Resident Evil Requiem Is Out Now: Everything You Need to Know About RE9
Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline entry in Capcom's legendary survival horror franchise, officially launched on February 27, 2026. The RE Requiem release date brought the game to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam simultaneously, marking one of the most anticipated horror game launches in recent memory.
Resident Evil Requiem Release Date and Release Time
The Resident Evil Requiem release date was confirmed by Capcom at Summer Game Fest in June 2025, locking in February 27, 2026 as the global launch day. On PC via Steam, RE9 went live at midnight ET, making it a simultaneous worldwide release for all PC players at the same moment.
Console players received the game at midnight in their respective local time zones, which meant eastern regions gained access first. Players in the western United States technically unlocked the game on the evening of February 26 due to the rolling midnight release structure.
RE9 Story, Protagonists, and Setting
Resident Evil Requiem returns to Raccoon City for the first time since its destruction in Resident Evil 3. Set 28 years after that catastrophic event, the story follows FBI technical analyst Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Resident Evil Outbreak protagonist Alyssa Ashcroft, as she investigates the ruins of the city alongside returning series icon Leon S. Kennedy.
Leon's return marks his first mainline Resident Evil appearance in 14 years, excluding remakes. Capcom redesigned him as an older, seasoned agent — a look the development team described using the Japanese term "ikeoji," roughly meaning an attractive, distinguished older man. Capcom even partnered with Porsche and watchmaker Hamilton to craft custom details for both characters.
Resident Evil Requiem Gameplay: Dual Perspectives
RE Requiem splits gameplay between Grace and Leon, each with a distinct style. Grace's sections deliver classic survival horror — stealthy, tense, and driven by evasion and puzzle-solving in a decaying hotel environment. Leon's segments lean into high-octane action, echoing the tone of Resident Evil 4 with gunfights and aggressive close-quarters combat.
Both characters can be played in either first-person or third-person perspective at any time, a first for the series. First-person is the default for Grace's chapters, while third-person is set as default for Leon's action-heavy sequences. Critics praised this dual structure for delivering two distinct horror experiences within a single game.
Resident Evil Requiem Review: How Is RE9?
Early Resident Evil Requiem reviews have been strong. Outlets describe RE Requiem as one of the best entries in the series in years, praising its atmosphere, pacing, and the seamless balance between horror and action. Grace's sections, particularly the basement sequences involving a relentless stalker enemy, have been highlighted as genuinely terrifying. Leon's chapters provide high-energy counterbalance that prevents the game from feeling monotonous.
Some critics note that the plot becomes harder to follow in the latter half, but the overall consensus points to a polished, memorable survival horror experience built for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.
How Long Is Resident Evil Requiem?
For players wondering how long is Resident Evil Requiem, the answer depends on playstyle and difficulty. A standard first playthrough on normal difficulty takes approximately 12 to 16 hours. Players focused purely on the story can finish closer to 9 to 12 hours, while thorough explorers averaging collectibles and side content land around 14 hours.
A full completionist run — covering all collectibles, challenges, and the Insanity difficulty mode — stretches to approximately 25 to 30 hours. Speedrunners can complete RE9 in roughly 3 to 4 hours. The game is available now across all platforms.
