Capcom’s upcoming Resident Evil Requiem has been making waves since its surprise announcement at Summer Game Fest 2025 in early June. If you missed the initial reveal, you can catch up in our previous article covering Resident Evil Requiem’s announcement and release date. The game is set to launch on February 27, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Since then, several media outlets have had the chance to play a hands-on demo of Resident Evil Requiem during Summer Game Fest, including Xbox Wire, Eurogamer, VGC, IGN, and Game Informer. Taken together, their early impressions reveal a game that embraces both classic survival horror and modern thrills.
The game lets you switch freely between first and third-person perspectives, offering different ways to experience the suspense and atmosphere. The demo focuses on the new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, navigating a ruined medical ward filled with puzzles, lurking threats, and moments designed to keep players on edge. Combined, these previews give us a deeper sense of how Requiem blends classic horror with exciting gameplay, sticking to the series’ roots but with a few new surprises.
Here’s a summary of what those previews shared about how the game plays and what you can expect from the story and setting.
Grace’s Escape and Creeping Danger
In Resident Evil Requiem, you step into the shoes of Grace Ashcroft, a young FBI analyst stuck in a rundown medical ward in Raccoon City. The game doesn’t hold your hand with clear objectives. Instead, you’re left to explore, solve puzzles, and piece together what’s going on in a quiet but dangerous place.
Grace isn’t your typical tough hero. She reacts with gasps and nervous breaths, showing just how vulnerable she really is. She only starts with makeshift weapons like glass bottles, so sneaking around and staying alive without fighting head-on is your best bet.
One cool feature is that you can switch between first- and third-person views whenever you want. First-person puts you right in the middle of the scares, while third-person gives you a bit more room to plan your moves. Both keep the tension high, but in different ways.
Multiple previews highlighted a huge, creepy stalker that’s always on Grace’s trail. You can’t fight it, it smashes through walls, hunts you down, and reacts to sounds. To survive, you’ll have to hide, think fast, and stay calm. This creature feels like a smarter, tougher version of familiar Resident Evil stalkers like Mr. X and Lady Dimitrescu, always keeping you guessing.
Gameplay balances slow-building fear with sudden shocks. You’ll balance puzzle-solving with stealth, making every escape feel tense and satisfying.
Dark Corners and Realistic Horror
Resident Evil Requiem runs on Capcom’s RE Engine, known for powering recent Resident Evil titles with detailed graphics and realistic environments. According to previews, the visuals in Resident Evil Requiem look really good. Capcom’s RE Engine is pushing lighting and shadows to new levels. It’s not just about seeing in the dark. It’s about creating a constant sense of unease. Some scenes take place in bright, sterile halls, while others plunge you into near-total darkness where you have to rely on a lighter.
The rooms are packed with detail, but also feel like they’re hiding something dangerous just out of sight. The flashlight doesn’t just help you see, it also highlights clues and adds to the tense mood. Previewers also praised Grace’s character animations. Her gasps, startled movements, and nervous breaths help players feel her fear. These details come together to create an atmosphere that pulls you deep into the world.
Ties to the Past and Questions Ahead
Grace Ashcroft is more than just a new face. She’s the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, a character from Resident Evil Outbreak, which ties Requiem to the series’ wider lore. Several previews mentioned this connection, which gives us something extra to think about.
Despite the hands-on demos, there are still a lot of questions to be answered. When exactly does Requiem take place? Is it connected to Resident Evil Village’s timeline or somewhere else? What’s Grace’s full story, and how does it link to previous events?
The game’s director, Koshi Nakanishi, emphasizes Grace’s vulnerability and growth, setting her apart from past heroes. She’s not a combat expert, which shapes how the game plays and feels. These unanswered questions only make things more interesting as we wait for Resident Evil Requiem to launch.
Ready to Face Raccoon City Again?
All these early impressions point to Resident Evil Requiem being a solid mix of classic survival horror and fresh ideas. With the freedom to switch perspectives, a tense, detailed world, and a terrifying new enemy, Capcom looks ready to push the series forward.
The game launches February 27, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Whether you like old-school scares or the newer style, Requiem seems to offer a bit of both. I’m definitely excited to play the game and see how it all comes together.
Are you excited to step into Grace’s shoes and explore the dark corners of Raccoon City? Share your thoughts and what you’re most looking forward to in the comments.
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