Curious about the Resident Evil 9 release date? As Capcom’s legendary survival horror series approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, the upcoming installment, affectionately known as Requiem, promises to be both a nostalgic nod and an exciting leap forward. Its official unveiling at Summer Game Fest certainly set the stage for something big.
Resident Evil 9, officially titled Resident Evil Requiem, is poised to plunge us back into the haunting ruins of Raccoon City – a location not seen since its devastating end in RE3. This iconic setting holds deep significance for fans and characters alike, serving as a critical touchstone in the series’ lore. Join us as we explore all the known details about the Resident Evil Requiem release date, from intriguing trailers to plot revelations and gameplay expectations.
When Can We Play Resident Evil Requiem? The Official Release Date
Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Resident Evil 9 is slated for release on Friday, February 27, 2026. Fans will be able to experience the horror on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
Resident Evil 9 received its official confirmation during a thrilling surprise reveal trailer at Summer Game Fest. Event host Geoff Keighley shared his excitement, stating, “When I first got a glimpse of this project last summer, I was absolutely blown away by the scale, scope, and ambition of [Capcom’s] vision.”
All Resident Evil 9 Trailers Revealed So Far
The initial Resident Evil 9 reveal trailer, though brief, skillfully outlined the overarching narrative of Requiem. This three-and-a-half-minute teaser showcased stunning in-engine footage with impressive post-processing effects, despite lacking direct gameplay. This approach mirrors the announcement for Resident Evil Village, where a full gameplay trailer emerged months after its initial reveal.
At Gamescom 2025, the world premiere trailer for Resident Evil 9 offered a deeper look. This four-minute sequence masterfully transitioned from a poignant expositional cutscene – highlighting the bond between Grace Ashcroft and her mother – directly into gameplay. We witness Alyssa’s heartbreaking final moments with her daughter as they desperately try to escape an unidentified menace.
During a developer interview at the Future Games Show, producer Masato Kumazawa shed more light on Grace Ashcroft’s character, describing her as “introverted and fearful.” He noted this as an “unusual” trait for a series protagonist. The interview also featured a demonstration of Resident Evil 9’s dynamic camera system, allowing players to seamlessly switch between third-person and first-person perspectives.
The Capcom Online Program provided an exciting new preview of Resident Evil Requiem leading up to its Tokyo Game Show 2025 appearance. In addition to a brief overview of the game’s dual-camera perspective, attendees (and ourselves) were treated to exclusive demo footage.
Meet the Characters of Resident Evil 9
The latest protagonist to join the Resident Evil saga is Grace Ashcroft, an FBI technical analyst and the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak. Alyssa, a Raccoon City survivor, was the tenacious investigative reporter credited with exposing Umbrella’s clandestine bio-organic weapons testing and driving the Raccoon Trials that ultimately led to the company’s downfall.
This connection to Alyssa Ashcroft could serve as an ideal lead-in to a potential Resident Evil Outbreak remake. Outbreak, originally designed for co-op, faced online challenges that left many players relying on AI companions. While dedicated co-op in Requiem seems improbable, Capcom is expected to refine the companion behaviors seen with characters like Ashley, Carlos, and Jill.
The reveal trailer’s multiple character voice lines strongly suggest that Grace won’t be navigating Requiem’s horrors alone. Intriguingly, some fans are convinced they’ve identified familiar voices, sparking speculation about the return of beloved characters such as Leon, Jill, Carlos, and even Chris.
Leon Kennedy and Raccoon City are practically synonymous in the Resident Evil universe. Rumors are circulating that Requiem could mark a significant turning point for Leon, with insider Dusk Golem suggesting this might be his “last major role in the timeline” and serve as his “send-off game.”
The Deepening Lore of Resident Evil 9’s Story
Many fans recall Raccoon City meeting a nuclear demise in Resident Evil 3’s final cutscene. However, RE3 writer Yasuhisa Kawamura later clarified in the official guidebook that it was an experimental thermobaric bomb, not a nuclear one. Whether this distinction is seen as established canon or a clever retcon, Grace’s journey into the city’s cratered ruins promises a unique, non-radioactive threat – a stark contrast for any Stalker enthusiasts.
