Resident Evil Requiem has finally arrived, and it isn't just another sequel—it's a bold reinvention that might just be the best horror game of 2026. Launching officially on February 27, Capcom's latest mainline entry brings veteran Leon Kennedy back into the fold alongside a compelling new protagonist, FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft. With a Metacritic score already hovering around 90, critics are hailing it as a triumphant return to form that seamlessly blends the series' survival roots with its action-heavy evolution. But does the ambitious dual-protagonist system truly work, and how does the highly anticipated Resident Evil Requiem Switch 2 version hold up against its PS5 and Xbox counterparts? Let's dive into the nightmare.
A Tale of Two Nightmares: Grace and Leon
The core innovation of Resident Evil Requiem lies in its split personality. The narrative divides your time between two distinct campaigns that eventually converge in the ruins of the Wrenwood Hotel. You start with Grace Ashcroft, the daughter of Outbreak survivor Alyssa Ashcroft, whose gameplay loop is a terrifying throwback to Resident Evil 7. Stripped of heavy weaponry and forced to rely on stealth, puzzle-solving, and a limited inventory, Grace’s sections are pure, unadulterated survival horror. Her investigation into her mother's murder at the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Centre is tense, claustrophobic, and genuinely scary.
On the flip side, Leon Kennedy’s Resident Evil Requiem chapters are an adrenaline-fueled homage to Resident Evil 4. Leon arrives in Raccoon City—or what's left of it—as a seasoned agent investigating a new bioterror threat linked to the villainous Victor Gideon. His sections utilize an "open-field" design that allows for larger combat encounters, employing a refined parry system and heavy firepower to mow down waves of intelligent undead. The transition between Grace’s vulnerability and Leon’s power fantasy is jarring at first but quickly becomes the game's greatest strength, keeping the pacing dynamic across the 12-15 hour campaign.
Performance Analysis: PS5 vs. Xbox Series X vs. Switch 2
One of the biggest questions leading up to launch was performance. On PS5 and Xbox Series X, Requiem is a visual showcase. The RE Engine continues to work miracles, delivering near-photorealistic lighting and detailed character models running at a rock-solid 60fps in Performance Mode. The ray-tracing features on these consoles add a suffocating atmosphere to the damp corridors of the Wrenwood Hotel, making every shadow a potential threat.
Resident Evil Requiem Switch 2 Review
The real shocker, however, is the Resident Evil Requiem Switch 2 performance. Nintendo's new hardware punches significantly above its weight. While it doesn't match the native 4K resolution of its stronger cousins, the Switch 2 version manages a surprisingly stable 60fps during gameplay, with only minor dips during Leon’s chaotic action set-pieces. Capcom has optimized the game brilliantly, ensuring that handheld players get the full, compromise-free experience. Textures are crisp, and load times are negligible, making this arguably the most impressive technical feat on the new handheld to date.
Gameplay Mechanics: The Old and The New
Requiem introduces several new mechanics that freshen up the formula. The new "Panic" system affects Grace specifically; as her fear level rises, her vision blurs and aiming becomes erratic, forcing players to find safe zones or use consumables to calm her down. It adds a psychological layer to the survival horror that feels fresh. Meanwhile, Leon gains access to a tactical dodge and a refined melee system that feels punchier than ever.
The inventory management also gets a tweak. Grace uses a traditional, restrictive grid system that forces tough choices about what to carry, while Leon utilizes an expanded attaché case reminiscent of RE4 and Village. This distinction reinforces their roles: Grace is surviving; Leon is hunting.
Verdict: Is Resident Evil Requiem a Must-Play?
With a stellar Metacritic score and glowing reviews across the board, Resident Evil Requiem is an essential title for 2026. It successfully bridges the gap between the franchise's slow-burn horror fans and its action-shooter enthusiasts. While the narrative occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own lore—particularly in connecting the Ashcroft family history to the wider Umbrella conspiracy—the moment-to-moment gameplay is Capcom at its absolute peak.
Whether you are playing on a high-end PC, a PS5, or taking the terror on the go with the Switch 2, Resident Evil Requiem sets a high bar for the year ahead. It is terrifying, exhilarating, and a perfect celebration of the series' 30-year legacy.
