The wait is finally over. Capcom's Resident Evil Requiem has officially launched today, February 27, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the 30-year legacy of the franchise. As the ninth mainline entry, Requiem doesn't just rest on the series' laurels; it actively weaponizes them, delivering a seamless fusion of the terrifying isolation found in Biohazard and the high-octane action of the remakes. Our full Resident Evil Requiem review finds that by intertwining the fates of veteran agent Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft, Capcom has crafted a definitive experience that stands as the frontrunner for the best horror games 2026 has to offer.

A Tale of Two Nightmares: Grace and Leon

The core innovation in Resident Evil Requiem gameplay lies in its dual-protagonist structure, which brilliantly bifurcates the survival horror experience. Set 30 years after the infamous Raccoon City Incident, the narrative brings players back to the Midwest to investigate a string of mysterious disappearances. You play as Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst searching for answers about her mother's murder, and the legendary Leon S. Kennedy, who is tracking a missing police officer.

The game allows players to freely swap between perspectives, a feature that critics are already hailing as revolutionary. Grace’s segments are presented primarily in first-person, echoing the claustrophobic dread of Resident Evil 7. These sections are puzzle-heavy and resource-scarce, forcing you to rely on stealth and cunning. In contrast, switching to Leon shifts the game into a gritty third-person over-the-shoulder view, delivering the suplexing, gun-toting action that fans of Resident Evil 4 adore. This dynamic pacing ensures that neither the horror nor the combat ever overstays its welcome.

Return to Raccoon City: Atmosphere and Visuals

Visually, Requiem is a showpiece for the versatility of the RE Engine. The game’s setting—a decaying hotel and the surrounding ruins that echo the layout of the original Raccoon City—is rendered with sickeningly realistic detail. On PlayStation 5, the game utilizes the new PSSR upscaler to deliver photorealistic lighting and steady frame rates, making the gore and environmental decay pop with grotesque beauty.

The narrative weight is palpable. This isn't just a monster shoot-em-up; it’s a somber reflection on the lasting trauma of bioterrorism. The story explores the long shadow cast by the Umbrella Corporation's legacy, with Leon’s character arc showing a weary, matured agent grappling with his past. It is a narrative "requiem" for the dead that honors the series' deep lore while remaining accessible to newcomers.

Performance on Nintendo Switch 2 and Next-Gen

Perhaps the most surprising technical feat is the Resident Evil Requiem Nintendo Switch 2 version. Launching day-and-date with other consoles, the Switch 2 port is nothing short of a marvel. Digital Foundry’s initial tech analysis praises Capcom for a "rock-solid" conversion that maintains the atmosphere and lighting fidelity of its more powerful cousins, albeit at a targeted resolution. The release also coincides with a dedicated Switch 2 Pro Controller and the announcement of Grace and Leon amiibo figures arriving this July.

For PC and console players, a Day 1 Patch (Version 1.1.0) is already live, addressing minor bugs and optimizing performance. Whether you are playing on a high-end rig or the new handheld hybrid, the experience is polished and immersive.

Verdict: A Survival Horror Essential

Early Resident Evil Requiem scores are trending over 90%, and it is easy to see why. By reconciling the series' divided identity—action versus horror, first-person versus third-person—Capcom has created a "Greatest Hits" package that feels entirely new. The tension of Grace’s survival horror sections perfectly complements the cathartic release of Leon’s combat scenarios.

For those stuck on the game's more devious puzzles, our complete Resident Evil Requiem walkthrough is currently in the works and will be live shortly to help you navigate the hotel's twisting corridors. Ultimately, Resident Evil Requiem is not just a love letter to the fans; it is a bold step forward that proves Capcom survival horror 2026 is alive, well, and more terrifying than ever.

Pros

  • Seamless switching between first and third-person perspectives
  • Stunning visuals optimized for PS5 Pro and Switch 2
  • Engaging dual-campaign narrative with high replay value
  • Leon S. Kennedy's combat mechanics are refined to perfection

Cons

  • Some stealth sections with Grace can feel punishingly difficult
  • Inventory management between two characters takes getting used to