The Resident Evil universe is far from over, and Capcom just proved that with the chilling announcement of Resident Evil 9: Requiem. Revealed during Summer Game Fest 2025, the game already has longtime fans buzzing—and for good reason. We’re getting a fresh story, a mysterious new protagonist, and a return to some of the most iconic (and terrifying) places in Resident Evil history.
But this isn’t just another sequel slapped together for nostalgia. Requiem promises a truly gripping survival horror experience that digs deep into the franchise’s lore while pushing the series forward in meaningful ways. Here’s everything we know so far.
A New Heroine With a Familiar Legacy
In Resident Evil 9: Requiem, players will step into the shoes of Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent with a haunted past and a personal stake in the mystery. If that last name rings a bell, it should—she’s the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, the investigative reporter from Resident Evil Outbreak.
Grace is no rookie, but she’s not exactly battle-hardened either. She’s smart, resourceful, and emotionally scarred by her mother’s murder. The game kicks off as Grace investigates a chilling string of deaths at a remote hotel. And yep, it just so happens to be the same place her mother died eight years ago. Talk about trauma bait.
A Return to Raccoon City… But Not Like You Remember
Here’s where things get wild. Requiem brings us back to Raccoon City, but it’s not the city we left behind. After being reduced to rubble by a nuclear strike way back in Resident Evil 3, the city is now a grotesque, overgrown graveyard—a decaying monument to Umbrella’s sins.
According to Meristation/AS.com, this version of the city is being dubbed the “Haunted Zone.”. Expect to revisit twisted versions of classic locations like the RPD building, Spencer Mansion, and even parts of the original lab network—though all of it’s been warped by time, rot, and who knows what kind of new viral horrors.
Gameplay: Slower, Smarter, Scarier
Resident Evil Requiem is shifting gears a bit in terms of gameplay. The action-heavy mechanics from Resident Evil 4 Remake are being reined in a little. Instead, Capcom says they’re leaning into atmosphere, psychological horror, and limited resources—you know, real survival horror stuff.
Grace isn’t some gun-wielding tank. She’s more like Jill Valentine meets Ellie from The Last of Us—tough, but constantly outmatched. Combat will still be there, of course, but players will need to think twice before charging into a fight.
There’s also a new stealth mechanic. According to early previews, players will have the ability to sneak around infected areas, using sound and shadows to their advantage. It’s a risky move, but one that could open the door to some seriously tense moments.
The RE Engine Gets a Spooky Upgrade
Capcom continues to flex with its proprietary RE Engine, which has powered most of the series’ recent entries. In Requiem, the engine has been upgraded yet again, this time focusing on facial expressions, dynamic lighting, and environmental storytelling.
In plain English? Everything looks horrifyingly beautiful. The trailer showed crumbling walls with pulsing veins, grotesque creatures slithering in the distance, and some truly haunting eye-level camera angles that make you feel trapped in Grace’s shoes.
Let’s not forget: Capcom is a master of horror set pieces, and Requiem looks like it’s going all-in on environmental tension. The sound design alone could probably make you drop the controller.
New Creatures, New Virus?
We don’t know the exact name of the new virus yet, but Capcom confirmed Resident Evil 9 will introduce a brand-new strain. Judging from the trailer, this one’s less about brute mutations and more about subtle, slow transformations. Victims seem to hallucinate, lose their sense of self, and become something… else.
We also got a glimpse of a monstrous figure with human features—possibly a returning character lost to the infection? Fan theories are already spiraling, but Capcom’s keeping the details under wraps for now.
Release Date and Platforms
Capcom has locked in the release date for February 27, 2026, which gives us just enough time to replay the old titles (again) and get emotionally prepared. Resident Evil Requiem will launch on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (via Steam)
No word yet on any VR support or deluxe editions, but you can expect those announcements closer to release. And yes, it’s next-gen only—so PS4 and Xbox One owners might want to start planning that upgrade.
Official Reveal Trailer
You can watch the official reveal trailer for Resident Evil Requiem below:
Final Thoughts: The Hype Is Real
Let’s be honest—Resident Evil has had its ups and downs over the years, but Capcom has been on a serious hot streak lately. Resident Evil Village was a wild ride. The RE4 Remake knocked it out of the park. And now, with Requiem, they’re not just aiming for another hit. They’re trying to evolve the formula again.
By introducing a new protagonist, leaning back into horror, and revisiting a twisted Raccoon City, Resident Evil 9 looks like it could be one of the most story-rich and terrifying entries yet.
If you’re a longtime fan, this feels like a reward. If you’re new to the series? Honestly, this might be the perfect time to dive in.
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