Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be the most ambitious survival horror experience Capcom has ever created. As the ninth mainline entry in the legendary franchise, this February 2026 release promises to take players back to where it all began – Raccoon City – but with a fresh perspective that’s got both longtime fans and newcomers buzzing with excitement.
Meet Grace Ashcroft: The New Face of Fear
The star of Resident Evil Requiem isn’t just any new protagonist – she’s Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from the beloved Resident Evil Outbreak games. Working as an FBI technical analyst, Grace gets pulled into investigating mysterious deaths at the Wrenwood Hotel, setting off a chain of events that forces her to confront her family’s dark past.
What makes Grace’s story particularly compelling is its connection to the original Raccoon City disaster. The game takes place about 30 years after the missile strike that ended the nightmare, but as Grace will discover, some horrors have a way of coming back to haunt you.
Revolutionary Gameplay Features That Change Everything
Capcom is pulling out all the stops with Resident Evil Requiem’s gameplay mechanics. For the first time in recent series history, players can seamlessly switch between first-person and third-person perspectives at any moment. Want that intense, up-close horror experience? Go first-person. Prefer the tactical advantages of seeing your surroundings? Third-person has you covered.
The game introduces several groundbreaking features:
- Adaptive Enemy AI: Creatures learn from your behavior and adapt their hunting patterns
- Enhanced Stealth System: Hide under tables, crouch to reduce noise, and use environmental distractions
- Dynamic Environment Interactions: Destructible environments and interactive objects add tactical depth
- Improved Partner Mechanics: AI companions provide contextual support and assistance
- Expanded Puzzle Integration: Complex environmental puzzles reward thorough exploration
Platform Availability and Pricing Controversies
Here’s where things get interesting. While Capcom officially announced Resident Evil Requiem for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and the upcoming Switch 2, industry insiders suggest there might be more platforms in the works. Reliable leakers hint that a PS4 version could be secretly in development, similar to how Resident Evil Village initially hid its last-gen compatibility.
The pricing structure has also raised eyebrows. Early reports suggest the game will cost €80 on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, while the Switch 2 version comes in at €70. This pricing strategy reflects the different technical capabilities and market positions of each platform.
| Platform | Status | Rumored Price |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Confirmed | €80 |
| Xbox Series X/S | Confirmed | €80 |
| PC (Steam) | Confirmed | TBA |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Confirmed | €70 |
| PlayStation 4 | Rumored | Unknown |
Return to Raccoon City: A Technical Marvel
The decision to bring players back to Raccoon City wasn’t taken lightly. Capcom’s development team meticulously studied the bomb’s impact zone, designing how the city would realistically look after decades of abandonment. Using the RE Engine’s advanced capabilities, they’ve created a hauntingly beautiful yet terrifying recreation of the iconic location.
The technical differences between platforms are already becoming apparent. While the PS5 version showcases stunning ray tracing, improved lighting effects, and Grace’s incredibly detailed hair physics, the Switch 2 version makes smart compromises to deliver the full experience on portable hardware. The Switch 2 version runs at 1080p and 30fps, compared to the PS5’s higher resolution and 60fps target.
What This Means for the Franchise’s Future
Resident Evil Requiem represents more than just another sequel – it’s Capcom’s statement about the future of survival horror. By combining cutting-edge technology with the series’ roots, they’re proving that traditional horror gaming can evolve without losing its soul.
The game’s development philosophy focused on what fans actually wanted rather than chasing trends. The team experimented with online multiplayer and open-world concepts but ultimately decided that a single-player, story-driven experience was what would best serve the Resident Evil legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Resident Evil Requiem release?
Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27, 2026, across all confirmed platforms simultaneously.
Can you switch between first-person and third-person views?
Yes, players can seamlessly toggle between first-person and third-person perspectives at any time during gameplay, similar to the post-launch update for Resident Evil Village.
Is Grace Ashcroft related to previous Resident Evil characters?
Grace Ashcroft is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, a protagonist from the Resident Evil Outbreak games on PlayStation 2.
Will there be a PlayStation 4 version?
While not officially confirmed, industry insiders suggest Capcom may be secretly developing a PS4 version, similar to how they initially hid Resident Evil Village’s last-gen compatibility.
How does the Switch 2 version compare to PS5?
The Switch 2 version runs at 1080p and 30fps with reduced lighting effects, shadow quality, and texture detail, while the PS5 version targets 60fps with enhanced ray tracing and visual fidelity.
Does the game feature online multiplayer?
No, Resident Evil Requiem focuses exclusively on single-player survival horror, as Capcom determined this approach best serves fan expectations and the franchise’s core identity.
What’s the connection to the original Raccoon City?
The game takes place approximately 30 years after the missile strike that destroyed Raccoon City, with Grace investigating events that tie back to the original disaster.
Conclusion
Resident Evil Requiem is positioning itself as a love letter to longtime fans while welcoming newcomers with open arms. By returning to Raccoon City with Grace Ashcroft’s compelling personal story, advanced gameplay mechanics, and cutting-edge technology, Capcom is crafting what could be the definitive modern survival horror experience. Whether you’re planning to play on PS5 for the ultimate visual experience or grab it on Switch 2 for portable scares, February 27, 2026, can’t come soon enough for horror gaming enthusiasts.