Capcom’s Resident Evil Requiem: Release Date Rumors, Gameplay Leaks & Official Trailer Breakdown

Capcom just pulled back the curtain on Resident Evil Requiem, the next mainline entry—informally Resident Evil 9—and survival-horror fans already have a release date to circle on their calendars: 27 February 2026. Announced during a surprise Summer Game Fest 2025 showcase, the game promises a chilling new chapter built in the powerhouse RE Engine for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. New heroine, familiar nightmares Leading the charge is FBI agent Grace Ashcroft, on assignment to investigate a string of ritualistic deaths at the isolated Ashford Grand Hotel—the same place her mother, investigative reporter Alyssa Ashcroft, vanished eight years earlier. Early trailer footage teases the decaying ruins of Raccoon City’s outskirts, hinting at a storyline that reconnects the series’ modern era with its 1998 origins. Key story beats confirmed so far • Grace uncovers links to a clandestine bioterror cell resurrecting remnants of the t-virus legacy. • Iconic series veteran Leon S. Kennedy is rumored—but not yet confirmed—to play a mentor role, fueling speculation across fan forums. • The narrative leans heavily into psychological horror, blending first-person and third-person sequences to heighten tension. Gameplay: survival horror with next-gen polish Capcom touts “dynamic stalker AI,” an evolution of Mr. X and Lady Dimitrescu routines, ensuring no two playthroughs are identical. Weapon customization returns with deeper crafting, while environmental puzzles take cues from classic mansion designs. The RE Engine’s ray-tracing and volumetric fog tech were showcased in the reveal trailer, highlighting photorealistic corridors and grotesquely detailed bio-weapons. Platforms, editions, and pre-orders Resident Evil Requiem ships day-and-date on: • PlayStation 5 (DualSense haptic feedback supported) • Xbox Series X|S (Smart Delivery) • Steam and Windows Store (DLSS 3 & FSR 3 ready) Capcom confirmed three retail editions: Standard, Deluxe (soundtrack + “Nightmare Hotel” weapon pack), and Collector’s (Grace Ashcroft statue, artbook, and map of post-collapse Raccoon City). Pre-orders open next week with an exclusive “Ashcroft Federal Issue” handgun skin. Fan and industry reaction Within hours of the reveal, the trailer climbed to the top of YouTube’s gaming trends and racked up 4 million views. Long-time series director Koshi Nakanishi’s return has fueled confidence that Requiem will continue the franchise’s critical resurgence following RE 7 and Village. Analysts predict Capcom will leverage the buzz to hit its 2026 fiscal targets after Street Fighter 6’s strong performance. How to watch the trailer again The official 2-minute announcement trailer is streaming on Capcom’s site and major platforms, featuring the haunting tagline “Escape death one last time.” Viewers can spot callbacks to classic locations—an abandoned subway, shattered police badges, and a recreation of the iconic Spencer Mansion corridor—hinting at deep franchise Easter eggs. What’s next? A gameplay demo is slated for Gamescom 2025, and Capcom promises a monthly “Director’s Briefing” video series to reveal mechanics, enemy types, and story teasers leading up to launch. Bookmark this page for updates as we dive into every new detail of Resident Evil Requiem—because the nightmare is far from over.