Resident Evil Requiem: A Chilling Return to Raccoon City

A Chilling Return to Raccoon City

Capcom reignites the horror franchise with Resident Evil Requiem, the upcoming ninth mainline entry in the legendary survival-horror series. Revealed at Summer Game Fest 2025, the game delivers a haunting journey back to a devastated Raccoon City, promising both nostalgia and innovation.

Breaking from tradition, Requiem introduces a new protagonist — Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent investigating an outbreak at the hotel where her mother, journalist Alyssa Ashcroft, died years prior. Emotional stakes mix with classic Resident Evil horror in this chilling origin tale.

New Protagonist, Ties to the Past

Breaking from the series' typical lineage of protagonists, Requiem introduces Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent sent to investigate a mysterious outbreak at the same hotel where her mother Alyssa Ashcroft died eight years earlier. Alyssa, a returning character from Resident Evil: Outbreak, deepens the narrative connection between past and present events.

The story unfolds in a shattered Raccoon City once again, offering players a tense, atmospheric setting rooted in the franchise's darkest chapter. The trailer teases remnants of destruction from Resident Evil 2 and 3, hinting at a psychological horror narrative woven with familial trauma.

Gameplay & Technical Advancements

Built on the formidable RE Engine, Requiem implements next-gen graphical enhancements—including ray tracing and photoreal lighting effects—enhancing the immersive mood. Details on gameplay style remain sparse, but Capcom assures an evolution in mechanics that will heighten psychological suspense and reinvigorate survival horror elements.

Rumors suggest this could be one of the most ambitious titles in the series, potentially redefining its structure—possibly even adopting open-world or semi-open world elements. However, until official gameplay footage is released, those claims remain speculative.

Narrative Teases and Classic Characters

Hints in the trailer indicate a return of iconic figures such as Lisa Trevor, a deeply unsettling part of Resident Evil lore. Whether beloved characters like Leon, Jill, Chris, and Claire will reappear is still under wraps, though IMDb listings suggest voice talent from previous installments may be involved. Such appearances, however, have yet to be officially confirmed.

Grace’s personal journey promises to explore themes of legacy and closure—especially in light of Raccoon City’s bleak backdrop. Whether Requiem aims to conclude the Winters-centric narrative (begun in Resident Evil 7 and continued in Village) or to forge a new storyline remains to be discovered.

Watch the Official Trailer

Coming February 27, 2026

Requiem launches on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in early 2026. With Grace’s personal story, terrifying environments, and a return to the series’ survival-horror roots, this could be the most emotional and terrifying Resident Evil yet.

Final Verdict

With Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom looks to thread the needle: delivering a thrilling mix of horror nostalgia and next-gen innovation. A fresh protagonist with a haunting connection to series lore, combined with the terrifying geography of Raccoon City, makes this one of the year’s most anticipated horror titles. Expect a heart‑pounding experience come February 2026.