While the Wrenwood Hotel’s exact proximity to Raccoon City remains ambiguous, it’s highly probable that this will be Grace’s inaugural destination in Resident Evil 9, where she’ll conduct her FBI investigation under SAIC Dempsey’s directive. Its decaying corridors and exterior hint at a disturbing fusion of Resident Evil 7’s Baker house and Silent Hill 2’s Wood Side Apartments. Prepare for a barrage of frights as Grace confronts Resident Evil’s grotesque legions for the very first time.
The most compelling enigma in Resident Evil 9 is the identity of the enigmatic hooded figure glimpsed in the reveal trailer. While he is almost certainly Requiem’s primary antagonist, the possibility of it being a resurrected Albert Wesker is exceedingly low. A key scene in the trailer shows Grace restrained on a gurney, a blood-soaked bandage adorning her chest, as blood is meticulously drawn from her arm via an IV. This crucial detail reveals three things: her captor possesses medical expertise, desires her continued survival, and clearly has a specific purpose for her blood.
Considering Grace’s mother was infected with and subsequently cured of the T-Virus, it’s plausible that genetic traces were passed to Grace, reminiscent of Rose Winters in Resident Evil Village. The mystery man’s declaration of Grace as the “chosen one” strongly implies her unique significance. Could he be another Outbreak survivor seeking a cure, or perhaps even Oswell E. Spencer resurfacing? While Wesker met a seemingly definitive end, history proves that iconic bio-terrorists are rarely permanently dispatched.
Our resident expert, Ed, expressed reservations about Requiem fully embracing the “playful, horror-movie-double-bill tone of the originals.” Nevertheless, we both remain optimistic that Capcom will avoid a solely self-serious direction, despite the reveal trailer’s more somber introduction. Grace’s investigation into an “unidentified disease” hints at a greater focus on the Progenitor Virus as a bio-terrorist threat, moving beyond mere monster-mashing. If Requiem delivers more than just Raccoon City nostalgia, we’re eagerly anticipating its release.
Resident Evil 9 Gameplay: A Fresh Yet Familiar Approach
While the initial Resident Evil 9 reveal trailer kept gameplay under wraps, the core Resident Evil formula is well-established, and we anticipate no radical departures for Requiem. Even without a dedicated gameplay trailer, it’s safe to assume the game will deliver ample inventory management, intricate puzzles, and speedrun opportunities to engage both veteran players and newcomers.
Jamie’s gameplay preview for Resident Evil 9 at Summer Game Fest provided a tantalizing 20-minute look at what to expect upon Requiem’s release. Although the presentation primarily showcased first-person gameplay, a “surprise mic-drop moment” confirmed an optional third-person mode, allowing players to switch perspectives at their leisure.
“There’s not much in the way of fighting back,” Jamie observed. While Grace, as an FBI agent, is undoubtedly proficient with firearms, it’s evident that “she’s going to have to rely on cunning, perseverance, and the ability to run faster than whatever terrifying creature is pursuing her.” Get ready for plenty of jumpscares and intense evasion sequences.
Danielle’s Gamescom preview for Resident Evil 9 immersed players in a brief demo, establishing Requiem as a “loving ode to Resident Evil’s past.” This segment, set within a building evocative of the classic Spencer Mansion, signals a triumphant “return of Resi’s horror and puzzle origins.” It also adeptly introduced Grace Ashcroft as a protagonist “perfectly placed to join the likes of Jill, Ada, and Claire” in the pantheon of iconic series heroes.
In a surprising revelation, game director Koshi Nakanishi disclosed that Resident Evil 9 nearly took a dramatically different path, almost becoming a live-service open-world game. “We spent some time experimenting,” he clarified in a Capcom Spotlight, “We realized it wasn’t what fans wanted to see or play.” Given Capcom’s previous multiplayer endeavors in the series, this pivot is undoubtedly a welcome one for many fans.
For PC hardware enthusiasts, Gamescom delivered exciting news: Resident Evil 9 will feature cutting-edge path tracing and DLSS 4 support. This means if you’re looking to push your high-spec gaming rig to its absolute limits, Requiem will be the perfect title to showcase its power.
With all this exciting news about Resident Evil 9, the anticipation for your return to Raccoon City must be immense! While you await Requiem’s arrival, why not delve into some of our top zombie games to satisfy your cravings? Or, explore our comprehensive list of the best PC games to keep you entertained in the meantime.