The long‑awaited Resident Evil 9 (Requiem) is finally set to hit stores on February 27, 2026. After years of rumors and a few leaks, Capcom has confirmed the release date and given us a solid look at what to expect. If you’ve ever felt that knot in your stomach while playing a horror game, this one might just tighten it even more.
Release Date & Platforms
- Launch: Friday, Feb 27, 2026
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam/Origin)
No word yet on any last‑gen console versions, so if you’re still rocking a PS4 or an older Xbox, you’ll have to sit this one out.
Story & Setting – Back to Raccoon City
The game drops us back into the infamous Raccoon City—about thirty years after the events of the original titles. This time we follow Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak. Grace works as an FBI intelligence analyst, trying to piece together a new viral outbreak that’s tearing through the city.
The narrative ties in familiar faces: Leon S. Kennedy makes his return, chainsaw and all, while Victor Gideon emerges as the new antagonist with deep connections to Umbrella Corporation. If you’ve followed the series for years, seeing these characters re‑enter Raccoon City will feel both nostalgic and unsettling.
How Scary Is It Going to Be?
Capcom has emphasized that Requiem leans hard into pure horror. Here’s why it could be the most frightening entry yet:
- Atmosphere: Dim corridors, heavy fog, and a constant sense of dread are built into every environment. The game wants you to feel like there’s no safe place.
- Jump Scares & Visuals: Recent trailers show hooded figures bursting in on Grace and her mother, plus grotesque monsters with realistic gore that will make you flinch.
- Dual Protagonists: Switching between Leon—who feels powerful but is still vulnerable—and Grace—who starts out scared and must grow—creates a dynamic fear factor. You’ll feel both empowered and exposed at different moments.
- Psychological Tension: Grace’s investigation forces her to confront the dark legacy of her mother, adding an emotional layer that lingers beyond typical monster scares.
- Next‑Gen Graphics: Ray‑tracing and 4K detail make lighting and shadows feel almost alive. Every flicker could be a threat.
One preview after a hands‑on session at GamesCom described it as “stepping straight into a nightmare,” which is pretty much what you want from a Resident Evil title. So for me, Im out! I will watch some people play it but will not touch it. I still have nightmares from RE 7-8 and nope!
Gameplay Highlights
- Combat: Leon brings his classic arsenal—shotguns, chainsaws, and precision rifles—while Grace relies more on stealth, intelligence work, and limited resources.
- Co‑op Dynamics: The two protagonists force you to change tactics constantly, keeping the tension high throughout.
- Puzzles & Exploration: Classic Resident Evil puzzles return but are amplified by tighter environments that make every locked door feel like a potential danger.
Final Take
If you love horror games that keep your heart racing and your nerves on edge, Resident Evil 9 (Requiem) looks set to deliver. Capcom is blending intense visual terror, psychological storytelling, and high‑stakes action into what could easily become the scariest Resident Evil game yet.
Stay tuned to official channels and sites like GamesRadar+ for more updates as we get closer to February 2026. Got thoughts on how terrifying you expect Requiem to be? Drop a comment below—let’s talk about it while we wait.
