Resident Evil Requiem Returns to Raccoon City with First and Third-Person Gameplay, February 2026 Release Confirmed

During Capcom’s 2025 Spotlight Showcase, fans were treated to an atmospheric new look at Resident Evil Requiem, the upcoming installment in the survival horror franchise. The title is scheduled to launch on February 27, 2026, and takes players back to one of the most iconic and haunting settings in the series—Raccoon City.

A Return to the Birthplace of Horror

First teased earlier this month at Summer Game Fest 2025, Resident Evil Requiem initially debuted with a cinematic story reveal. But the recent Capcom Spotlight gave us our first true look at gameplay, revealing a dynamic mix of first- and third-person perspectives, with each view offering a distinct experience.

According to the development team, first-person mode is tailored for players seeking a heightened horror-focused, immersive perspective, while third-person will appeal to those craving more action-oriented gameplay.

Meet Grace Ashcroft – A New Kind of Protagonist

Capcom also introduced Grace Ashcroft, the game’s new lead character. Described as more introverted and psychologically reactive compared to seasoned protagonists like Leon Kennedy, Grace represents the player's raw, uncertain viewpoint—feeling unprepared for what lies around the next corner. Despite this, she’s no rookie; Grace is an FBI agent and is more than capable of defending herself.

A “Requiem” for Resident Evil’s Past

In a compelling statement, game director Koshi Nakanishi elaborated on the meaning behind the title “Requiem,” calling it a eulogy for the origins of Resident Evil, honoring the fallen of Raccoon City and the Umbrella legacy.

“Resident Evil is a series that was born from Umbrella and the Raccoon City zombie outbreak. And we chose the title Requiem to mark a milestone in the series,” said Nakanishi.

He also confirmed that the team originally explored open-world and online gameplay concepts for Requiem, validating previous rumors. However, early in development, Capcom chose to pivot, realizing those directions weren’t aligned with fan expectations.

“You might have heard some of the rumors,” Nakanishi explained. “We spent some time experimenting with things like an online Resident Evil or an open-world Resident Evil. But… it wasn’t what fans wanted.”

A Recommitment to Single-Player Survival Horror

Producer Masachika Kawata addressed concerns directly, stating at the top of the Creator's Message video that Resident Evil Requiem is an offline, single-player game—a rare stance in an industry that continues to shift focus toward always-online experiences.

This development philosophy stands in contrast to recent industry missteps, such as EA’s attempted live service model for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Capcom’s decision to course-correct early, while retaining the core essence of Resident Evil, has been met with strong enthusiasm from the community.

Capcom’s recent track record of success—Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Dragon’s Dogma II—proves the studio has a deep understanding of its franchises and fans. Resident Evil Requiem seems poised to continue that momentum, offering an emotional, terrifying, and respectful return to the city where the nightmare began.

Are you excited for Resident Evil’s return to Raccoon City? Do you prefer first-person immersion or third-person action in horror games? Let us know in the comments below!