Honestly, the rumor mill for Resident Evil 9 has been a complete fever dream for the last few years. We've gone from whispers of "open-world Singapore" to full-blown theories about Chris Redfield finally biting the dust. But now that we’re in January 2026, the fog is finally lifting. Capcom just wrapped up their massive Resident Evil Showcase, and we finally have the hard facts about the game officially titled Resident Evil Requiem.
It's coming. Soon. February 27, 2026.
If you’ve been following the "leaks" that claimed this was going to be a pure action game or some weird live-service experiment, you’ve been misled. The reality is much more interesting, and frankly, a bit more terrifying.
The Two Faces of Resident Evil Requiem
One of the biggest pieces of Resident Evil 9 news is the dual-protagonist setup. We aren't just getting one perspective this time. Capcom confirmed that the story is split between two very different characters: a returning legend and a complete newcomer.
Leon S. Kennedy is back. He’s older, saltier, and according to director Kōshi Nakanishi, he's basically the "strongest person in the history of the franchise" at this point. His sections of the game are set in a devastated, modern-day Raccoon City. Yeah, you read that right. We’re going back to where it all started, but it’s not the Raccoon City from the 90s.
Then there’s Grace Ashcroft. She’s an FBI investigator and the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft (if you remember the Resident Evil Outbreak games, you're a real one). Her gameplay is a total shift from Leon's. While Leon is out there parrying chainsaws and being an absolute action hero, Grace’s chapters are pure survival horror. Think limited ammo, heavy psychological tension, and a lot of hiding in closets.
Is it actually open world?
Basically, sort of. But not in the way Far Cry or Assassin's Creed is.
The latest gameplay footage from the January showcase revealed what Capcom calls "Open-Level Design." You’ll have large, explorable chunks of a city—specifically the Civic Care Center and surrounding streets—where you can choose your path. There are even drivable vehicles, which is a massive first for a mainline solo RE game.
- Leon’s path: More linear, heavy on combat, and focused on "descending into hell."
- Grace’s path: Open exploration, puzzle-solving, and avoiding a specific stalker enemy in the city.
- The World: It's not one giant map, but several massive zones that feel lived-in.
The Nvidia DLSS 4 trailer actually showed Grace walking down a bustling street with NPCs. It looked so normal it was creepy. That’s the vibe they’re going for: the horror of the mundane turning into a nightmare.
Release Date and Platforms
Mark your calendars for February 27, 2026.
Capcom is doing a global launch. No weird staggered releases. It’s hitting the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. But the real surprise? It’s a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Capcom is even releasing a themed Pro Controller and a Grace Ashcroft amiibo.
If you're on PC, the specs aren't as scary as the monsters. You'll want at least an RTX 2060 Super to get the most out of the lighting, but it’ll run on older hardware if you’re okay with "Standard" settings.
What the "Leakers" Got Wrong
For a while, everyone was convinced Jill Valentine was the lead. While early concept art (which will probably show up in the Deluxe Edition) shows she was considered, she isn't the main focus of Requiem. She might get a mention or a cameo, but this is Leon and Grace’s show.
Also, those rumors about the game being a multiplayer-only title? Those were based on an early 2017 build that Capcom luckily scrapped because it "wasn't what the fans wanted." We dodged a bullet there.
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The New "Chef" Zombies
One detail that caught everyone’s eye in the showcase was the enemy AI. The "Requiem" virus doesn't just turn people into mindless biters. They retain "echoes" of their former lives. You might find a zombie in a kitchen still trying to "cook," or a police officer zombie trying to reload a gun with fingers that don't work anymore. It’s deeply unsettling and adds a layer of tragedy we haven't seen since the first game.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning on jumping into Resident Evil 9 next month, here is exactly what you should do to prepare:
- Check your PC specs early: Steam already has the page up. If you're below the 16GB RAM requirement, now is the time to upgrade.
- Play Resident Evil Outbreak: Or at least watch a lore video. Understanding who Alyssa Ashcroft is will make Grace’s story significantly more impactful.
- Pre-order carefully: The Deluxe Edition includes "Classic" save mechanics (Ink Ribbons) for Grace's campaign. If you want that old-school challenge, that’s the version you need.
- Clear your schedule for February 27: This is the 30th anniversary of the franchise. Capcom is clearly going all out to make this the definitive Resident Evil experience.
The hype is real, but the wait is almost over. Whether you're here for Leon's roundhouse kicks or Grace's slow-burn mystery, Resident Evil Requiem looks like the reboot-of-a-reboot the series actually needs.