Capcom’s upcoming survival horror game Resident Evil Requiem — also commonly referred to as Resident Evil 9 — is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of early 2026. Announced at the Summer Game Fest in June 2025 and slated for release on February 27, 2026, Requiem promises a compelling mix of classic survival horror tension and high-octane action, blending familiar franchise elements with new twists for a 30th anniversary celebration. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Designed in Capcom’s RE Engine, Requiem returns players to a devastated Raccoon City, long considered the epicenter of the series’ most iconic outbreaks. This entry features both a new protagonist and a beloved franchise veteran, tasking players with unraveling a biohazard mystery that ties together decades of Resident Evil lore. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Story and Setting: Back to Raccoon City
Resident Evil Requiem brings the horror back to its roots, with the ruined landscapes of Raccoon City serving as a central backdrop once again. The city, previously destroyed in events tied to the T-Virus outbreak, plays a major role in Requiem’s narrative as players attempt to confront both past and present threats. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Unlike many earlier entries focused on standalone scares or isolated locations, Requiem promises a broader narrative that explores the aftermath of long-standing biohazard incidents. This focus on legacy — while introducing new characters and mechanics — gives both veteran fans and newcomers a reason to jump into this chapter of the franchise. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Dual Protagonists: Grace and Leon
One of the most significant aspects of Resident Evil Requiem is its dual-protagonist system. Players will alternate between two very different characters: Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst who stumbles into a terrifying outbreak, and Leon S. Kennedy, the series’ long-time fan favorite returning to the crisis after nearly three decades. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Grace’s segments lean into survival horror staples: limited ammunition, tense exploration, and nerve-wracking encounters with grotesque creatures. In contrast, Leon’s chapters play more like an action-oriented third-person shooter, reminiscent of his role in Resident Evil 4 and later entries. This contrast between stealthy tension and explosive combat is a deliberate design choice meant to balance fear with empowerment. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Many previews have pointed out that this dual-style gameplay manages to feel complementary rather than disjointed, offering players a varied experience that shifts between dread and exhilaration as the story unfolds. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Gameplay Mechanics and Perspective
Resident Evil Requiem will allow players to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, offering flexibility rarely seen in the mainline series. First-person intends to heighten immersion and horror, while third-person caters more to comfort and action-focused gameplay.
The survival horror elements remain front and center: limited resources, puzzle solving, and pacing that evokes classic series tension. At the same time, Leon’s combat sections draw on his established legacy as a capable and charismatic field agent, offering powerful weapons, strategic enemy engagements, and high-stakes action sequences that contrast with the atmospheric dread of Grace’s journey.
Previews have also highlighted that Requiem manages to strike a balance between methodical horror and visceral combat rather than simply layering them on top of each other. This careful pacing aims to ensure players are never too comfortable and constantly reevaluate their approach to each scenario.
Returning Franchise Elements and New Threats
Fans will be pleased to see that Resident Evil Requiem doesn’t abandon the core elements that made the franchise famous. Classic creatures, references to Umbrella Corporation’s bioweapons, and eerie, atmospheric level design are all part of the experience.
The game also introduces fresh story threads and new adversaries — one terrifyingly persistent enemy type has been compared to iconic stalkers like Mr. X and Lady Dimitrescu, blending familiar horror tropes with redesigned threats that feel tailored to Requiem’s tone. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Additionally, developer interviews tease elements like an “Umbrella Curse,” new biohazard outbreaks, and deeper connections between the protagonists and the series’ overarching mythology. These narrative components build anticipation for how Requiem will tie together past and present Resident Evil lore.
Platforms, Editions, and Extras
Resident Evil Requiem is confirmed to launch on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows PC, and **Nintendo Switch 2**, reflecting Capcom’s ongoing commitment to wide platform support.
Multiple editions of the game have been detailed online, with deluxe versions offering additional cosmetic items, filters, and themed charms celebrating Raccoon City’s legacy and the franchise’s 30th anniversary.
Many previews also note the surge in early interest, with Requiem appearing on over a million wishlists across all platforms prior to launch — a strong sign that fans are eager for the next chapter in Capcom’s survival horror saga.
Early Impressions and Preview Highlights
Hands-on previews have generally praised Resident Evil Requiem for its blend of horror and action. Many testers describe Grace’s sections as atmospheric and tense, with scares around every corner, while Leon’s gameplay offers satisfying combat that feels both powerful and rooted in franchise legacy. :
One preview highlighted an eerie hospital sequence where slow-moving threats stalked the player, demanding careful resource management and strategic thinking reminiscent of classic entries like Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 7.
Overall, these early impressions suggest that while Requiem leans into familiar territory, it also keeps players on edge with new twists and refined mechanics that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
What Fans Are Saying Ahead of Release
Fan reactions have been a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The return of Leon S. Kennedy, in particular, has been praised as a welcome nostalgia boost, offering comfort to long-time players while anchoring the game’s broader narrative ambitions.
At the same time, the introduction of Grace Ashcroft as a relatable new protagonist gives Requiem a fresh emotional core, helping to bridge old and new generations of fans. Early conversations around the game reflect a sense of anticipation that Requiem’s story will deliver both emotional depth and shocking reveals.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter in Survival Horror
Resident Evil Requiem looks poised to be both a celebration of the survival horror genre and a bold new direction for the iconic franchise. By combining dual protagonists, flexible camera options, and a narrative rooted in both legacy and innovation, Capcom aims to deliver an experience that honors the series’ past while pushing it forward.
With launch less than a month away, Requiem remains one of 2026’s most highly anticipated games — a title that could redefine expectations for survival horror fans around the world.