Capcom‘s June 6, 2025 Spotlight showcase gave fans their first real look at Resident Evil Requiem—and it’s clear the franchise is heading into chilling new territory while honoring its roots.
Set to release on February 27, 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, Resident Evil Requiem introduces Grace Ashcroft as the main character, alongside gameplay that blends fresh mechanics with classic survival horror vibes.
Grace Ashcroft Takes the Lead
Grace is a new face to the franchise, but she’s got a connection to the Resident Evil world—she’s the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, a character from Resident Evil Outbreak. Grace is described by the developers as an introvert who scares easily, which is a deliberate design choice. The team wants players to experience fear through her eyes.
This lines up with Requiem’s core theme: “addictive fear.” Grace isn’t a combat-hardened veteran—she’s a skilled FBI analyst with firearms training, sure, but she’s not prepared for what’s lurking in the shadows of a ruined city.
Return to a Devastated Raccoon City
And speaking of cities—yes, Requiem is bringing us back to Raccoon City. But this isn’t the same infested metropolis players remember. It’s been 30 years since the city was wiped out by a missile strike, and Grace will be exploring its long-abandoned ruins.
The dev team emphasized that Raccoon City is as important as any character, calling Requiem a kind of “eulogy” for the setting that launched the franchise. Expect a haunting atmosphere, filled with environmental storytelling and emotional weight.
First Look at Gameplay
The gameplay footage shown during the Spotlight gave fans a preview of what to expect, including the ability to toggle between first-person and third-person perspectives. First-person will amp up the horror, while third-person is meant to suit more action-focused players.
We also got glimpses of new enemy designs and ominous interiors that Grace will have to navigate. While we didn’t get full creature reveals, it’s clear she won’t be alone in the ruins of Raccoon City.
Leon’s Role—Or Lack Thereof
Yes, Leon S. Kennedy was mentioned—but only to reinforce that he’s not the lead this time. Capcom explained that Leon’s fearlessness, after everything he’s been through, makes him a bad fit for a pure horror experience. That said, fans are still holding out hope he might appear in a supporting role.
Hype Continues to Build
With just months to go, Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated entries in the series. Fans are eager to see if Grace Ashcroft can hold her own among icons like Jill, Claire, and Leon—and whether a haunted, broken-down Raccoon City can still deliver the scares.
The wait continues, but one thing’s for sure: Requiem is aiming to make us afraid of the dark all over again.
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