Capcom has once again electrified the gaming world, unveiling a treasure trove of details for the highly anticipated Resident Evil Requiem during its January 2026 showcase. With a global launch set for February 27, 2026, the latest entry in the storied survival horror franchise promises to be a masterclass in both dread and dynamic action, thanks to its dual protagonists, inventive gameplay mechanics, and a slate of high-profile collaborations.
At the heart of Resident Evil Requiem are two playable characters: the beloved DSO agent Leon S. Kennedy and the franchise’s newest heroine, FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft. According to Capcom’s showcase, these protagonists don’t just offer different perspectives on the game’s story—they fundamentally change how the game is played. As director Koshi Nakanishi explained, “Leon’s inherent combat skills and action hero vibe make him ill-suited for a full-on horror game. Grace Ashcroft is the solution to that, as her relative lack of experience makes her much more vulnerable and afraid of her encounters with zombies.” (as reported by Polygon and GameSpot).
Leon’s sections harken back to the action-packed energy of Resident Evil 4 Remake. He’s equipped with an arsenal of firearms, can parry attacks with a hatchet (which can be sharpened mid-battle), and even commandeer weapons from foes—including a chainsaw, a first for the character. Capcom’s showcase footage delighted fans by showing Leon parrying a massive chainsaw attack, dispatching the enemy, and then wielding the chainsaw himself. His ability to target specific body parts adds a strategic layer to combat, letting players disable zombies before finishing them off with brutal efficiency. As noted by IGN, Leon’s gameplay “is very reminiscent of the remake of 4,” with all the high-octane flair fans have come to expect.
Meanwhile, Grace Ashcroft’s gameplay is a deliberate return to the franchise’s survival horror roots, drawing inspiration from classics like Resident Evil 2 and 7. She starts her journey in a zombie-infested sanatorium, armed with little more than her wits and a powerful, but scarce, revolver fittingly named Requiem. Ammo is limited, and direct confrontation is often best avoided. Instead, Grace uses a new crafting system that requires infected blood from zombies, which she can transform into potent weapons or tools. In one particularly grisly showcase moment, Grace injects a concoction into a zombie, causing it to explode in a shower of blood—a clear sign that Capcom isn’t pulling any punches with the horror (Polygon).
Players will also notice that the zombies themselves have evolved. Rather than being mindless monsters, these undead retain eerie fragments of their former lives. One chef zombie, for example, continues to obsessively prepare food, while a custodian zombie still cleans its environment. This not only adds a layer of unsettling atmosphere but also introduces fresh strategies for players, who can observe and exploit these behaviors to sneak past or outmaneuver enemies. According to GameSpot, “Players can sneak past some of these zombies or closely observe their actions for clues about how to proceed.” In some cases, zombies are even lucid enough to converse with Grace, hinting at deeper narrative mysteries yet to be revealed.
The narrative itself revolves around the enigmatic term “Elpis,” which links Grace’s traumatic past—including the death of her mother Alyssa Ashcroft—and Leon’s ongoing mission in the ruined Raccoon City. While Capcom has kept story specifics under wraps, the presence of “Elpis” as a central mystery is sure to fuel speculation among fans until launch.
Capcom has also gone all-in on accessibility and challenge, offering a suite of difficulty modes to cater to both newcomers and series veterans. Casual Mode provides heavy aim assist and forgiving damage, letting players focus on the story. Standard Mode ups the ante, while Standard (Classic) brings back the iconic ink ribbon save system—requiring Grace (and only Grace) to find and use limited ink ribbons to save progress at typewriters, a nostalgic nod to the franchise’s origins. As Polygon put it, “That’s a throwback to classic Resident Evil games, and helps differentiate her from Leon in a big way.”
Technically, Resident Evil Requiem is set to impress. The game launches simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), with GeForce NOW support for those on lower-spec systems. High-end PC players can look forward to NVIDIA’s DLSS 4 and path-tracing technologies, promising top-tier performance and visuals. The game also allows players to switch between first- and third-person perspectives, with Grace’s sections often played in first-person for maximum immersion, and Leon’s in third-person for that signature action feel.
Beyond the core game, Capcom has lined up an impressive roster of collaborations and merchandise. Porsche has designed a custom Cayenne Turbo GT, created with advanced 3D printing technology, which appears as Leon’s personal vehicle in-game. Meanwhile, Hamilton Watch Co. is producing real-world versions of the watches worn by Leon and Grace, limited to just 2,000 units each and set to launch alongside the game. Other collector’s items include 1/6 scale figures of both protagonists, a themed Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and the franchise’s first-ever Amiibo featuring Grace, arriving in summer 2026.
Fans can also look forward to a range of special editions and bonuses. The Deluxe Edition includes costumes, weapon skins, filters, and more, while a Premium Steelbook Edition offers exclusive content and a lenticular card. Pre-ordering the game nets players Grace’s “Apocalypse” outfit, and Switch 2 owners can pick up the Resident Evil Generation Pack, bundled with Resident Evil 7, Village, and Requiem. There’s even a collaboration with Fortnite: purchasing Requiem through the Epic Games Store unlocks Resident Evil-themed in-game items, including a Grace outfit.
Capcom isn’t content to stop at digital and physical goods. To mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary, the company will host Resident Evil Symphony of Legacy concerts in Japan, North America, and Europe later this year, giving fans a chance to celebrate the series’ storied musical history in grand style.
With its dual protagonists, inventive gameplay systems, and a blend of horror and action, Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the series to date. As Capcom continues to drip-feed new details and surprises in the weeks leading up to launch, anticipation among fans has reached a fever pitch. Whether you’re a die-hard veteran or a newcomer to the world of survival horror, February 27, 2026, is a date to mark on the calendar.
With so many innovations and callbacks wrapped into one package, Resident Evil Requiem looks set to deliver both nostalgia and fresh terror in equal measure.
