Resident Evil: Requiem is officially out now, and the gaming world is buzzing. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this explosive return to Raccoon City, from critical reception and gameplay details to launch timing and available bonuses.
The wait is finally over. As of February 27, 2026, Capcom has unleashed Resident Evil Requiem upon the world, and it’s safe to say the legacy of survival horror has been reignited with a vengeance.
This isn’t just another entry; it’s a full-blown celebration of the franchise’s 30-year history, serving as both a culmination of everything that came before and a bold step into the future.
For fans who have been with the series since the days of the Spencer Mansion, the return to the decaying, haunting streets of Raccoon City feels like a homecoming long overdue.
But the big question on everyone’s mind: does it deliver?
The early verdict from critics and hands-on previews is a resounding yes, with many calling it one of the most ambitious and successful experiments in the series’ history. Let’s break down why Resident Evil Requiem is the hot topic in every gaming circle right now.
A Critical and Commercial Triumph
Before you even boot up the game, the numbers speak volumes. Resident Evil Requiem has smashed expectations, currently holding an impressive 88 on Metacritic and an even higher 90 on OpenCritic, with a staggering 95% of reviewers recommending the game.
Critics are hailing it as “a superb culmination of everything Capcom has learned” and a masterful blend of the series’ two core identities: nerve-shredding horror and bombastic action.
Back to the Nightmare: Story and Setting
For the first time in over a decade, the mainline narrative returns to the series’ foundational lore. Resident Evil Requiem is set in the ruins of Raccoon City, decades after the tragic events that destroyed the city.
This isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a continuation of the “overarching narrative rooted in Raccoon City and the secret machinations of the Umbrella Corporation”.
The story follows two protagonists whose fates intertwine in this cursed metropolis:
- Grace Ashcroft: An FBI intelligence analyst and the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak. Grace is introverted, easily scared, and represents a new type of Resident Evil hero, one who reacts to horror just as we would. She arrives in Raccoon City to investigate her mother’s mysterious death eight years prior.
- Leon S. Kennedy: The beloved “himbo” and seasoned DSO agent is back. Sporting his signature snazzy jacket and an even sharper wit, Leon is on the trail of a former Umbrella scientist, bringing his decades of experience and his incredible one-liners to the fight.
Dual Gameplay: Two Sides of the Same Coin
The most talked-about feature of Resident Evil Requiem is its revolutionary dual-protagonist structure. This isn’t like Resident Evil 2’s separate campaigns. Instead, the game flows like a cinematic thriller, switching between Grace and Leon at key narrative moments.
The genius of it? They play like completely different games, offering a rollercoaster of emotions that enhances both experiences.
Here’s a quick comparison of what to expect:
| Feature | Grace Ashcroft (Survival Horror Focus) | Leon S. Kennedy (Action Horror Focus) |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay Style | Stealth, puzzle-solving, resource management, and evasion. | Run-and-gun, crowd control, visceral melee combat, and explosive action. |
| Combat Philosophy | Avoid fights at all costs. Ammo is scarce, and enemies are often unkillable. | Embrace the chaos. You are a one-man army with plentiful ammo and powerful weaponry. |
| Tone | Tense, terrifying, and claustrophobic. Players feel as vulnerable as Grace looks. | Cathartic, powerful, and darkly humorous. It’s the satisfying payoff after the tension. |
| Encounters | Features “unkillable” local horrors (like a hulking chef or a monstrous creature) that must be avoided or outsmarted. | Allows you to finally confront and obliterate threats that were impossible for Grace to face. |
| Player Feel | “Grace is having a really bad time.” Her panicked breathing keeps you on edge. | “Sorry, but I’m not on the menu.” Leon quips as he blows away a previously terrifying monster. |
The Horror Has Evolved
Capcom’s RE Engine was already a powerhouse, but in Resident Evil Requiem, it delivers “spine-chilling realism like never before,” down to “high-fidelity sweat droplets”. More impressive than the graphics, however, is the evolution of the zombie AI. Enemies are no longer just mindless shamblers.
