Everything to know about ‘Resident Evil Requiem’
As the Resident Evil franchise claws its way toward its 30th anniversary, Resident Evil: Requiem emerges as a chilling ninth mainline entry, blending gut-wrenching survival horror with high-stakes action. Set for release on February 27, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, this single-player nightmare stars FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft and fan-favorite Leon S. Kennedy, alternating perspectives in a tale tied to Raccoon City’s dark legacy and Umbrella’s sins. From evolved zombies to mysterious infections, here’s everything we know so far.
Diving into the dread
Resident Evil Requiem ramps up the terror with evolved zombies that aren’t your garden-variety shamblers. These undead retain pre-infection behaviors, adding a layer of eerie realism—imagine a zombie barista still trying to froth a latte. One even speaks coherently to Grace, suggesting a twisted new virus variant that blurs the line between human and horror, keeping players on their toes.
Difficulty modes in Resident Evil Requiem cater to all fright levels, from Casual with story focus and aim assist for newcomers, to Standard for balanced chills. The standout is Standard (Classic), channeling old-school vibes by requiring ink ribbons to save progress, a nod to the series’ roots that amps up the tension without modern hand-holding.
Crafting gets a gruesome twist in Resident Evil Requiem, where certain items demand infected blood harvested from zombies that Grace dispatches with her handgun. This mechanic forces strategic kills and resource management, turning every encounter into a high-stakes gamble that echoes the survival horror ethos of scavenging amid apocalypse.
Merchandise that bites
Resident Evil Requiem’s showcase unveiled a treasure trove of goodies, including a Hamilton watch collaboration featuring designs for Grace and Leon, limited to 2,000 pieces each. Fans can snag these real-world timepieces alongside in-game nods, blending luxury with the series’ undead aesthetic for collectors who crave that survival horror flair.
Deluxe Edition bonuses in Resident Evil Requiem pack extra punch with digital perks like Grace’s Apocalypse costume and exclusive weapons, while physical merch extends to amiibo figures, a custom Switch 2 Pro Controller, and detailed figurines of protagonists. Orchestra concerts celebrating the franchise add a symphonic twist, perfect for immersive fan events.
Story whispers hint at deeper dread in Resident Evil Requiem, with the Elpis mystery linking Leon’s enigmatic bite mark to Grace’s mother’s unsolved murder. This narrative thread promises emotional gut-punches, weaving personal trauma into Umbrella’s corporate nightmares, as players alternate between characters unraveling a conspiracy that echoes the series’ lore.
Pre-order perks
Resident Evil Requiem’s deluxe edition amps up the allure with five character costumes, including Grace’s towering Lady Dimitrescu getup and Leon’s RE4 throwback look, plus four weapon skins and nostalgic screen filters. Pre-orders snag bonus outfits like Grace’s classic ensemble, blending fan service with survival flair for that extra edge.
Collectors eyeing Resident Evil Requiem might envy Japan’s exclusive edition, featuring a steelbook, acrylic stand, and deluxe game bundle. While global fans miss out on a broad collector’s release, special packs for PS5 and Switch 2 offer anniversary bundles with prior titles, keeping the undead legacy alive.
Bad news for eager players: the recent Resident Evil Requiem showcase confirmed no public demo ahead of launch, leaving fans to speculate on intensity from leaked footage. Whispers of a Code: Veronica remake swirl online, hinting Capcom’s horror pipeline stays packed beyond February’s drop.
Pursuer in the dark
Resident Evil Requiem thrusts players into a nightmarish hotel investigation where FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft confronts her traumatic past amid Umbrella’s lingering shadows. This setting revives the series’ claustrophobic dread, blending Raccoon City's fallout with fresh conspiracies that tie into Leon S. Kennedy's own haunted history for a narrative that’s equal parts personal and apocalyptic.
A relentless monster stalks Grace throughout Resident Evil Requiem, echoing the terror of Mr. X in Resident Evil 2 or Lady Dimitrescu from Village. This pursuer demands clever evasion, pushing players to crouch, sneak, and hide to survive—mechanics that amp up the heart-pounding stealth, making every creaky floorboard a potential death sentence.
Behind the scares, Resident Evil Requiem is helmed by director Koushi Nakanishi, the mind behind Resident Evil 7‘s first-person chills, ensuring a potent mix of innovation and homage for the 30th anniversary. Voice stars Jeannie Tirado as Grace and Mercer Boffey as Leon add raw emotional depth, grounding the horror in relatable human struggles.Final frights ahead
With Resident Evil Requiem set to unleash its blend of stealthy survival and pulse-pounding action on February 27, 2026, fans are bracing for a landmark entry that honors the series’ legacy while pushing boundaries. Whether you’re harvesting zombie blood or dodging relentless pursuers, this chilling anniversary tale promises nightmares worth savoring—mark your calendars, horror hounds.
