The ninth mainline Resident Evil launches during the franchise's 30th-anniversary year with a current-gen-only approach.
A dual-protagonist structure splits gameplay between a veteran fan favorite and a brand-new character.
Capcom is leaning into slower, more claustrophobic survival horror with new mechanics that should feel familiar to fans of another beloved franchise.
Resident Evil Requiem is one of the first legitimately huge video game releases of 2026. From a technical and nostalgic perspective, RE: Requiem checks all the boxes.
1. Release Date
We're just over a week away. Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27, 2026, lining up with Resident Evil's 30th-anniversary year. Capcom is clearly treating this as a milestone release, and the timing puts it in a window where it won't have to compete with much for attention.
2. Platforms
This is next-gen (Switch 2 included) and PC only. Requiem is confirmed for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no last-gen versions announced. PC players can grab it on Steam and Epic, and there's a Switch 2 eShop listing.
The current-gen-only approach should mean Capcom isn't holding anything back on the RE Engine's capabilities.
3. Pre-Order Details
They're already in effect. Pre-orders are live on PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, Epic, Switch 2 eShop, and major retailers. Depending on the store, you'll get bonuses like extra costumes, weapons, and soundtrack or art extras with the Deluxe and premium editions.
- Pre-order Bonus (All Editions): "Grace's Costume: Apocalypse" outfit, which may be released later.
- Standard Edition: The base game and the pre-order bonus.
- Digital Deluxe Edition ($79.99): Includes the base game, five costumes (including a Lady Dimitrescu-inspired outfit), four weapon skins, two charms, two screen filters, an audio pack, and extra files.
- Physical Deluxe Steelbook Edition: Includes the digital deluxe content, a unique steelbook case, and a limited-edition lenticular card.
- Collector's Edition (Japan Exclusive): Contains the deluxe steelbook content plus an acrylic stand of the protagonist, Grace Ashcroft.
4. Versions Available
There are three versions available. Most regions list a Standard edition at $69.99, a Deluxe edition at $79.99 with digital extras, and a premium physical edition at roughly $89.99 that includes a Steelbook case and physical goodies. If you're a collector, that third tier is the one to watch.
5. What's the Plot?
It's RE -- you know there's a deep story. You split time between rookie reporter Grace Ashcroft and veteran agent Leon S. Kennedy investigating a string of ritual-like deaths centered on a decaying Midwestern hotel and a return to Raccoon City's RPD.
The story ties back to classic outbreaks, and Capcom is positioning this as a narrative that connects legacy lore with whatever comes next for the franchise.
6. What Is the Protagonist Structure?
How about two protagonists? The campaign alternates between Grace and Leon, and the two play very differently. Grace is more vulnerable, leaning into stealth and a resource-scrap crafting system.
Leon is more combat-capable with an RE4-style action feel, an expanded melee and hatchet toolkit, and chainsaw parries. Overlapping sections play differently depending on who you're controlling, which adds variety and should boost replay value.
7. What Gameplay Changes Are There?
Researching and reading through the details gave me Dead Space vibes. Requiem leans into slower, claustrophobic survival horror with limited ammo and heavier enemy lethality. Grace's blood-based crafting system is the biggest new wrinkle -- it forces you to manage resources in a way that feels tense and deliberate.
Leon's expanded melee toolkit adds a layer of aggression, but the overall pace is designed to keep you on edge rather than empowered.
8. What Are the Enemies Like and What's the Overall Tone?
I'll never forget the feeling I had playing the first RE when the dogs hop through the window and chase you down the hallway. Requiem is going for that kind of tension. Expect shambling zombies plus new parasite-style creatures and "set-piece" monsters that stalk you across multiple rooms.
The RE Engine is being pushed for more dynamic gore, dismemberment, and environmental kill opportunities. The tone is darker and more oppressive than Village, which should satisfy fans who felt the franchise had drifted too far toward action.
9. What Is the Importance of the Series Timeline?
The game is a bridge, and the thing about bridges is that they have to be strong enough to handle transition. Story-wise, Requiem is positioned as the connection between Village/Shadows of Rose and whatever comes after.
It revisits RPD and legacy locations, pulls in timeline deep cuts, and is being treated as the capstone of the "modern" RE era before the next big arc. For longtime fans, this is the kind of entry where paying attention to the lore will pay off.
10. Will There Be a Demo, Difficulty and Replay Loop?
There's no demo, but Capcom is saying the game will have a high level of replayability. Multiple difficulty modes, unlockable weapons and costumes, and alternate paths or optional sequences depending on how you tackle sections as Grace vs. Leon are all confirmed.
The dual-protagonist structure naturally lends itself to at least two playthroughs, and the difficulty scaling should give hardcore survival horror fans a reason to come back after the initial run.
Be on the lookout for post-release coverage including major topics of discussion after launch.