The wait is finally over. With the February 27 release of Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom has once again redefined survival horror, plunging players into the shadowy depths of the Wrenwood Hotel and the ruins of Raccoon City. As the ninth mainline entry (RE9), Requiem introduces a groundbreaking dual-narrative system that pairs series veteran Leon S. Kennedy with newcomer Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst with a personal vendetta. Mastering the distinct playstyles of these two protagonists—and the innovative mechanics that bind them—is the only way to survive the nightmare. Whether you're struggling with inventory management or the new hybrid camera system, this Resident Evil Requiem guide delivers the essential tactics you need to conquer the darkness.
1. Master the Hybrid Perspective System
One of the most talked-about features in Resident Evil Requiem is the ability to toggle between first-person and third-person perspectives on the fly. While the game defaults Grace to a claustrophobic first-person view and Leon to an action-oriented third-person camera, you shouldn't strictly adhere to these presets. Switching perspectives is a tactical necessity, not just a visual preference.
Pro Tip: Use the first-person view during Grace's investigation sections in the Wrenwood Hotel to easily spot hidden items and puzzle clues in the dense, dimly lit environments. Conversely, switch Leon to third-person when facing swarms of enemies to maximize your spatial awareness and avoid getting flanked. The game's engine renders lighting differently in each mode, so if you're stuck on a puzzle, try swapping views to reveal obscured details.
2. Leverage the "Strategic Drop" Mechanic
The most innovative survival layer in Resident Evil Requiem is the persistent world state between characters. Resources and enemies are shared across timelines. If Grace bypasses a group of enemies she can't defeat, Leon may have to face them later. More importantly, items left behind by one character can be retrieved by the other.
Since Grace has limited combat capabilities, avoid picking up heavy ammunition (like Shotgun shells or Magnum rounds) while playing as her. Instead, leave them for Leon, who has the arsenal to use them effectively. Conversely, Leon should leave excess crafting components and herbs for Grace, who relies heavily on health items and stealth crafting to survive her stalker-heavy segments.
3. Optimize Grace’s Blood Crafting System
Grace Ashcroft introduces a gruesome new mechanic: Blood Crafting. Unlike Leon, who uses traditional gunpowder, Grace collects blood samples from fallen enemies and the environment to synthesize unique survival tools. This resource is scarce, so managing it is critical.
Prioritize crafting Hemolytic Injections over standard ammo. These injections allow Grace to perform silent, one-hit takedowns on unaware enemies, saving precious resources and preventing alarms. Don't waste blood crafting handgun bullets unless absolutely necessary; her strength lies in evasion and stealth, not prolonged firefights.
4. Master Leon’s Hatchet and Parry Mechanics
Leon S. Kennedy returns with a brutal upgrade to his close-quarters combat: the tactical hatchet. This weapon is far more versatile than the combat knives of previous entries, but it comes with a catch. The hatchet has a durability meter that must be maintained using whetstones found throughout the world.
You can parry almost any physical attack with a well-timed L1/LB press, opening enemies up for a devastating melee finisher. However, you cannot parry with a blunt edge. Always keep your hatchet sharpened before entering a new area. Additionally, the hatchet can be used to pry open sealed vents and cabinets that Grace cannot access, unlocking shortcuts and hidden caches for both characters.
5. Crack the Wrenwood Parlor Secrets
Inside the Wrenwood Hotel, players will encounter the mysterious Parlor, a safe zone that functions similarly to the Duke's Emporium or the Merchant's shop. Here, Grace can exchange "Empty Coins"—hidden collectibles scattered throughout the hotel—for permanent upgrades and prizes.
Don't ignore these coins. The prizes include essential inventory expansions and weapon attachments like muzzle brakes that are vital for the late game. Thoroughly explore the hotel's guest rooms and check behind paintings; many Empty Coins are hidden in plain sight but require a keen eye (or a switch to first-person view) to spot.
6. Adapt to Different Inventory Systems
Resident Evil Requiem forces players to master two distinct inventory management styles. Leon utilizes the beloved Attache Case system from Resident Evil 4, allowing for "inventory Tetris" and massive weapon storage. Grace, however, uses a grid-based system with limited slots, reminiscent of Resident Evil 7 and the classic games.
For Leon, prioritize upgrading case size to hoard heavy weaponry. For Grace, the strategy is different: use Item Boxes liberally. Because her inventory is so small, you should only carry one weapon and key items, storing everything else. Remember, a full inventory on Grace means you might miss picking up a critical key item, forcing a dangerous backtrack.
7. Utilize Environmental Traps in the Chronic Care Center
Later in the game, the action shifts to the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center. This location is teeming with new bio-weapons that can easily overwhelm even Leon. To survive, you must use the environment to your advantage. The facility is rigged with malfunctioning medical equipment and electrical hazards.
Lure enemies into pools of water near sparking cables or shoot hanging equipment to crush groups of pursuers. These environmental kills save ammunition and are often the only way to deal with the heavily armored "Patient" enemies without depleting your entire stock of explosives.
