Gear up for Resident Evil 9 Requiem launching February 27 2026! Learn how to follow the chilling return to Raccoon City with new hero Grace Ashcroft and what to expect from Capcom’s latest horror epic.
Capcom stole the show at Summer Game Fest 2025 revealing Resident Evil 9 Requiem the ninth mainline entry in the legendary survival horror series. Set to launch February 27 2026 the game promises a haunting return to Raccoon City with a new protagonist Grace Ashcroft and a gothic vibe that’s got fans buzzing. Here’s your guide to getting ready for this terrifying chapter from tracking updates to what makes it a must-play.
A Chilling Reveal at Summer Game Fest
The Resident Evil 9 Requiem trailer closed Summer Game Fest with a bang leaving fans stunned by its eerie atmosphere. Set in the ravaged remains of Raccoon City the game follows Grace Ashcroft an FBI analyst digging into murders at a hotel tied to her mother’s past. The trailer’s gothic tone heavy on psychological horror and supernatural dread marks a shift from Resident Evil Village’s action-packed pace. Fans spotted the Raccoon City Police Department logo sparking nostalgia for the series’ early days.
Capcom teased the reveal all night with producer Jun Takeuchi hinting at something big before unveiling a cinematic trailer that screamed X-Files meets classic Resident Evil. Powered by the RE Engine the game boasts jaw-dropping visuals from Grace’s haunted expressions to decaying environments. Insider Dusk Golem’s leaks about a “witchy” vibe proved true fueling hype for a darker scarier experience.
Grace Ashcroft and a Possible Leon Return
Grace Ashcroft takes center stage as the new lead with fans speculating she might be tied to Resident Evil Outbreak’s Alyssa Ashcroft or even Rose Winters from Village. Her story kicks off with a personal investigation that spirals into a nightmare in Raccoon City’s ruins. Rumors swirl that Leon S Kennedy a fan-favorite could return as a second playable character wrapping up his arc from Resident Evil 2 and 4. The trailer keeps Leon’s role a mystery but the RPD’s presence has fans betting on his comeback.
Capcom calls Requiem both an “end” and a “new start” for the series hinting at a major shake-up. With Grace facing new creatures and a serial killer plot the game blends personal stakes with the franchise’s biohazard legacy.
Gameplay and Release Details
- Release Date: February 27 2026 on PS5 Xbox Series X|S and PC
- Gameplay Style: Third-person single-player with a focus on survival horror over action featuring open areas but not a full open world
- Horror Vibe: Gothic psychological horror with new monsters and a slower creepier pace
- Next Reveal: Expect gameplay footage at Gamescom in August 2025
Directed by Resident Evil 7’s Koshi Nakanishi Requiem aims to reinvent the series after two delays ensured a polished experience. The trailer showed no gameplay but its chilling tone suggests a return to the tense roots of RE7.
How to Get Ready
- Watch the Trailer: Stream it on Capcom’s YouTube or Summer Game Fest’s archive
- Track Updates: Follow Capcom’s social media for news leading to Gamescom
- Pre-Order Plans: Pre-orders aren’t live yet but check PlayStation Store Xbox Store or Steam closer to release
- Join the Buzz: Dive into fan theories on forums or Discord about Grace Leon and Raccoon City
Why Requiem Is a Big Deal
Resident Evil has been unstoppable since RE7’s 2017 reboot with remakes of RE2 3 and 4 winning over fans. Requiem leans into the series’ horror roots with a Raccoon City setting absent from mainline games since RE3. Grace’s fresh perspective paired with the promise of tying up the original saga has fans on edge. As the franchise nears its 30th anniversary in March 2026 Requiem could redefine survival horror.
