Capcom Unveils Resident Evil Requiem, A Bold New Chapter in the Franchise’s 30-Year Legacy

Resident Evil 9 is real—and it has a name. Capping off this year’s Summer Games Fest 2025, Capcom pulled back the curtain on Resident Evil Requiem, the long-rumored next entry in its legendary survival horror franchise.

What began as a cryptic tease turned into one of the biggest reveals of the event, right alongside titles like Atomic Heart 2 and Mortal Shell 2. And yes, it’s more than just a sequel—it’s a whole new direction.

A New Protagonist, A Familiar Nightmare

Grace is the name. She’s the new face of horror in Capcom’s universe, stepping into the haunted shoes that once belonged to Chris, Jill, Leon, and Ethan. And it looks like she’s got her work cut out for her.

Two names were floating around early—Claire and Grace—but Capcom clarified during the post-show Q&A that Grace is the canon lead. Claire, long-time series veteran, may still have a role, but she’s not front and center this time.

Capcom’s announcement was brief, but the footage shown hinted at a bleak, tension-filled cityscape—likely Raccoon City, reimagined once again. Yes, that Raccoon City. The one supposedly obliterated by a nuke at the end of Resident Evil 3.

Requiem Is Resident Evil 9—No More Guessing

For months, fans speculated whether the next title would follow Village or pivot into spin-off territory. Capcom confirmed it plainly: Resident Evil Requiem is officially the ninth mainline entry.

This clears up some long-running questions. Rumors of a “soft reboot” were partially accurate. Requiem does shake things up, but not by starting from scratch. Instead, it continues the narrative threads woven through RE7 and RE Village.

And yes, it’s got action. A lot of it.

But early impressions suggest this isn’t a repeat of the much-maligned RE6. Capcom described the gameplay as “high-stakes cinematic survival,” blending traditional horror elements with more fluid combat and exploration.

What We Know (And What We Don’t)

Details are still thin, but the announcement wasn’t totally devoid of specifics. The biggest takeaway: a confirmed release date.

Resident Evil Requiem launches worldwide on February 27, 2028 for PlayStation 6, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Here’s what else we picked up from the trailer and developer commentary:

• Grace is described as an investigative specialist working with a private agency tied to global biohazard incidents.

• The game features a new AI-companion system said to evolve depending on player choices.

• The Raccoon City featured is not a direct remake, but “a version that exists after destruction—rebuilt, then forgotten.”

Capcom has yet to confirm engine details, but it’s safe to assume this is another RE Engine showcase, potentially with support for ray tracing and VR.

Whispers of Familiar Faces

Leon S. Kennedy. The man, the myth, the meme. He’s been the subject of several leaks surrounding Requiem. And based on recent datamines and insider sources, there’s a high chance he’ll appear in some capacity.

Capcom isn’t saying anything just yet. But it wouldn’t be the first time Leon popped up in a supporting role. Just look at Resident Evil 6 and RE4 Remake. He tends to find his way into things, doesn’t he?

So far, there’s no mention of Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, or Ada Wong. That’s not to say they’re absent—just that Capcom’s keeping their cards close.

And let’s be honest: that’s probably a good thing.

Timeline, Tone, and Teasers

The timeline’s fuzzy, but based on Capcom’s own statements, Requiem takes place “a few years” after Resident Evil Village. That puts us somewhere around 2027 or so in the series’ internal chronology.

The shift in tone is the most surprising element here. While earlier titles blended claustrophobic horror with camp, this one looks to go for a more emotionally charged, grounded experience. Less gore porn, more psychological dread. At least, that’s the pitch.

One developer on the stream called it “the most human Resident Evil yet.” We’ll see about that.

Also, Capcom seems to be steering into episodic-style chapter design. Not in format, but in vibe—think The Last of Us meets RE4. Whether that structure lands or not is anyone’s guess.

Quick Look: Resident Evil Timeline to Date

For those keeping score, here’s how the mainline titles stack up now:

It’s been quite the ride.

A 30-Year Celebration That Actually Feels Earned

Releasing Requiem as part of the franchise’s 30th anniversary is a bold move—and a fitting one.

There’s a lot riding on this entry. Capcom’s been on a hot streak with RE2 Remake, RE4 Remake, and even Village. But with expectations sky-high, fans are hoping this one doesn’t overreach.

Still, early fan response seems cautiously optimistic. Reddit threads exploded within minutes of the reveal, and the trailer trended globally within the hour.

Capcom knows the legacy it’s dealing with. Let’s just hope Requiem respects it.