The wait is finally over. After years of speculation and eager anticipation, Resident Evil Requiem is poised to terrify the world when it launches on February 27, 2026. As the review embargo lifts on February 25, the gaming community is buzzing with excitement for what promises to be the definitive survival horror experience of the generation. Capcom has pulled out all the stops for this ninth mainline entry, bringing legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy back to the ashes of Raccoon City alongside newcomer Grace Ashcroft. With a release spanning PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2, this title is shaping up to be the undisputed king of best horror games 2026.
A Dark Homecoming: Leon Kennedy Returns to Raccoon City
For veterans of the franchise, the allure of Resident Evil Requiem lies in its bold narrative choice: returning to the site of the original outbreak. Set thirty years after the infamous incident, the story doesn't just retread old ground; it unearths buried secrets. Leon S. Kennedy, now a grizzled veteran of the D.S.O., finds his path converging with Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst with a personal vendetta. Grace is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft—a deep-cut connection to Resident Evil Outbreak that has lore hunters analyzing every trailer frame.
The narrative centers on the Wrenwood Hotel and the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center, locations that promise to be as iconic as the Spencer Mansion or the RPD Station. Early previews suggest a narrative depth we haven't seen since the franchise's revitalization, blending the high-stakes political intrigue of the modern era with the intimate, claustrophobic horror that defined the 90s classics.
Dual-Protagonist Gameplay: Action Meets Survival
Capcom is taking a risk that looks to pay off spectacularly by implementing a strict dual-protagonist system. Resident Evil Requiem gameplay is effectively two games in one, satisfying the entire spectrum of the fanbase.
The Leon Experience
Leon's segments are described as high-octane tactical action, evolving the combat mechanics perfected in the Resident Evil 4 remake. Expect fluid gunplay, melee counters, and hordes of intelligent enemies that test your reflexes. His mission involves hunting down Victor Gideon, a former Umbrella scientist, ensuring that the action remains grounded in the series' conspiracy thriller roots.
The Grace Experience
In stark contrast, Grace Ashcroft’s sections are pure, unadulterated survival horror. Armed with limited resources and facing the terrifying "Stalker" archetype enemies similar to Lady Dimitrescu or Mr. X, her gameplay focuses on stealth, puzzle-solving, and evasion. This dichotomy ensures the pacing remains dynamic, preventing the fatigue that can set in with purely action-heavy titles.
Next-Gen Horror on RE Engine
Powered by the latest iteration of the RE Engine, Resident Evil Requiem is a technical marvel. The visual fidelity on the Resident Evil Requiem PC PS5 versions showcases photorealistic lighting and skin textures that make the horror uncomfortably real. Perhaps most impressive is the confirmed day-and-date launch on the Nintendo Switch 2, a feat that demonstrates Capcom's mastery of optimization.
PC players are already gearing up, with specs indicating that while the game is visually demanding, it scales well across hardware. The inclusion of ray-traced audio adds a layer of immersion where every creaking floorboard and distant groan helps—or hinders—your survival.
Launch Details: Embargoes, Editions, and Pre-Loads
For those counting down the seconds, the Resident Evil Requiem review embargo lifts on Wednesday, February 25, giving players two full days to digest critical opinions before the launch. However, early buzz from industry insiders like Dusk Golem suggests scores that could rival the series' highest peaks.
Pre-loads are expected to go live 48 hours before release. The Deluxe Edition offers enticing extras, including the "Apocalypse" skin for Grace and a "Raccoon City Classic" audio pack that swaps modern sound effects for the retro 1998 versions—a must-have for nostalgia purists. As we approach the Resident Evil 9 release date (as it was colloquially known), one thing is certain: Capcom is about to set a new benchmark for the genre.