Previewers noted deeply unsettling behavior, such as:
- Former managers shuffling around, obsessed with turning off the lights.
- Housekeeping staff mindlessly scrubbing mirrors.
- Blindfolded patients swinging IV poles, reacting to sound rather than sight.
This level of detail transforms every encounter into a mini-puzzle, forcing players to observe and adapt.
Features, Performance, and Pre-order Perks
Resident Evil Requiem is packed with modern features that cater to both new and veteran players. For the first time in series history, you can freely switch between first-person and third-person perspectives at any time, allowing you to customize your horror experience.
Platform Performance:
- PS5: 4K resolution at 60fps.
- PS5 Pro: Full 4K/60fps with ray tracing and “Path Tracing” for the ultimate visual fidelity.
- PC (Steam/Epic), Xbox Series X|S, & Nintendo Switch 2: Also available with platform-specific enhancements.
Pre-order and Deluxe Edition Bonuses:
If you pre-ordered the game, you likely snagged Grace’s Costume: Apocalypse. However, the Deluxe Edition is where the fan service truly shines, including:
- Grace Costumes: Film Noir and a “completely unhinged” Lady Dimitrescu outfit from Resident Evil Village.
- Leon Costumes: RE4 classic, Apocalypse film style, and Film Noir.
- Extras: Screen filters, weapon skins, weapon charms (Mr. Raccoon!), a classic Raccoon City audio pack, and a file titled “Letters from 1998”.
Resident Evil Requiem Global Launch Times
To help you plan your descent into horror, here are the unlock times for various regions:
| Region / City | Console (PS5/Xbox) | PC (Steam/Epic) |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (PST) | Feb 26, 9:00 PM | Feb 26, 9:00 PM |
| New York (EST) | Feb 27, 12:00 AM | Feb 27, 12:00 AM |
| Mexico City (CST) | Feb 27, 12:00 AM | Feb 26, 11:00 PM |
| London (GMT) | Feb 27, 12:00 AM | Feb 27, 5:00 AM |
| Berlin/Paris (CET) | Feb 27, 12:00 AM | Feb 27, 6:00 AM |
| Tokyo (JST) | Feb 27, 12:00 AM | Feb 27, 2:00 PM |
| Singapore (SGT) | Feb 27, 12:00 AM | Feb 27, 1:00 PM |
| Sydney (AEDT) | Feb 27, 12:00 AM | Feb 27, 4:00 PM |
Note: Nintendo Switch 2 timings may vary slightly by region.
Resident Evil Requiem isn’t just a game; it’s a testament to Capcom’s mastery of the horror genre.
By seamlessly blending the terrifying vulnerability of Grace’s journey with the cathartic power fantasy of Leon’s, they’ve crafted an experience that respects its past while fearlessly forging a new path.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, Raccoon City is waiting. Just remember: in Raccoon City, survival isn’t guaranteed.
FAQ’s
It is a brand-new, mainline entry in the series (often referred to as Resident Evil 9). While it returns to the iconic setting of Raccoon City, it tells an original story featuring both new and returning characters.
Capcom has stated that Resident Evil Requiem is designed for both returning fans and newcomers. While longtime fans will appreciate the deep lore connections (especially to Resident Evil 2 and Outbreak), the core narrative is self-contained and accessible.
While not explicitly stated in the provided sources, previews suggest a substantial campaign. The dual-protagonist structure and large, explorable areas (like a massive hotel/police station hybrid) point to a playtime comparable to recent remakes like Resident Evil 4, likely offering 15-25 hours for a first playthrough.
No. The game is designed as a “unified playthrough” where you switch between the two characters at specific story moments. You cannot choose to play as only one; their intertwined narratives are essential to the experience.
It’s both, in equal measure. Grace’s segments are pure survival horror, while Leon’s segments are intense action. The game cleverly uses this contrast to make the horror scarier and the action more satisfying.
