Resident Evil Requiem Revealed
Resident Evil Requiem Revealed with new gameplay details, dual protagonists, classic ink ribbon saves, and intense horror-action elements fans have been waiting for.
Capcom has finally shared a deeper look at Resident Evil Requiem, and the latest gameplay showcase has given fans plenty to talk about. From long-standing fears being confirmed to some unexpected twists, the game is shaping up to be one of the most unusual entries in the Resident Evil series. What stands out most is how Requiem feels like two different games blended into one—one focused on slow, nerve-wracking horror and the other packed with fast, brutal action.
At the heart of Resident Evil: Requiem are its two playable characters: Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft. According to game director Koshi Nakanishi, the goal was to create a wider emotional range than any previous Resident Evil title. To do that, each character was designed to offer a completely different experience, not just in how they fight, but in how players survive.
Leon Kennedy returns as a seasoned government agent working with the DSO to investigate bioterror threats. Fans of Resident Evil 4 will feel right at home with his gameplay. Leon is confident, aggressive, and well-equipped to handle danger. He uses firearms, hand-to-hand combat, and a brand-new weapon: a hatchet. This hatchet works much like his knife from past games, allowing him to parry attacks and strike enemies up close. Leon can even sharpen it during fights to keep it effective.
One of the biggest surprises from the showcase is Leon’s ability to steal enemy weapons. In one scene, he deflects a chainsaw attack, kills the enemy, and then picks up the chainsaw to use himself. He can also aim at specific body parts, like legs or arms, to slow enemies down or disarm them. This makes Leon’s sections feel fast, powerful, and violent—very much action horror.
Grace Ashcroft, on the other hand, brings the fear back to the forefront. She is far less experienced, and it shows in every part of her gameplay. Grace’s sections are closer in tone to Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 7. Ammo is limited, enemies are terrifying, and running or hiding is often the best option. She relies more on stealth, careful planning, and using the environment to survive.
Grace does carry a powerful handgun called the “Requiem,” which explains the game’s title. The weapon can destroy zombies quickly, but bullets are rare, so every shot matters. Grace also has access to a unique crafting system that uses infected zombie blood. By collecting blood from defeated enemies, she can create dangerous tools and weapons. In one disturbing moment shown during gameplay, Grace injects a zombie with a blood mixture, causing it to explode in a gruesome burst. It’s messy, shocking, and very much in line with Resident Evil’s darker side.
The difference between Leon and Grace goes beyond combat. Their saving systems are different too. On the Standard (Classic) difficulty, Grace must use ink ribbons to save her progress at typewriters. This old-school system will feel familiar to longtime fans and adds extra tension to her story. Leon does not need ink ribbons, reinforcing how much more capable and confident he is compared to Grace.
Zombies themselves have also changed in Resident Evil Requiem. Instead of acting like mindless monsters, many retain habits from their former lives. A zombie who used to be a janitor may still clean floors, while a former chef might remain in a kitchen, pretending to prepare food. These behaviors aren’t just for atmosphere—they can be used by players. Watching how a zombie behaves can help players sneak past or avoid fights altogether.
The showcase confirmed that both characters can be played in either first-person or third-person view. While Grace is often shown in first-person to heighten fear, Leon’s gameplay usually appears in third-person, fitting his action-focused style. There is also a Casual difficulty option for players who want heavy aim assist and a less stressful experience.
Despite all the new footage, not everything made fans happy. Many were hoping Capcom would release a playable demo after the showcase, but no demo was announced. If Resident Evil Requiem launches without one, it will be the first mainline Resident Evil game in decades to do so, which disappointed a lot of players.
Much of the gameplay presentation expanded on details already known rather than revealing major new surprises. There was a small tease involving Leon and the mysterious Elpis virus, but story details remain mostly under wraps. The second half of the showcase focused on extras, including collaborations with Porsche and watchmaker Hamilton, details about the deluxe edition, GeForce NOW support, a global concert tour, and new character figurines.
Even so, excitement around the game remains high. With its split gameplay styles, smarter enemies, brutal combat, and classic horror mechanics, Resident Evil Requiem feels both familiar and fresh. It’s a bold attempt to satisfy fans who love pure horror and those who enjoy action-heavy Resident Evil games.
Resident Evil Requiem is set to release on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Whether it fully lives up to expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Capcom is taking big risks—and fans will be watching closely.