Capcom has officially confirmed Resident Evil 9, subtitled Requiem, during a surprise reveal at Summer Game Fest 2025. The next installment in the long-running survival horror franchise is set to launch on February 27, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles. While the announcement came at the tail end of the showcase, it introduced just enough detail to spark fan speculation and set expectations for a major tonal shift in the series.
Resident Evil Requiem centers on Grace Ashcroft, a new protagonist and daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft—a journalist featured in Resident Evil Outbreak and its sequel. Grace, now an FBI agent, is tasked with investigating a mysterious disease responsible for several unexplained deaths. But the plot quickly becomes personal when she’s ordered to the Remwood Hotel, a location tied to her mother’s apparent murder. This marks the first time the series has confirmed Alyssa’s death, adding an emotional layer to the narrative that longtime fans may find surprising.
Capcom kept the announcement brief, with executive producer Jun Takeuchi offering a short message of appreciation to the fanbase before revealing the game’s title. The restrained rollout gave the announcement more impact, especially after months of silence and swirling rumors. While full gameplay details remain under wraps, Capcom has described Requiemas emphasizing “cinematic high-stakes action,” suggesting a potential shift in tone or pacing from the more grounded horror of recent entries.
One familiar face appears to be returning: Leon S. Kennedy. The trailer hinted at his involvement, possibly in a supporting or dual-protagonist role. Given the popularity of Resident Evil 4 Remake and Leon’s enduring fan appeal, bringing him back could serve as a strategic bridge between older fans and the series’ evolving direction.
Resident Evil 9 appears poised to continue Capcom’s trend of intertwining legacy characters with new protagonists, balancing nostalgia with forward momentum. More information is expected in the coming months, with a playable demo reportedly on the schedule for Gamescom in August. While it’s too early to assess how Requiem will reshape the franchise, Capcom’s decision to slowly tease out story details while anchoring the narrative in recognizable lore suggests a careful, calculated approach to its next chapter.
