Resident Evil Requiem Brings a New Hero, Perspective Options, and Classic Horror Back to the Franchise

image: Resident evil/Capcom

Last week, Capcom officially revealed Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline entry in the long-running Resident Evil series, featuring a fresh protagonist—FBI Agent Grace Ashcroft. The announcement was made during the Summer Game Fest 2025, accompanied by a chilling trailer that gave fans their first look at the game’s eerie setting and survival horror gameplay.

Shortly after the reveal, outlets including IGN and Windows Central were given early hands-off previews of the game.

According to these reports, Resident Evil Requiem introduces a new feature for the series: the ability to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives at any time during the campaign. Players can toggle between views via the Options menu, a feature previously seen only as post-launch DLC in Resident Evil Village.

The story centers around Grace Ashcroft, who wakes up suspended upside down in a grim, decaying medical facility. Disoriented and vulnerable, she must find her way out while being hunted by a grotesque new creature. The environment is filled with flickering lights, claustrophobic hallways, and a deep sense of dread—classic Resident Evil elements. Grace has no access to conventional weapons early on, relying instead on a lighter and throwable objects like glass bottles to distract enemies. This reinforces her vulnerability and distinguishes her from seasoned characters like Leon Kennedy or Jill Valentine.

As described by Capcom, Grace is intelligent but not heavily trained in combat. This adds depth to her character, as players hear her trying to calm herself during tense moments, heightening the emotional experience. Her reactions to the terrifying atmosphere make her stand out, especially compared to the more stoic Ethan Winters from previous games.

Visually, the game looks impressive, powered by Capcom’s RE Engine. Lighting plays a crucial role, with shadows and minimal illumination creating a deeply unsettling atmosphere. 

The monster design, particularly the towering, blood-soaked creature stalking Grace, drew comparisons to horror film icons like the creature in Barbarian (2022). Interestingly, that film’s director, Zach Cregger, is reportedly attached to an upcoming Resident Evil movie.

Capcom’s preview presentation, as noted by Windows Central, also hinted at puzzle-solving mechanics and traditional Resident Evil design elements, such as locked doors and exploration challenges. However, no significant combat sequences were shown, which suggests the focus may lean more on psychological horror and survival than action—at least for the early parts of the game.

Rumors suggest that Requiem might add a second playable character who could engage in more action-heavy work in the later part of the game. Fans have already begun theorizing that Leon Kennedy will be part of the game, and the new leak may have bolstered their confidence. However, it hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC via Steam.