Resident Evil Requiem continues the overarching narrative that began in the iconic American city of Raccoon City, where the Resident Evil series originally started. After exploring various global settings in recent installments, Capcom has chosen to bring the story back to the ruins of Raccoon City, focusing on the secretive actions of the Umbrella Corporation.
Producer Masato Kumazawa explained in a PlayStation Blog interview that the game aims to reconnect with the series’ horror roots by centering the story around a character with a personal connection to the city. This character is Grace Ashcroft, believed to be the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil: Outbreak.
Grace is designed as a relatable protagonist who embodies vulnerability and fear, enhancing the immersive and tense gameplay experience. Her reactions to danger, such as erratic breathing and startled jumps, reflect a low tolerance for fear, but she grows braver as the story progresses.
Director Koshi Nakanishi noted that the choice to exclude Leon Kennedy as a protagonist was deliberate, as his character would not fit well with the horror atmosphere the game seeks to create.
The concept of “addictive fear” is central to Resident Evil Requiem, aiming to captivate players with a compelling urge to discover what happens next despite the terror. This marks a return to a stronger focus on horror, contrasting with the more action-oriented recent titles like Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 4.
The timing of this return to Raccoon City and the series’ horror origins coincides with the 30th anniversary of Resident Evil, with Resident Evil Requiem set to release on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC on February 27, 2026.
