In a dramatic finale to this year’s Summer Game Fest, Capcom pulled back the curtain on the much-anticipated next chapter of its iconic survival horror series—Resident Evil Requiem. Marking the ninth mainline installment, the game is set to launch on February 27, 2026, and promises a chilling return to the series’ roots, with a story that revisits the haunting legacy of Raccoon City.

The announcement came with a gripping trailer that showcased both the visual overhaul and the atmospheric dread that fans have come to expect, sending shockwaves through the gaming community. With Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom isn’t just continuing the franchise—it’s resurrecting its classic survival horror identity.

A Familiar Yet Frightening New Face

The protagonist this time is Grace Ashcroft, a new name but one with deep ties to the Resident Evil universe. Grace, an FBI agent, is assigned to investigate a grisly incident at a hotel that harbors more than just ghosts of the past—it’s the same place where her mother was murdered. While it’s yet to be confirmed, many believe Grace may be related to Alyssa Ashcroft, a journalist from Resident Evil Outbreak.

The trailer offers glimpses of Grace’s haunting journey: bound upside down in a dimly lit chamber, confronting hallucinations, and walking through blood-streaked corridors that echo the original mansion from the 1996 classic. Her boss’s ominous command—“It’s time to confront your past”—seems to be more than just procedural advice.

A Technical and Narrative Leap

Capcom has emphasized that Requiem will blend psychological horror with visceral action, aiming to deliver the most immersive Resident Evil experience to date. Utilizing next-generation graphics technology, the game promises intricate facial animations, skin textures, and even sweat droplets—all crafted to heighten the tension and realism. The visual fidelity is matched by a mature and introspective storyline that seeks to balance horror and humanity.

The game is expected to draw inspiration from the slower, dread-soaked pacing of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, while retaining some of the intense action elements introduced in Resident Evil Village. However, unlike Village’s heavy focus on combat, Requiem appears to lean more into mystery, puzzle-solving, and dread-inducing exploration.

Back to Raccoon City

The biggest reveal for longtime fans is the game’s return to Raccoon City, the epicenter of the series’ lore. While the city was destroyed in previous entries, Requiem revisits its bombed ruins, including the devastated Raccoon City Police Department. The trailer shows flickers of a broken world haunted by bio-weapons, survivors-turned-monsters, and an unseen puppet master who tells Grace, “You were chosen.”

This suggests not just a continuation of past storylines, but a deep dive into the unresolved trauma and conspiracies that have fueled the franchise since day one. Rumors are already circulating that Requiem could act as both a conclusion to current narrative arcs and a reset for the series, potentially setting the stage for a new generation of Resident Evil.

Long-Awaited Return

Since the release of Resident Evil Village in 2021, fans have been eagerly awaiting the next major entry. Capcom has kept busy with a string of successful remakes, including the acclaimed revamp of Resident Evil 4. While those projects refreshed the classics, Requiem marks the first wholly original installment in four years.

Speculation about the game’s existence had been mounting, fueled by leaks and developer hints. With today’s announcement, those theories have finally solidified into what could be the franchise’s most ambitious entry yet.

What Comes Next?

Capcom has promised that more details—including gameplay footage and character breakdowns—will emerge in the lead-up to launch. While the full scope of Requiem remains under wraps, it’s clear that the game will blend modern horror storytelling with the series’ legacy.

Whether you’re a veteran fan who remembers the chilling footsteps in the Spencer Mansion or a newcomer drawn in by high-stakes bio-horror, Resident Evil Requiem looks set to deliver the terror, nostalgia, and innovation that have defined the franchise for nearly three decades.

Resident Evil Requiem launches on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Source: Colitco