Resident Evil Requiem: Everything You Need to Know About the Ninth Mainline Entry

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The survival horror franchise that defined a generation is back with its most ambitious entry yet. Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline installment in Capcom's iconic series, promises to deliver unprecedented levels of immersion when it launches February 27, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Setting the Stage: A Return to Raccoon City

Set 30 years after the government's sterilization missile destroyed Raccoon City to contain the t-virus outbreak, Resident Evil Requiem serves as a eulogy to the characters who lived through the original biological disaster. The timing is particularly poignant, as March 2026 marks the Resident Evil series' 30-year anniversary.

Players step into the shoes of Grace Ashcroft, an FBI intelligence analyst and daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, the investigative reporter from Resident Evil Outbreak. Grace is assigned to investigate a case involving a victim discovered in the abandoned Wrenwood Hotel - the same location where her mother was murdered eight years prior. What begins as a professional assignment quickly becomes a personal nightmare as Grace uncovers hidden truths behind the Raccoon City outbreak.

Revolutionary Gameplay Features

Resident Evil Requiem introduces several groundbreaking features that push the survival horror experience to new heights:

  • Dual Perspective System: Players can seamlessly switch between first-person and third-person perspectives throughout the game. Experience terror up close in first-person for maximum immersion, or use the classic over-the-shoulder third-person view for more action-oriented gameplay.
  • Unprecedented Realism: Powered by the RE ENGINE and modern console capabilities, the game features incredibly detailed character models with lifelike facial expressions, realistic skin textures, and even high-fidelity sweat droplets. The development team used custom-made wigs as reference for natural hair movement.
  • Addictive Fear Philosophy: The development team, led by Director Koshi Nakanishi, has crafted an experience fueled by what they call "addictive fear," placing horror at the heart of gameplay mechanics.

Meet Grace Ashcroft: A New Type of Protagonist

Grace Ashcroft represents a departure from the typically hardened protagonists of previous Resident Evil games. As an introverted and easily frightened FBI analyst, she brings a fresh perspective to the series. Unlike veterans like Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, Grace experiences horror from the same perspective as the player, learning to overcome her fears throughout the story.

Despite her timid nature, Grace is professionally trained with firearms and uses deductive reasoning to stay calm under pressure. This combination of vulnerability and competence creates a unique dynamic that promises to resonate with both newcomers and series veterans.

Technical Specifications and Availability

Resident Evil Requiem will be available with comprehensive language support, including:

  • Full voiceovers and subtitles: English, Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, French, Italian, German, Castilian Spanish, Russian, and Mandarin
  • Subtitle-only support: Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, and Polish

What to Expect Before Launch

Fans won't have to wait until February 2026 to get their hands on the game. A playable demo will debut at Gamescom 2025, running from August 20-24 in Cologne, Germany. This will mark the first public opportunity to experience Grace's terrifying journey firsthand.

Capcom has also promised to reveal more horrors throughout the year, with additional gameplay footage, story details, and character reveals planned leading up to the launch. Extended developer interviews and behind-the-scenes content are available through the RE Portal website for registered users.

The Legacy Continues

Resident Evil Requiem represents more than just another sequel - it's a celebration of three decades of survival horror excellence. By combining cutting-edge technology with the psychological terror that made the series famous, Capcom is positioning this ninth mainline entry as the most immersive and terrifying experience yet.

As Grace Ashcroft prepares to face the horrors lurking in the shadows of Raccoon City's dark past, players can look forward to an experience that honors the series' legacy while pushing the boundaries of what survival horror can achieve. Mark your calendars for February 27, 2026 - the nightmare is just beginning.