Silent Hill f is not a sequel to any of the existing Silent Hill games. Instead, much like Silent Hill 2, it offers a standalone story that is "independent from the series." This was confirmed by publisher Konami on X/Twitter, stating that the latest installment in the horror series will be "a completely new title" designed so that "people who have never played the Silent Hill series can enjoy" it.
This approach is not entirely new for Silent Hill. While Silent Hill 1, Silent Hill 3, and Silent Hill Origins are interconnected, other entries like Silent Hill 2 have less direct ties to the town's lore. Even Silent Hill 4: The Room and Homecoming venture outside the titular town. Konami's statement clarifies that understanding Silent Hill f's 1960s Japanese setting does not require prior knowledge of the series, which spans 26 years.
Set in 1960s Japan, Silent Hill f follows Shimizu Hinako, a teenager grappling with societal pressures from her friends, family, and community. The narrative is penned by Ryukishi07, the creator of the acclaimed When They Cry visual novel series. The game's Japanese-language reveal trailer in March highlighted that it is the first Silent Hill game to receive an 18+ rating certification in Japan.
While still in development, the game's certification could change. Historically, Silent Hill, Silent Hill 2, Silent Hill 3, and Silent Hill: The Room received CERO:C ratings, suitable for those aged 15 and up. Other international releases typically fell into CERO:C or CERO:D categories (ages 17+). Silent Hill f is rated Mature in the U.S., PEGI 18 in Europe, and CERO:Z in Japan.
As of now, there is no release date for Silent Hill f, and no additional information has been released about No Code's upcoming Silent Hill game, Townfall.
