Capcom stunned fans with the announcement of Resident Evil 9: Requiem during the Summer Game Fest 2025. The survival horror franchise, loved by millions worldwide, returns with a fresh protagonist, a sinister mystery, and a dark dive into a familiar location—Raccoon City. This latest chapter aims to revitalize classic horror with modern gameplay and storytelling innovations.
Resident Evil 9 is scheduled to release on February 27, 2026, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game’s official trailer revealed an eerie, post-nuclear vision of Raccoon City, haunted not just by the undead but by its chilling past.
New Protagonist Emerges in Resident Evil 9: Requiem
The game introduces Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent entangled in a personal and political conspiracy. Her mother, a former Umbrella Corporation scientist, vanished under mysterious circumstances years ago. Grace now returns to a quarantined, devastated Raccoon City seeking answers, truth, and justice.
Grace is not the typical action hero. She is analytical, vulnerable, and morally conflicted. Her character design reflects realism and emotional depth. Grace’s journey begins in silence, surrounded by broken streets and haunted echoes of the past. Her strength, however, grows with each horrifying encounter.
Gameplay footage showed her wielding only a flashlight and a pistol in the beginning. The atmosphere was thick with dread. Shadows crept across the screen, and faint noises whispered from ruined alleyways. This slow build adds to the immersive horror the series is known for.
A Haunting Return to Raccoon City
Resident Evil 9: Requiem returns players to Raccoon City—but not as they remember it. This version of the city is post-apocalyptic, eerie, and chilling. Nuclear devastation has turned it into a husk of memories and nightmares.
The environment feels alive, though not in a comforting way. Weather patterns shift abruptly, and visibility is limited by smoke and decay. Each district offers distinct challenges. Underground tunnels, abandoned research labs, and collapsing buildings hide clues and terrors.
Capcom revealed that the city will feature semi-open-world gameplay. This allows players to explore key areas while being guided by story-driven events. Enemy encounters will be unpredictable. Players can choose stealth, combat, or escape based on the situation.
A new enemy type, “The Hollow,” was revealed. These beings appear as human husks infected with mutating parasites. Unlike zombies, they can mimic voices and hide in shadows, increasing the tension with every step Grace takes.
Resident Evil Requiem Embraces Classic Horror Roots
Many longtime fans have wished for a return to slow-burn, psychological horror. Capcom seems to have heard them. Resident Evil 9 focuses more on dread and suspense than on overwhelming combat. Ammunition is scarce. Sound design creates tension. Music plays only when needed, allowing ambient sounds to guide the fear.
The puzzles return, too—complex, layered, and rewarding. Players will use maps, journals, and environmental cues to unlock paths or decode secrets. These challenges are woven naturally into the story, forcing players to think like Grace.
Capcom has implemented improved enemy AI, making every encounter strategic. Enemies learn player behavior. Hiding in the same spot twice may not work. Saving becomes a deliberate decision, especially with limited resources.
The game will also feature adaptive difficulty. It ensures players face a challenge appropriate to their skill level. Veterans will face intense fights. Newcomers will experience tension without frustration.
Stunning Visuals and Sound Elevate the Horror
Capcom is using the RE Engine again—but it’s been enhanced. The lighting system delivers photorealistic shadows and reflections. Blood spatters, torn clothing, and facial expressions appear lifelike and terrifying.
Voice acting was highlighted in the trailer. Grace’s performance is calm but firm. Emotional moments carry weight. Her fear, doubt, and determination feel raw and believable.
The soundscape is another standout. Every creak, breath, or footstep was captured with cinematic detail. 3D audio makes headphones essential for full immersion. A slow whisper behind you or a sudden crash from above could mean danger—or nothing at all.
Fans React with Anticipation and Nostalgia
The reveal of Resident Evil 9: Requiem sparked immediate buzz across social media. Fans praised the art direction, the strong female lead, and the return to horror basics. Many shared comparisons to Resident Evil 2 Remake, calling this “the spiritual sequel we’ve been waiting for.”
Veteran players noticed subtle callbacks in the trailer. The red typewriter ribbon. A broken S.T.A.R.S. badge in the rubble. A news clipping referencing the events of Resident Evil 7 and 8. These easter eggs hint at how Requiem ties together past lore.
Some fans also speculated about a possible connection to Ethan Winters’ storyline. While no direct references were made, Capcom is known for blending narratives across titles. That possibility keeps fan theories alive.
What to Expect Ahead of Launch
More details about Resident Evil 9 will emerge in the coming months. Capcom plans a playable demo for late 2025. Developers confirmed that new gameplay footage and story teases are set for Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show later this year.
A limited collector’s edition has also been teased. It may include a statue of Grace Ashcroft, a physical map of Raccoon City, a steelbook case, and exclusive in-game content. No pre-order date has been announced yet.
The game is also expected to include optional co-op elements. Although the main campaign is single-player, special side missions may allow online cooperation. These missions could serve to unlock additional lore or gear.
Resident Evil 9: Requiem Marks a New Era for Horror Gaming
With Resident Evil 9: Requiem, Capcom reaffirms its dominance in the horror genre. The combination of compelling storytelling, innovative design, and nostalgic callbacks creates a promising next step for the franchise. Grace Ashcroft stands poised to become a memorable protagonist in a city that refuses to die.
From the moment the trailer ends, one thing is clear: Resident Evil isn’t just back—it’s evolved.
For gamers eagerly anticipating the next wave of console innovation, don’t miss our full coverage on the Nintendo Switch 2 Global Launch.
