Resident Evil: Requiem Gameplay Trailer Reveals a Terrifying Return to Form

The survival horror community is in a state of high alert following the explosive gameplay trailer for Resident Evil: Requiem at Gamescom 2025. After months of speculation and a tantalizing reveal at Summer Game Fest, Capcom has pulled back the curtain on its next-generation horror title, and the results are both chilling and exhilarating. The footage confirms the game is a return to the series’s claustrophobic and fear-driven roots, blending the atmospheric terror of Resident Evil 7 with the classic third-person action of Resident Evil 2. This new entry, which is set to launch on February 26, 2026, is not just a visual showcase; it promises to redefine the survival horror experience with a new protagonist, a relentless stalker, and a story that ties directly back to the original Raccoon City outbreak.

The Protagonist and The Setting

In a significant departure from recent titles, Resident Evil: Requiem introduces a new protagonist: Grace Ashcroft, an introverted FBI technical analyst. The trailer reveals that Grace is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, the investigative journalist from the fan-favorite Resident Evil: Outbreak. Grace is not a seasoned warrior like Leon or Chris; she is a character defined by her intellect and vulnerability, forced to navigate a horrifying situation with her wits rather than her muscle. This shift in character design aims to put the player back in a position of powerlessness, emphasizing resource management and strategic thinking over brute force. The game is set to return to a version of Raccoon City, approximately 30 years after its destruction, as Grace investigates a mysterious case tied to her mother’s past and her apparent death at the derelict Wrenwood Hotel.

• New Heroine, New Fears: Grace’s lack of combat prowess makes every encounter a life-or-death decision, bringing back the survival horror tension the series is famous for.
• A Grim Return to Raccoon City: The game takes players back to one of the most iconic locations in horror gaming, with a narrative that promises to shed new light on the city’s tragic fate.
• Personal Stakes: The story’s focus on Grace’s relationship with her mother and her family’s connection to the outbreak provides a compelling and emotional narrative core.

Gameplay Innovations and The Stalker

The gameplay footage of Resident Evil: Requiem showcases several key innovations that aim to elevate the horror experience. The first is a seamless, on-the-fly perspective switch between first-person and third-person views, allowing players to choose their preferred style of play without a menu break. The game is built on the stunning RE Engine, with ray-traced lighting and dynamic environments that create a truly immersive and terrifying atmosphere. Players can now use environmental interactions to their advantage, such as throwing bottles to distract enemies or collapsing structures to create a temporary barrier.

However, the most talked-about feature is the new, more intelligent stalker enemy. In the spirit of Mr. X and Lady Dimitrescu, a relentless, grotesque humanoid creature will pursue Grace throughout the game. The trailer reveals that this new monster can not only track your location with frightening precision but can also appear from unexpected places, including ceilings and walls, forcing players to constantly remain alert. The introduction of expanded stealth mechanics, including the ability to hide under objects and use shadows, offers a viable alternative to combat, making every choice feel meaningful. This creature is described as an evolution of the stalker mechanic, and early previews suggest it is the most terrifying and unpredictable foe the series has ever seen. The return to a more puzzle-based exploration loop, with hidden paths and layered puzzles, further reinforces Capcom’s commitment to the classic formula while pushing the boundaries of what modern survival horror can be.

The buzz surrounding Resident Evil: Requiem is at an all-time high, and for good reason. It looks like a bold, confident entry that honors the legacy of the series while taking calculated risks to deliver a fresh and terrifying experience. The blend of classic survival horror elements, a compelling new protagonist, and next-gen gameplay mechanics suggests that Capcom is once again on the verge of delivering a masterpiece that will define the genre for years to come. For fans both new and old, this is a title that should be at the very top of their wishlist.