The nightmare returns—but this time, it looks more lifelike than ever. Resident Evil Requiem, the next entry in Capcom’s legendary survival horror franchise, was finally revealed during Summer Game Fest 2025, and as a longtime fan… I’m still recovering from the trailer.
Set to release on February 27, 2026, this game isn’t just a sequel—it’s a generational leap. Capcom is pulling out all the stops, and as someone who’s been with this series through thick and thin, from slow creepy room transitions to VR headshots to mashing the button to kick open doors, I can feel in my gut: this one’s going to be special.
Leon’s Back (?)—and So Are My Emotions
Let’s get this out of the way—Leon S. Kennedy is back (allegedly), and not just in a cameo. According to trusted leaker Dusk Golem, he’s the main playable character in Requiem, alongside newcomer Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak. Grace is investigating her mother’s death at the sinister Wrenwood Hotel, and everything from the setting to the music screams classic RE vibes.
And yes—we’re going back to Raccoon City. The trailer shows the bomb-scarred ruins of the RPD, caked in ash and trauma, a haunting reminder of what the series was built on. For fans like me, that single frame hit like a ton of bricks. This is not just fan service—it’s closure, it’s legacy, and it’s dread all wrapped into one.
I’ve Played RE4 More Times Than I Can Count
Let me pause here and say: I’m not just excited because I’m a casual fan. I’ve played Resident Evil 4 across nearly every re-release and port you can name—GameCube, PS2, PS3, Switch, PC, even that weird mobile version from 2005. And when the RE4 Remake dropped? I was there on day one, flashlight in one hand, shotgun in the other. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s comfort horror at this point.
To see Leon back, weathered but still kicking, in what might be the final chapter of his saga? That’s the kind of emotional payoff only long-term fans will truly feel.
However, I can’t be the only person asking this question. Which Leon are we getting? As there are several differences between the original and the remake.
RE neXt: A Graphical Evolution That Bleeds Atmosphere
Resident Evil Requiem will be the first RE game built specifically for ninth-gen hardware, leaving the PS4 and Xbox One behind. Powered by the upgraded RE neXt Engine, Capcom is promising cinematic realism, including:
- Lifelike facial animations
- Hyper-detailed skin and sweat rendering
- Photorealistic lighting and particle effects
This isn’t just about pretty visuals. It’s about immersing us deeper into terror than ever before. When a game like RE is designed only for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and high-end PCs, it means fewer compromises—and more possibilities. Expect bigger levels, smarter enemies, and near-zero loading times thanks to SSD optimizations.
There are even whispers of major enhancements for the PS5 Pro, which might make Requiem the best-looking RE experience to date.
A Conclusion and a New Beginning
According to Dusk Golem, Requiem will act as both an ending and a rebirth. It’s meant to conclude the narrative arc that started all the way back with Resident Evil 0 and 1, while laying the foundation for future stories, possibly exploring new characters and horror sub-genres.
That fills me with both excitement and dread—because if this really is the end for some of our favorite characters, not all of them may make it out alive.
The title Requiem suddenly feels very fitting.
The Future of Survival Horror Starts Here
For fans of Resident Evil, this isn’t just another entry—it’s a culmination. A love letter. A turning point. Whether you grew up hiding from Mr. X in the RPD or dodging chainsaws in Spanish villages, Requiem is Capcom saying: thank you—now get ready to suffer again.
Resident Evil Requiem launches February 27, 2026, and as someone who’s bled green herbs and ink ribbons for over two decades, I’ll be there day one—with Leon, Grace and whichever returning character, and a flashlight trembling in my virtual hand.
Bring it on, Capcom. I’ve been waiting for this (Not really, I do not want it to end)
