With the global release of Resident Evil Requiem set for February 27, 2026, Capcom has finally pulled the curtain back on what promises to be the most ambitious entry in the survival horror franchise. Following the latest hands-on previews released this week, it is clear that Requiem (RE9) offers two distinct experiences: the claustrophobic, puzzle-heavy survival of newcomer Grace Ashcroft and the high-octane action mastery of veteran Leon S. Kennedy. To survive Rhodes Hill Hospital, players must adapt quickly. This guide breaks down the essential Resident Evil Requiem gameplay tips you need to master the revolutionary Blood Synthesis crafting system and outsmart the terrifyingly human 'sentient' zombies.

Mastering Grace Ashcroft’s Blood Synthesis Crafting

Grace Ashcroft’s campaign brings the series back to its terrifying roots, emphasizing scarcity and vulnerability. Unlike Leon, Grace cannot simply blast her way through the facility. Her survival hinges on the new RE Requiem Blood Synthesis guide mechanic—a high-stakes risk/reward system that forces you to engage with threats you’d rather avoid.

The core loop involves harvesting "infected ichor" or blood from fallen enemies. In a cruel twist, to craft the powerful vaccines and injectors needed to neutralize tougher variants or heal critical wounds, you must first kill enemies to obtain the raw materials. This creates a tense strategic layer: do you sneak past a group of undead to conserve ammo, or do you take them down to harvest their blood for future crafting?

Survival Tricks for Grace

  • Harvest Wisely: You need a specialized extraction tool to siphon blood from mangled brain matter. Always ensure the area is clear before beginning the animation, which leaves you vulnerable for several seconds.
  • The 'Requiem' Revolver: Grace eventually acquires a massive caliber revolver named after the game title. It has immense stopping power but scarce ammo. Save this exclusively for boss encounters or clearing a path to a save room.
  • Stealth over Strength: Grace’s movement is slower and more deliberate. Use the first-person perspective to peek around corners and utilize environmental distractions—like throwing bottles—to lure enemies away from harvestable corpses.

Leon Kennedy’s Tomahawk Parry and Combat Tips

While Grace hides in the shadows, Leon S. Kennedy brings the fight to the infected. His gameplay evolution feels like a direct successor to the Resident Evil 4 Remake, but with a grittier, physical edge. The standout addition is the new melee system. Mastering the Leon Kennedy tomahawk parry is non-negotiable for surviving his action-heavy sections.

Unlike the combat knife of previous games, Leon’s tomahawk does not break permanently, but it does dull. You must perform a sharpening minigame (hold L1 + Square) during quiet moments to maintain its lethality. A dull axe will bounce off enemies, leaving you open to attack.

Advanced Combat Tactics:

  • Weapon Appropriation: In a first for the series, Leon can wrestle weapons away from stunned enemies. If you stagger a chainsaw-wielding doctor, you can seize their tool and turn it against the horde.
  • Stacked Grenades: Leon’s crafting focuses on firepower. Look for the "Stacked Hand Grenade" recipe, which allows you to tape two explosives together for a room-clearing boom—perfect for the larger crowds Leon faces.

How to Outsmart 'Sentient' Zombies

The most chilling innovation in Resident Evil Requiem is the "Echoes of Humanity" AI system. Zombies in this game retain fragments of their former memories, performing mundane tasks like cleaning floors, cooking, or flipping light switches. This isn't just flavor text; it is a mechanical system you can exploit. A Resident Evil Requiem sentient zombies exploit strategy relies on observing these loops.

For example, if a zombie is obsessively turning off a light switch, they are creating a pool of darkness you can use for stealth. If a "Janitor" zombie is scrubbing a window, they will be distracted by the sound of their own work, allowing you to slip by unnoticed. However, be warned: these enemies can also show emotion. Some may hesitate or cry before attacking, baiting you into a false sense of security before lunging. Never hesitate—if it moves, put it down.

Standard Difficulty and Classic Saves

For purists, Capcom has included a treat that fundamentally changes the pacing. In the Resident Evil Requiem classic difficulty tips provided by Director Koshi Nakanishi, it was revealed that playing on "Standard (Classic)" difficulty reintroduces Ink Ribbons—but only for Grace. This bifurcation of difficulty means Grace’s sections become true survival horror tests of resource management, while Leon’s remain checkpoint-friendly action romps.

If you choose this mode, prioritize locating Typewriters immediately upon entering a new wing of the Rhodes Hill facility. Managing your inventory space becomes critical, as Ink Ribbons take up a precious slot that could be used for ammo or harvested blood. Plan your routes carefully, and never save unless you have made significant progress.