Capcom's latest Resident Evil Showcase has provided a deeper, albeit brief, look at the highly anticipated Resident Evil Requiem, revealing it to be essentially two games in one, alongside some bizarre new enemies and high-end collaborations.
A Tale of Two Campaigns
The central revelation from the 12-minute presentation was the game's dualistic structure. Resident Evil Requiem, also understood to be Resident Evil 9, will intertwine the stories of two protagonists: the returning fan-favourite Leon S. Kennedy and a new character named Grace.
Their sections offer distinct horror experiences. Leon's gameplay is inspired by the fast-paced, action-oriented terror of Resident Evil 4, while Grace's segments channel the slow-burn, atmospheric dread of titles like Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Showcase footage depicted Leon's scenes in a third-person view and Grace's in first-person, but Capcom confirmed players can freely switch perspectives for either character at any time.
Bizarre New Threats and Gameplay Mechanics
In a chilling new twist, director Koshi Nakanishi revealed that the game's zombies will not be mindless. Instead, Day of the Dead-style, they retain fragments of their human consciousness. Examples given included a chef muttering about preparing meals and a maid compulsively cleaning.
The game's title itself is derived from a massive firearm wielded by Leon, which he appears to pass to Grace. Leon was also shown armed with a hatchet for melee combat. The crafting system seems to involve collecting infected blood from defeated zombies, though it's unclear if both protagonists utilise this method.
Capcom confirmed multiple difficulty levels, with the simplest offering aim assist. Two standard modes will be available, one of which revives the classic, tense ink ribbon saving mechanic from the original PlayStation games.
Luxury Collaborations and Edition Details
The showcase detailed several premium partnerships. A collaboration with Porsche will see Leon behind the wheel of a customised Cayenne Turbo GT, though it's unknown if it features cosmetic changes or functional gadgets. Watchmaker Hamilton is producing limited-edition watches for Leon and Grace, with only 2,000 replicas available for purchase from the game's launch day.
A Digital Deluxe Edition will include extra costumes, weapon skins, and screen filters. All pre-orders will receive a bonus costume for Grace. The game will also be available on the GeForce Now streaming service from launch, with a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and amiibo figures releasing concurrently.
Capcom briefly mentioned the franchise's 30th anniversary on March 22, 2026, with vague plans for concerts in Japan, North America, and Europe. Notably, the showcase did not clarify how much of the iconic Raccoon City will feature in the game, a key question for fans.
Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Ports of Resident Evil 7 and Village will also hit the Switch 2 on the same day.
