Resident Evil 8: Village is packed with secrets, references, and hidden details that even the most dedicated fans might have overlooked. From subtle Easter eggs to hilarious mechanics and deep lore connections, Capcom has once again outdone itself. Whether it’s a callback to a previous game or an unexpected design choice, these hidden gems add another layer to the experience. Here are 20 of the most mind-blowing (and sometimes just plain silly) things you might have missed in Resident Evil 8.

1. The Duke’s Hidden Connection to Resident Evil 4’s Merchant

The Duke, the enigmatic vendor of Resident Evil 8, occasionally utters the phrase, “What are you buying?”—a direct reference to the merchant from Resident Evil 4. This small nod not only solidifies the connection between these two beloved NPCs but also hints that the Duke might know more than he lets on. A deeper dive into his shop reveals strange details, including an out-of-bounds view of his backside (which, frankly, you might not want to see).

2. Castle Dimitrescu’s Real-World Inspiration

Fans have noted that Castle Dimitrescu bears a striking resemblance to Peleș Castle in Transylvania, Romania. Given the game’s heavy Eastern European influence, it’s no surprise that Capcom drew inspiration from real-world locations, making the setting feel all the more immersive.

3. The Wine Easter Egg: A Nod to the Resident Evil Universe

Early in the game, you’ll come across a bottle of wine labeled Regina Rose. This isn’t just a fancy name—it’s a double reference. The name translates to “Red Queen” in Romanian, a callback to the AI antagonist from the Resident Evil films. Additionally, Regina is the name of the protagonist from Dino Crisis, another Capcom survival horror franchise. A subtle but brilliant nod to the company’s history.

4. Lady Dimitrescu Can Be Tricked by a Coffee Table

The towering Lady Dimitrescu may be a relentless pursuer, but she’s not exactly great at pathfinding. If you position yourself correctly in the castle’s main hall, you can endlessly loop around a coffee table to avoid her. It’s an amusing way to trivialize her pursuit and highlights how AI behavior can sometimes be exploited.

5. Book References That Expand Resident Evil Lore

Two books in Ethan’s home reference previous Resident Evil lore: A Historical Look into the Architecture of Eastern European Castles and Keeps is credited to George Trevor, the architect behind the Spencer Mansion from Resident Evil 1. Another book, Gun Survivalist: A Heavy Firearms Manual for Field Combat Situations, is linked to the Kendo family from Resident Evil 2, showing just how interconnected the series’ lore truly is.

6. Heisenberg’s Boulder Punching Insult

During the climactic battle with Heisenberg, he calls Chris Redfield a “boulder-punching asshole.” This is a direct reference to Resident Evil 5, where Chris famously punched a boulder into lava during his final fight with Wesker. A hilarious, self-aware moment that shows Capcom isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself.

7. Hidden Areas and Secret Encounters

Resident Evil 8 is filled with hidden locations, like Otto’s Mill and an out-of-the-way cavern containing notes from Chris Redfield’s squad. If you return to the castle entrance near the end of the game, you may also encounter an unexpected fight. These small secrets reward exploration and add to the game’s replay value.

8. The Subtle Connection Between Resident Evil 7 and 8

A note in Resident Evil 7’s secret lab references the discovery of a fungus called Mutamycete. This turns out to be the very foundation of Resident Evil 8’s bioweapons. Mother Miranda discovered a massive Mutamycete source under the village, which was later used to create Evelyn, the antagonist of Resident Evil 7. This connection ties the two games together in a way many players may not have noticed.

9. Reused Assets from Resident Evil 7

Many props in Resident Evil 8—including cleaning products, bear figurines, and canned goods—are reused from Resident Evil 7. While some might see this as laziness, it actually helps create a sense of continuity between the two games, reinforcing that they exist in the same universe.

10. Chris Redfield’s Smoking Callback

At the end of the game, Chris lights a cigarette in the helicopter in a manner eerily similar to how he did in the live-action ending of the original Resident Evil. This small touch is another example of Capcom maintaining consistency across decades of games.

11. The True Meaning Behind the Umbrella Symbol

Many assumed that Umbrella Corporation had a direct hand in the village’s horrors, but the truth is more nuanced. A note from Oswell E. Spencer reveals that he once met Mother Miranda, who inspired his research into viruses. He even adopted the village’s four-lords symbol as Umbrella’s corporate logo. This revelation reshapes our understanding of Umbrella’s origins.

12. Mother Miranda’s Lab is Inspired by Alien: Covenant

Eagle-eyed fans have noticed that Mother Miranda’s lab closely resembles the laboratory from Alien: Covenant. This cinematic inspiration adds another layer to the game’s already unsettling atmosphere.

13. The Mercenaries Mode Music Easter Egg

In the Duke’s room during Mercenaries mode, you can hear a remixed version of the Resident Evil 1 save room music. A small but nostalgic touch that longtime fans will appreciate.

14. Unobtainable Treasure in House Beneviento

A seemingly reachable treasure in House Beneviento actually can’t be obtained, likely placed there as a way to mess with players. This has been confirmed by players who have thoroughly searched the area and reported their findings on Reddit.

15. The Changing Main Menu Screen

As the game progresses, the main menu’s background shifts from day to night, mirroring the time of day in Ethan’s journey. A small detail that adds immersion to the experience.

16. The Duke’s Mysterious Origins

The Duke remains one of Resident Evil’s biggest mysteries. He once did business with Lady Dimitrescu and seems to know the Merchant from Resident Evil 4. The concept art suggests he was originally meant to be one of the Four Lords, adding to the speculation that he may be something more than human.

17. House Beneviento’s Connection to Resident Evil 4’s Prototypes

House Beneviento’s doll horror segment is reminiscent of an early Resident Evil 4 prototype where Leon was attacked by haunted dolls. This scrapped idea finally made its way into the series, making for one of the most terrifying sections of the game.

18. Ethan’s True Nature Foreshadowed Throughout the Game

From Lady Dimitrescu’s comment about his blood to Mia’s suspicious behavior, the game subtly hints at Ethan being more than human. His ability to recover from severe injuries foreshadows the reveal that he has been a mold-infested corpse since Resident Evil 7.

19. Ethan Appears at the End?

In the post-credits scene, Ethan’s daughter visits his grave, but a mysterious figure is seen approaching her car. Using photo mode, players have confirmed that this is actually Ethan, raising questions about his fate.

20. You Can Melee Arrows Out of the Air

If you time it right, you can slash arrows out of the air with your knife. A small but satisfying detail that adds an extra layer of skill to combat.

Resident Evil 8 is packed with surprises, hidden details, and unforgettable moments that make multiple playthroughs worthwhile. Did you notice any of these details? Let us know!