After years of speculation about where the Resident Evil series would go next, Capcom finally revealed Resident Evil Requiem at Summer Game Fest 2025—and it’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated horror games of 2026. With Leon S. Kennedy returning alongside new protagonist Grace Ashcroft, a haunting return to Raccoon City, and dual-perspective gameplay that promises both intense survival horror and action-packed combat, here’s everything you need to know before the game launches.
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Quick Facts
| Release Date | February 27, 2026 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam, Epic), Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Developer | Capcom |
| Publisher | Capcom |
| Director | Koshi Nakanishi (RE7 Director) |
| Genre | Survival Horror |
What Is Resident Evil Requiem?
Resident Evil Requiem (known as Biohazard Requiem in Japan) is the ninth mainline entry in Capcom’s legendary survival horror franchise. Directed by Koshi Nakanishi—the mastermind behind Resident Evil 7: Biohazard’s terrifying return to form—Requiem marks the series’ 30th anniversary by returning to the overarching narrative between the Raccoon City incident and Umbrella Corporation’s activities.
Unlike recent entries that focused on the Winters family saga, Requiem introduces a fresh perspective through FBI intelligence analyst Grace Ashcroft while bringing back fan-favorite agent Leon S. Kennedy for the first time in a mainline game since Resident Evil 6 (2012). The game alternates between both protagonists throughout its story, offering dramatically different gameplay experiences for each character.
Release Date & Platforms
Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27, 2026—less than a month away.
Confirmed Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (Steam and Epic Games Store)
- Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 version was announced during a September 2025 Nintendo Direct presentation. According to producer Masato Kumazawa, the team successfully ported Resident Evil Village to Switch 2 as a prototype, giving them confidence to bring Requiem to the system as a day-one launch title. Switch 2 owners can look forward to gyroscope-based aiming for precision gameplay.
Story & Setting
The story follows FBI intelligence analyst Grace Ashcroft as she investigates a series of strange deaths at the Wrenwood Hotel—located in the devastated remains of Raccoon City, where her mother Alyssa died eight years prior. The game takes place approximately 30 years after Raccoon City was destroyed in the events of Resident Evil 3.
Meanwhile, D.S.O. agent Leon S. Kennedy is dispatched to the Midwest to investigate incidents tied to former Umbrella scientist Victor Gideon, who serves as the game’s primary antagonist. Victor commands horrifying new monsters that stalk players throughout the hotel and surrounding areas.
Capcom has described Grace as an introverted bookworm who feels powerless compared to combat-proficient protagonists like Claire Redfield or Jill Valentine. This vulnerability is intentional—her sections focus on evading threats rather than confronting them head-on, creating a distinctly tense survival horror experience.
Gameplay
Resident Evil Requiem features dual-protagonist gameplay in the style of Resident Evil: Revelations, alternating between Grace and Leon with dramatically different mechanics for each character.
Grace Ashcroft’s Sections
Grace’s gameplay emphasizes classic survival horror. Players must:
- Crouch and sneak to avoid detection
- Hide under tables and other objects
- Use glass bottles to distract enemies
- Navigate with a lighter that attracts unwanted attention
A stalker enemy pursues Grace throughout the game, similar to Mr. X in Resident Evil 2’s remake or Lady Dimitrescu in Village. This creature can move through walls and ceilings, keeping players in constant tension.
Leon S. Kennedy’s Sections
Leon’s missions are combat-driven, inspired by Resident Evil 4’s action-oriented gameplay. He can:
- Use firearms and melee attacks
- Parry incoming attacks with a limited-durability hatchet
- Pick up enemy weapons and use them
- Execute his signature roundhouse kick
The developers describe the alternating gameplay as “jumping into a cold bath after a hot sauna”—switching between tense, vulnerable horror and empowering action combat.
Perspective Options
For the first time, Requiem allows players to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives at any time. First-person is the default for “tense, realistic gameplay,” while third-person is “ideal for people who enjoy action-packed gameplay.”
Trailers
Several trailers have revealed more about Resident Evil Requiem:
- Reveal Trailer (June 2025): The Summer Game Fest debut showcasing the devastated Raccoon City and the police station from RE2/RE3
- Story Trailer (August 2025): Features Grace’s backstory and cutscenes with her mother Alyssa
- Leon Announcement (December 2025): The Game Awards 2025 trailer revealing Leon as the second playable protagonist
The game has been added to over 4 million wishlists across all platforms since its reveal.
Editions & Pre-Orders
Standard Edition
Base game.
Deluxe Edition
Includes:
- Base game
- Bonus costume pack
- Digital artbook
- Soundtrack sampler
Steelbook Deluxe Edition
Physical exclusive featuring a collectible steelbook case with all Deluxe Edition content.
Pre-Order Bonuses
- Epic Games Store: Fortnite cosmetics based on the game (available March 2026)
- Nintendo Switch 2: Themed Pro Controller available at launch
- Amiibo: Grace Ashcroft amiibo releasing in 2026
Latest News
January 27, 2026: Multiple outlets published hands-on previews after a press event, praising the balance between action and survival horror. PCMag noted it’s “the most extreme title in the series yet.”
January 2026: Capcom released promotional art celebrating 4 million Steam wishlists.
December 2025: The Game Awards revealed Leon S. Kennedy as the second playable protagonist, with RE4-style combat mechanics.
September 2025: Nintendo Switch 2 version confirmed alongside ports of RE7 and RE Village.
August 2025: Playable demos showcased at Gamescom and PAX West, with players reporting intense scares.
FAQ
When does Resident Evil Requiem come out?
Resident Evil Requiem releases on February 27, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Is Resident Evil Requiem coming to PS4 or Xbox One?
No. Requiem is exclusively available on current-gen consoles and PC. There are no announced plans for last-gen versions.
Can you play Resident Evil Requiem solo?
Yes. Requiem is a single-player survival horror experience with no multiplayer component. The game alternates between Grace and Leon’s storylines.
Do I need to play previous Resident Evil games?
While Requiem connects to series lore (especially regarding Raccoon City and Umbrella), it introduces a new protagonist and story accessible to newcomers. Playing RE2, RE3, and games featuring Leon will enhance your appreciation of the narrative.
What engine does Resident Evil Requiem use?
Requiem uses the RE Engine, which has powered all mainline Resident Evil games since RE7. It features path-traced lighting, ray-traced global illumination, and ray-traced shadows.
Summary
Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be the definitive survival horror experience of 2026. With Koshi Nakanishi returning to direct, the perfect blend of Grace’s tense stealth sections and Leon’s action-packed combat, plus the long-awaited return to Raccoon City, fans have plenty of reasons to be excited. Mark your calendars for February 27, 2026—the requiem for the dead is about to begin.