, interactive devices and areas where you need to solve a puzzle. Some activities in RE8 are optional. For example, you can look for extra treasures or collect more loot.

The world opens up a little later in the campaign. Some locations are part of the main storyline, while others are optional. Unfortunately, the main character does not have much freedom - many of the passages are blocked and can only be opened with a specific key/item. Memorize those places so you can return to them after obtaining the required item.

All the extra exploration comes not only with the satisfaction of completing the game 100%, but also with acquiring valuable items that will be useful to Ethan or allow him to get rich.