The wait is over. Following the global launch of Resident Evil Requiem on February 27, 2026, players worldwide are plunging into the terrifying ruins of Raccoon City’s legacy. With a dual-protagonist narrative that splits the nightmare between veteran agent Leon S. Kennedy and FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, Capcom’s latest entry demands mastery of two distinct playstyles. While Leon brings the firepower, Grace’s harrowing journey through the ominous Wrenwood Hotel marks a return to pure, defenseless survival horror.

Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer facing the darkness for the first time, the shift between action and stealth can be jarring. Navigating the claustrophobic corridors of the hotel requires more than just a steady aim—it requires sharp wits and careful resource management. Here is your essential Resident Evil Requiem survival guide, featuring seven critical tips to solve the hotel’s puzzles, manage your inventory, and survive the nightmare.

1. Master the Dual-Gameplay Rhythm

The most jarring aspect of Resident Evil Requiem is the stark contrast between its two leads. When playing as Leon S. Kennedy in the Elbridge sections, you are an action hero equipped for combat. However, Grace Ashcroft’s gameplay in the Wrenwood Hotel is fundamentally different. Grace is not a soldier; she is an investigator.

Do not attempt to play Grace like Leon. Her movement speed is slower, and her health pool is significantly lower. In the hotel, your primary defense is avoidance. Use the new “Stealth Crouch” mechanic (toggled with the circle/B button) to navigate behind cover. If you spot an enemy, your first instinct should be to hide under tables or inside closets, not to engage. Recognizing which character you are controlling and adjusting your mindset immediately is key to survival.

2. Locate the Wrenwood Hotel Floor Plan Early

Exploration is fatal if you don't know where you're going. Upon entering the main lobby of the Wrenwood Hotel, resist the urge to head straight for the stairs. Instead, head behind the main reception desk to the manager's office. Here, you will find the Wrenwood Hotel Floor Plan mounted on the wall.

This map is crucial for two reasons: it highlights save rooms (which are fewer in Grace’s campaign) and marks locked doors in red. Having the map early allows you to plan efficient routes, minimizing your exposure to the stalker entities patrolling the corridors. Don't forget to loot the "Notice of Closure" file in the same room for vital backstory on the hotel’s demise.

3. Puzzle Solution: The Bar Photo and Room 204 Key

One of the first roadblocks players encounter is the locked door to Room 204, where Grace’s mother, Alyssa Ashcroft, stayed years prior. The game gives you a subtle clue, but it’s easy to miss in the dark.

To find the key, head to the hotel’s Lounge & Bar area on the first floor. Ignore the bottles and look for a structural pillar on the right side of the bar. You will see an old photograph of a young Grace taped to it. Interact with the photo and rotate it in your inventory view. The Room 204 Key is taped to the back of the picture frame. This classic Resident Evil puzzle trope is your ticket to progressing the narrative.

4. Strategic Inventory Management

RE Requiem inventory management strategy differs heavily between characters. Leon utilizes an attaché case system similar to Resident Evil 4, allowing for weapon upgrades and ample ammo storage. Grace, however, uses a limited slot system reminiscent of Resident Evil 7.

In the Wrenwood Hotel, you have only 8 inventory slots initially. Key items like the Wire Cutters (found near the pool table) take up two slots. You must prioritize. Do not carry multiple healing items if you are at full health; leave them in the Item Box or memorize their location on the map to retrieve later. Discard key items immediately after the game prompts you that they are “no longer needed” to free up precious space for files and puzzle objects.

5. The Flashlight is Your Best Friend (and Worst Enemy)

Lighting in Resident Evil Requiem is dynamic and oppressive. In the hotel’s unpowered sections, you must use your flashlight (Up on the D-Pad) to spot hidden items like ammo or files. However, light attracts attention.

If you hear footsteps or the heavy breathing of an enemy, turn your flashlight off immediately. The AI in Requiem is sensitive to visual changes. navigating in pitch darkness is terrifying, but it is often safer than being a beacon in the dark. Use the audio cues—Capcom’s 3D audio design is excellent here—to determine when it is safe to illuminate your path again.

6. Scavenge for the Wire Cutters

Progression in the hotel is gated by chain-link barriers. To bypass these, you need the Wire Cutters. After obtaining the Room 204 Key and investigating the room to trigger the flashback sequence involving Alyssa, head to the second-floor billiards room.

The Wire Cutters are located on a side table near the pool table, but be warned: picking them up triggers a scripted encounter. Ensure you have an escape route planned before you grab them. You will need these to access the fire escape and eventually exit the hotel towards the Care Center.

7. Listen for "Victor"

While Grace’s section is heavy on atmosphere, the narrative antagonist, Victor Gideon, makes his presence known early. Throughout the Wrenwood Hotel, you will find environmental storytelling—notes and recordings—hinting at his experiments.

Pay close attention to the “squelching” sound effects distinct from standard zombie shuffles. This indicates a proximity to the high-level threat in the area. If you encounter the heavily mutated enemies associated with Victor’s experiments in the hotel basement, do not fight. Grace’s starter pistol is ineffective. Run, break line of sight, and hide. Survival is your only victory condition here.

Ready for the Care Center?

Conquering the Wrenwood Hotel is just the beginning of Grace Ashcroft’s nightmare. Once you escape, you’ll be headed to the Rhodes Hill Care Center, where the difficulty spikes significantly. Keep these tips in mind, conserve your Green Herbs, and remember: in Resident Evil Requiem, fear is the only constant.