Raccoon City Returns: Resident Evil Requiem Promises Scares

Capcom is bringing players back to the infamous Raccoon City with Resident Evil Requiem, set approximately 30 years after the city's missile strike. The narrative follows FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, as she investigates ritualistic murders connected to her mother's mysterious death. Her inquiry draws the attention of a former Umbrella scientist who believes Grace holds the key to a dark secret project. Early previews reveal a split-narrative approach, reminiscent of Resident Evil: Revelations, featuring both Grace and the seasoned RPD officer Leon Kennedy. Director Kōshi Nakanishi stressed that the game's horror stems from the unknown, with unpredictable pathways and enemy encounters designed to exploit player imagination. Nakanishi explained that the contrasting gameplay between the less experienced Grace and the formidable Leon is a deliberate choice to create tension and release. Leon, with nearly 30 years of biohazard combat experience, brings resilience but also carries the weight of past tragedies. Grace, still processing the trauma of her mother's death eight years prior, offers a more vulnerable perspective. Producer Masato Kumazawa emphasized the importance of depicting the lasting effects of the Raccoon City incident on individuals over three decades. The game's core themes revolve around the contrast between these characters and their shared journey back to Raccoon City. Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled for release on February 27, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. This release date is in the future relative to the current date of January 26, 2026.