Digimagaz.com – Resident Evil Requiem, officially unveiled at Summer Game Fest 2025, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated horror titles of 2026. Slated for release on February 27, 2026, the game marks the ninth mainline entry in Capcom’s legendary survival horror franchise. With a brand-new protagonist, returning story connections, and a modernized approach to gameplay, the upcoming installment is generating significant buzz across the gaming community.
A New Ashcroft Takes the Spotlight
At the center of Resident Evil Requiem is Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, who fans will remember from Resident Evil Outbreak. Unlike the franchise’s traditional tough-as-nails heroes, Grace is portrayed as an introverted FBI analyst who struggles with fear—an intentional design choice by director Koshi Nakanishi.
Nakanishi explained that Grace’s perspective aligns more closely with players experiencing true horror, creating a balance between vulnerability and resilience. While she has firearms training, her tendency to panic adds an additional layer of tension, suggesting a return to the franchise’s roots in psychological survival horror.
Back to Raccoon City—30 Years Later
Capcom has confirmed that Requiem takes place approximately three decades after the infamous 1998 Raccoon City incident. The story revisits the fallout of the city’s destruction while weaving in Grace’s personal trauma, including her mother’s mysterious death at the Wrenwood Hotel.
Interestingly, hints in the trailers suggest multiple timelines or layered perspectives. While some sequences showcase a ruined Raccoon City, others depict seemingly intact environments. This has fueled speculation that players may experience both past and present events, possibly uncovering hidden truths about Umbrella’s enduring legacy.
Gameplay: A Blend of Old and New
One of the standout features of Resident Evil Requiem is the ability to seamlessly switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, a feature first introduced in Resident Evil Village. Capcom says this flexibility allows players to tailor their horror experience—whether they prefer the claustrophobic intensity of first-person or the cinematic over-the-shoulder style that defined Resident Evil 2 and 4.
Early previews from Gamescom 2025 revealed new gameplay mechanics, including unique third-person-only animations and encounters with a terrifying light-sensitive monster that stalks players through narrow corridors. Puzzle-solving, resource management, and survival-driven exploration remain at the core, ensuring the game stays faithful to its survival horror DNA.
Trailers That Tease More Questions Than Answers
The debut trailer introduced Grace facing a devastating viral outbreak, hinting at her struggle to confront her past while uncovering her role in a broader conspiracy. A second trailer, revealed during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025, expanded on this by showing Grace and her mother pursued through a manor house by hooded attackers—raising further questions about Alyssa’s hidden past and her family’s deeper ties to the Umbrella Corporation.
Platforms and Release Date
Capcom has confirmed that Resident Evil Requiem will release exclusively for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game’s use of the RE Engine ensures cutting-edge visuals with ray-tracing support, which should amplify the unsettling atmosphere and gruesome detail that the series is known for.
Unfortunately for last-gen players, there are no plans for a PS4 or Xbox One release, underscoring Capcom’s shift toward fully embracing next-generation hardware.
What About Fan-Favorite Characters?
While Grace is the confirmed protagonist, rumors of Leon Kennedy’s involvement continue to swirl. Nakanishi admitted that making Leon the lead was considered but ultimately deemed unfit for a fear-driven story. However, fans remain hopeful that the veteran Raccoon City survivor may still make an appearance.
Pre-Orders and Availability
At the time of writing, pre-orders for Resident Evil Requiem have not yet opened. Based on past release cycles, fans can likely expect pre-order details to surface in late 2025, alongside special edition announcements.
Final Thoughts
With its release set for early 2026, Resident Evil Requiem is already shaping up to be a milestone entry for Capcom’s long-running franchise. By blending fresh characters, experimental storytelling, and the franchise’s signature survival horror mechanics, the game looks poised to satisfy both veteran fans and newcomers alike.
Whether Grace Ashcroft becomes the next iconic face of the series or merely a piece of a larger puzzle, one thing is clear: Resident Evil Requiem is gearing up to deliver one of the most haunting experiences in modern gaming.
