Fans got their first real look at Resident Evil 9: Requiem’s box art through leaked retail listings, and the reaction has been mixed at best. The leaked designs showcase a more subdued aesthetic compared to previous entries in the franchise, leaving some players questioning whether it even looks like a Resident Evil game.
Steelbook Design Revealed
The most talked about leak came from collectorseditions.co.uk, which listed the Resident Evil Requiem Deluxe Steelbook Edition complete with box art images. The design features a large, engraved revolver as the centerpiece, closely resembling Claire Redfield’s Quickdraw Army from Resident Evil: Revelations 2. Grace Ashcroft, the game’s protagonist, appears on the cover alongside this weapon, creating a minimalist composition that breaks from the series’ typical style.
Multiple Reddit users expressed disappointment with the design, with one user bluntly stating they couldn’t tell it was Resident Evil just by looking at the cover. Another called it fan-made in appearance, while others noted it lacked the recognizable visual language that made previous RE covers instantly identifiable on store shelves.
What We Know About the Cover Design
- Features Grace Ashcroft as the main character rather than legacy protagonists
- Centers on a detailed revolver engraving as the primary visual element
- Uses a more subdued color palette compared to RE2 and RE3 remakes
- Available in standard and steelbook versions through various retailers
- PS5 Deluxe box art showcases the same revolver design prominently
Fan Reactions Split on Direction
The community response highlights a divide between those who appreciate the understated approach and fans who want something more instantly recognizable. Some players expected to see Raccoon City’s skyline in the background, similar to the RE2 and RE3 remake covers, but with a war-torn, apocalyptic twist featuring greys and blacks instead of the orange and red tones.
Others pointed out the lack of Leon Kennedy on the cover art, despite persistent rumors about his return in the game. One commenter joked about not seeing Leon anywhere in the leaked images, prompting another to suggest he might be the person holding a newspaper in one of the promotional materials, though this remains speculation.
Retail Listings Going Live
Beyond the box art controversy, multiple retailers have begun listing various editions of Resident Evil Requiem ahead of the official October 29th pre-order launch date. The leaked listings confirm several edition types including Standard, Deluxe, Deluxe Steelbook, and versions with lenticular sleeves.
German retailer GamesOnly.at was among the first to publish comprehensive listings showing both the packaging and content breakdowns for different editions. These early listings match Capcom’s typical design style for previous Resident Evil Gold and Deluxe editions, lending credibility to the leaks despite the lack of official confirmation at the time.
Box Art History in the Series
Resident Evil cover art has evolved significantly over the franchise’s nearly 30-year history. The original PlayStation releases featured bold character poses and dramatic lighting. The RE2 and RE3 remakes took a more cinematic approach with burning cityscapes and desperate action shots. Village went with Lady Dimitrescu and the castle setting front and center.
Requiem’s approach appears to be stripping things back to focus on protagonist Grace Ashcroft and the weapon that likely plays a key role in her journey. It’s a gamble that either pays off as refreshingly different or fails to grab attention in a crowded marketplace. Time will tell which camp proves correct once the game hits shelves in February 2026.
What This Means for Marketing
Cover art matters more than some developers might think. It’s the first impression for casual buyers browsing stores or digital storefronts. A design that doesn’t immediately scream Resident Evil could hurt sales among less dedicated fans who aren’t following every trailer and leak.
However, Capcom might be betting that word-of-mouth, influencer coverage, and the franchise’s built-in audience will carry marketing efforts. The Lady Dimitrescu costume included in the Deluxe Edition has already generated more buzz than the box art itself, showing that sometimes what’s inside matters more than the packaging.
Comparison to Previous Designs
| Game | Cover Style | Main Element | Fan Reception |
|---|---|---|---|
| RE2 Remake | Cinematic | Leon/Claire with burning Raccoon City | Highly positive |
| RE3 Remake | Action-focused | Jill escaping Nemesis | Generally positive |
| RE Village | Gothic horror | Dimitrescu castle and characters | Mixed but memorable |
| RE Requiem | Minimalist | Grace with engraved revolver | Divided/controversial |
Pre-Order Details Emerge
Alongside the box art leak, retailers confirmed pre-order bonuses and pricing structures. Anyone who pre-orders Resident Evil Requiem, regardless of edition, will receive Grace’s Costume: Apocalypse. The standard edition runs $69.99 while the Deluxe Edition with additional costumes and weapon skins costs $79.99.
The steelbook edition pricing hasn’t been finalized across all retailers, but typically adds another $10-15 to the base Deluxe Edition price. GameStop is also offering an exclusive tote bag with pre-orders while supplies last, giving physical edition buyers an extra incentive.
FAQs
When was the Resident Evil 9 box art leaked?
The box art leaked on October 28-29, 2025, through retail listings on collectorseditions.co.uk and other sites just before the official October 29th pre-order announcement.
What does the RE9 box art look like?
The box art features protagonist Grace Ashcroft with a prominently displayed engraved revolver as the centerpiece. It uses a more subdued, minimalist design compared to previous Resident Evil titles.
Why are fans disappointed with the cover design?
Many fans feel the cover doesn’t look recognizable as a Resident Evil game at first glance. Some described it as fan-made looking or too generic compared to the bold, cinematic covers of recent remakes.
Is Leon Kennedy on the RE9 box art?
No, Leon Kennedy does not appear on the leaked box art despite rumors about his return in the game. Grace Ashcroft is the main character featured on all revealed covers.
What editions of Resident Evil Requiem are available?
Leaked listings show Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, Deluxe Steelbook Edition, and versions with lenticular sleeves across various retailers.
Will the final box art be different from the leak?
While retailers are using these images for pre-orders, Capcom could potentially revise the design before the February 2026 launch based on feedback, though this is uncommon so close to release.
What weapon is featured on the RE9 cover?
The cover prominently features an engraved revolver that resembles Claire Redfield’s Quickdraw Army from Resident Evil: Revelations 2, though its exact role in Requiem remains unclear.
Conclusion
The Resident Evil 9 box art leak has sparked genuine debate within the community about visual identity and marketing direction. While some appreciate Capcom’s attempt at a more refined, understated design, others worry it sacrifices the immediate visual punch that made previous entries stand out. With pre-orders now officially open and the February 2026 release date approaching, fans will have plenty of time to either warm up to the design or continue expressing their preference for bolder cover art. What matters most is whether the game inside lives up to the franchise’s legacy, regardless of what the box looks like on store shelves.