Capcom Shares First Gameplay Footage for Resident Evil Requiem
Capcom has just dropped the first gameplay trailer for Resident Evil Requiem, and it looks like a chilling return to form. The footage reveals that players can seamlessly switch between first-person and third-person camera perspectives. With a heavy emphasis on a terrifying atmosphere, the gameplay strongly signals a return to the series’ survival horror roots.
Meet the New Protagonist: Grace Ashcroft
Requiem introduces a new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, who might be familiar to lore hounds: she’s the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak. Grace, an FBI analyst, finds herself investigating a series of mysterious deaths occurring 30 years after the destruction of Raccoon City. This setup not only weaves a new narrative into the franchise but also forges a direct link to its storied past.
Grace is intentionally designed to be inexperienced in combat, introverted, and easily frightened. The idea is for the player’s own fear to be directly mirrored by the protagonist. According to Director Koshi Nakanishi, players will watch Grace grow stronger and more capable as the game progresses. This character arc aims to offer a different kind of experience, moving away from the hardened heroes of previous installments.
“Grace is frightened at first, but she finds her courage over time. It was very important for us to have a character who grows alongside the player.”
Interestingly, Leon S. Kennedy was initially considered for the lead role. However, the team ultimately decided to go with a new face. The reason is pretty straightforward:
“Nobody would believe Leon being scared of anything anymore.”
The game supports both first-person and third-person perspectives. This dual-camera system allows players to switch on the fly, offering the intense immersion of first-person and the superior situational awareness of third-person.
A Return to Raccoon City
Set roughly 30 years after the destruction of Raccoon City, Resident Evil Requiem’s release is timed to coincide with the franchise’s 30th anniversary. The game aims to be a thematic and narrative homage to the series’ legacy. With this project, Capcom is looking to breathe fresh air into the franchise while staying true to what made it a phenomenon.
Release Date and Demo
The game is slated for release on February 27, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Fans eager to get their hands on it won’t have to wait that long, however, as a playable demo is set to be released during Gamescom on August 20, 2025.