The wait is finally over. After months of feverish speculation and a marketing campaign that teased the return of a legend alongside a mysterious new face, Resident Evil Requiem has arrived. Launching officially on February 27, 2026, Capcom’s ninth mainline installment isn't just a return to form—it is a bold, terrifying evolution that bridges the gap between the franchise's survival horror roots and its action-heavy peaks. With the review embargo lifting today, we can confirm: this is the Resident Evil Requiem review fans have been praying for.
A Tale of Two Nightmares
The core of Requiem lies in its ambitious dual-campaign structure, a feature Capcom has attempted before but never with this level of refinement. The narrative splits focus between veteran DSO agent Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst with a surprising connection to the series' lore. Director Koshi Nakanishi (Resident Evil 7) has masterfully woven their paths together, creating a story that feels both intimate and grand.
Grace’s campaign is a pure survival horror delight. Dispatched to the decaying Wrenwood Hotel in the American Midwest, her segments channel the claustrophobic dread of the Resident Evil 2 remake. As the daughter of Outbreak survivor Alyssa Ashcroft, Grace isn't a combat specialist. Her gameplay relies on stealth, puzzle-solving, and resource management. The tension in these sections is palpable, especially when she is stalked by the game’s primary antagonist, former Umbrella scientist Victor Gideon. Gideon is a menacing presence, blending the relentless pursuit of Mr. X with the twisted intellect of Albert Wesker.
Conversely, Leon’s chapters are a high-octane adrenaline rush. Armed with a formidable arsenal and his signature roundhouse kick, Leon’s gameplay feels like a polished evolution of the Resident Evil 4 remake. His mission to uncover the truth behind a new biological threat leads him to the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center, a location teeming with aggressive enemies that demand precision aiming and crowd control. The transition between Grace’s vulnerability and Leon’s power fantasy is handled with jarring but effective precision, keeping the pacing fresh throughout the 15-hour campaign.
Technical Marvel on Switch 2 and PS5 Pro
Perhaps the most shocking revelation of our playthrough is the game's performance on Nintendo's new hardware. Resident Evil Requiem on Switch 2 is nothing short of a technical miracle. Running on the latest iteration of the RE Engine, the handheld version maintains a rock-solid 60fps with visual fidelity that rivals the base PS5. Capcom has utilized the Switch 2’s DLSS-like upscaling to deliver crisp 1440p visuals in docked mode, ensuring that Nintendo players are no longer receiving a compromised port.
On the PS5 Pro, the game is a showcase of current-gen power. Ray-traced reflections and global illumination transform the wet, crumbling corridors of the Wrenwood Hotel into a hyper-realistic nightmare. The haptic feedback on the DualSense controller is utilized to bone-chilling effect—you can practically feel Grace’s heartbeat in your hands during stealth sequences. Load times are non-existent, allowing for seamless character switching that keeps the narrative momentum barreling forward.
The Grace Ashcroft Factor
Introducing a new protagonist this late in the franchise is always a risk (remember Jake Muller?), but Grace Ashcroft is a triumph. Her skepticism and analytical approach provide a grounded perspective that contrasts sharply with Leon’s jaded stoicism. Her connection to the Raccoon City incident adds emotional weight to the story without feeling like forced fan service. The dynamic between her and Leon evolves naturally, moving from mutual distrust to a partnership that feels earned.
Verdict: The Best Horror Game of 2026?
It is early in the year, but Resident Evil Requiem has set an impossibly high bar for the best horror games of 2026. By successfully marrying the vulnerability of classic survival horror with the fluidity of modern action, Capcom has delivered a package that appeals to every type of fan. The puzzles are clever without being obtuse, the combat is satisfyingly crunchy, and the horror is genuinely unnerving.
While some may find the constant switching between playstyles jarring, it serves the narrative perfectly, emphasizing that survival requires both brains and brawn. With a Metacritic score already trending in the mid-90s, Requiem is poised to stand alongside RE4 and RE2 as one of the franchise's crowning achievements.
Whether you are playing on the powerhouse PS5 Pro or taking the terror on the go with the Switch 2, Resident Evil Requiem is an essential experience. Leon Kennedy has saved the world plenty of times, but this might just be his best mission yet.
