Resident Evil Requiem: Hands-On Preview & Impressions

Resident Evil Requiem hits hard as the ninth mainline entry, blending classic survival horror tension with modern action. After hands-on time and recent showcases, it's clear Capcom is pushing the RE Engine to deliver one of the series' most atmospheric and flexible experiences yet. If you are a fan of true survival horror, this is the 2026 title you cannot miss.

Intense survival horror chase sequence showcasing the new dynamic lighting.

Gameplay Analysis: Two Perspectives, One Nightmare

You alternate between FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft and veteran agent Leon S. Kennedy. Grace's sections lean into pure survival horror—stealth, evasion, limited tools like a lighter and distractions. She is highly vulnerable, making every shadow a potential threat. Leon, on the other hand, brings the guns, tactical hatchet parries, and direct combat to face the bio-threats head-on.

The killer feature of Resident Evil Requiem: switch freely between first-person (default for immersion) and third-person perspectives anytime. It keeps gameplay fresh and lets you tackle situations your way, satisfying both classic RE4 fans and modern RE7/RE8 lovers.

Leon S. Kennedy returns with evolved combat mechanics and brutal finishers.

Enemies & Advanced AI

The infected in Requiem are not your standard slow-moving zombies. Powered by an advanced AI system, they hunt in packs, flank your position, and even show terrifying remnants of their human behavior. Some enemies will fake their deaths, while stalker-type bosses will relentlessly pursue Grace through the dark corridors, requiring you to use the environment to hide or trap them.

Weapons & Survival Tools

Resource management is back and more punishing than ever. Leon’s arsenal includes highly customizable firearms (handguns, shotguns, and tactical rifles), but ammunition is brutally scarce. A new mechanic involves Hatchet Durability; Leon can use it to parry lethal attacks or break through barricades, but overuse will break it, leaving you defenseless. Grace relies heavily on environmental traps, flashbangs, and a specialized UV flashlight to reveal hidden clues and stun certain enemies.

Graphics & Atmosphere

The RE Engine absolutely shines here with full path-traced lighting—ray-traced global illumination, shadows, and ambient occlusion create crushing darkness and realistic dread. Returning to the ruins tied to Raccoon City gives that familiar oppressive vibe. The dynamic weather system, including heavy rain and fog, directly impacts visibility and audio cues, forcing you to rely on instinct.

The RE Engine path-traced graphics deliver unparalleled atmospheric dread.

Story Overview (No Spoilers)

Grace investigates mysterious murders potentially linked to her family's dark past, while Leon is dispatched to handle escalating bioweapon threats. The dual campaigns intertwine naturally, building on the deep lore of Umbrella Corporation without retreading old ground. Expect the signature mix of conspiracy, body horror, and desperate survival that defines the RE universe.

Performance & Optimization

Early builds run incredibly smooth across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The RE Engine continues its track record of strong optimization, with ray tracing delivering massive visual gains without significant frame drops. Even the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 version holds up impressively thanks to Capcom's smart resolution scaling.

Official Trailers & Gameplay

Pros & Cons

Final Verdict

Resident Evil Requiem looks poised to be a standout evolution of survival horror. The perspective flexibility, gorgeous RE Engine graphics, and smart dual-campaign design make it one of the most exciting entries in years. If you're a series veteran, this feels like the terrifying return we've been waiting for.