Capcom is bringing back the core elements of the Resident Evil franchise with Resident Evil Requiem, marking a return to the series’ original overarching narrative. Set to release on February 27, 2026, this game will coincide with the franchise’s 30th anniversary, which first introduced the world to Raccoon City and the dark dealings of the Umbrella Corporation. 
Requiem promises a reunion with familiar locations and characters, continuing the storylines that fans have grown to love over the years.
Unlike the more recent Resident Evil titles like Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village, which branched out to new locations and focused on the Winters family, Requiem will return to Raccoon City. The Umbrella Corporation, which was presumed bankrupt in earlier games, will also play a role in the new narrative-its true fate still a mystery. Producer Masato Kumazawa explained in an interview that the game is designed to honor the original Resident Evil story, reviving elements that made the series iconic.
The 30th anniversary of Resident Evil is a significant milestone for the franchise, and Capcom has chosen to revisit its roots. The return to Raccoon City is a key component of this. Kumazawa added, ‘We believe Raccoon City is the most fitting setting to celebrate this milestone.’ Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of the classic environment and the mysteries it holds.
Another exciting development is the introduction of Grace Ashcroft, the new protagonist of Requiem. Grace is the daughter of Alyssa, a character from the spin-off series Resident Evil Outbreak. She is designed to be a more relatable character than the action heroes of previous games, such as Leon or Chris. Grace is meant to embody the fear and vulnerability that many fans of the franchise love-she’s someone who ‘jumps in fright’ when faced with danger, a stark contrast to the tough, battle-hardened protagonists from the past.
Capcom has also teased that Requiem will feature a balance of horror and action. While Grace may be the primary protagonist, fans are speculating about the possible return of Leon, who also has strong ties to Raccoon City. This opens the door for more action-oriented sequences, providing a dynamic contrast to Grace’s more vulnerable approach. Director Koshi Nakanishi mentioned that Leon had been considered as the protagonist but was ultimately deemed a “bad match for horror” gameplay. Requiem’s direction is clear: a focus on atmospheric tension and the fear that made the original games so unforgettable.
Interestingly, Capcom revealed that they had briefly experimented with making Requiem an open-world game with online elements. However, after listening to feedback from fans, they decided to abandon this idea. It’s a common trend in the gaming industry-publishers often try to force online features into single-player experiences, but Capcom appears to be listening to its loyal fanbase.