The scariest return of Resident Evil: what we saw in Requiem will keep you up at night

 

Capcom is preparing to kick off 2026 in the best way possible: with Resident Evil Requiem. This new chapter in the saga, confirmed for release on February 27, 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, it is already shaping up as one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

First Impressions: A Deeply Chilling Scare

In the brief demo we had access to, tension is palpable from the first second: Grace Ashcroft wakes up face down, bound in an empty clinic, unaware of what awaits on the other side of the door. With just two hallways and three rooms, Capcom manages to capture the essence of classic survival horror: claustrophobia, helplessness, and a single ally—a lighter—to illuminate only a few seconds of resistance.

Cutting-Edge Technique: Darkness as Gameplay

The game uses the RE Engine with ray tracing to make darkness a playable element, not just a visual obstacle but part of the atmosphere that forces careful movement. Turning on a light is not simply seeing what's ahead: realistic lighting bouncing off every surface creates tension in every corner, far exceeding prior doubts about other recent projects with the engine.

A Terrifying Presence: The Witch

The most disturbing moment comes with the appearance of the "Witch": a hunched creature over two meters tall, with long arms and sharp fangs, reminiscent of a mutated Mr. X. This monstrous threat tracks you by sight and sound, forcing you to act cautiously. Again, lighting becomes the most powerful tool for escape—or confrontation.

Two Ways to Play, One Experience

One of the most striking features is the ability to switch between first and third person in real time:

• First Person: every move and head turn of Grace reinforces her vulnerability and increases immersion.
• Third Person: offers a wider view of the environment and allows you to appreciate animation details—like stumbling or leaning on a wall—that influence gameplay.

Why Grace and Not Leon?

Director Koshi Nakanishi explains that the main concept is "addictive fear": the cathartic feeling of overcoming visceral terror makes the game not just tense but addictive. Leon did not fit this strategy; Grace, an introverted FBI analyst who scares easily, represents terror from the player’s perspective. This change intensifies emotional connection and dramatization in every moment of danger.

What to Expect from the Full Game?

• Intense atmosphere: the demo is just a taste, but already shows Capcom’s intention to return to pure survival horror.
• Combat and gameplay: this early version does not include direct weapon action—how combat will integrate without breaking tension remains to be seen.
• Raccoon City: one of the game’s locations, offering a devastated cityscape, comparable to S.T.A.L.K.E.R.-style settings.
• Technological innovations: DLSS 4 and path tracing on PC promise significant visual improvements.
• Global anticipation: already one of the most awaited games of 2026, with over a million users adding it to their wishlist.

Resident Evil Requiem emerges as Capcom’s strong bet to bring back the terror that made the saga famous. A vulnerable protagonist, relentless setting, gameplay-influencing graphics, and storytelling rooted in the genre’s origins. If the demo is only the initial chill, what comes next could redefine survival horror.