Capcom has officially unveiled comprehensive details for Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline installment in the legendary franchise. Scheduled for a global release on February 27, 2026, the game celebrates the series’ 30th anniversary. Developed on the RE Engine, Requiem is the first title in the series built exclusively for current-generation hardware, including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. For the first time, players can switch between first-person and third-person perspectives at any time, a feature Capcom describes as marrying the immersive dread of recent entries with the classic action-oriented feel of earlier games.
Dual Protagonists and Divergent Gameplay
The narrative is centered on two playable characters with drastically different playstyles, which the developers claim makes the experience feel like “two games in one.”
- Grace Ashcroft: A new protagonist and FBI intelligence analyst, Grace is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak. Her gameplay focuses on pure survival horror, featuring limited inventory, puzzle-solving, and a “vulnerability” mechanic where players must scrounge for resources. She investigates a mysterious case at the Wrenwood Hotel—the same location where her mother died years prior.
- Leon S. Kennedy: Returning as a veteran DSO agent, Leon’s sections are combat-heavy and action-oriented. He features a refined melee system involving parries, finishing moves, and the ability to commandeer enemy weapons like chainsaws. His mission involves investigating a biological threat tied to a former Umbrella scientist in a ruined Raccoon City.
The Mystery of “Elpis” and Evolved Enemies
The story revolves around a central keyword, “Elpis,” a mysterious term that links Grace’s traumatic past to Leon’s current investigation. Players will face evolved zombies that retain “residual behaviors” from their former lives, such as a chef who continues to cook or a janitor who endlessly polishes mirrors, which players can exploit for stealth. Additionally, the game features a terrifying stalker enemy that pursues Grace throughout her journey, reminiscent of Mr. X or Lady Dimitrescu.
High-Profile Collaborations and Merchandise
Capcom has partnered with several luxury brands to bring Resident Evil Requiem to life both in and out of the game:
- Porsche: Leon drives a custom Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT in-game, which was designed using advanced 3D printing technology specifically for the project.
- Hamilton Watch Co.: Real-world, limited-edition versions of the watches worn by Leon (Khaki Field Auto Chrono) and Grace (Pan Europ Automatic) will be released, limited to 2,000 units each.
- Merchandise: A dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and a Grace Ashcroft Amiibo (releasing Summer 2026) were announced. 1/6 scale figures of both protagonists are also slated for a Fall 2026 release.
- Fortnite: Players who purchase the game through the Epic Games Store will receive exclusive Resident Evil-themed cosmetics in Fortnite.
Official website: https://www.residentevil.com/requiem/en-us/
