5 things you should know before playing Resident Evil Requiem
A new chapter for Resident Evil’s 30th anniversary
Resident Evil Requiem is the ninth mainline entry in Capcom’s legendary survival horror franchise and arrives as part of its 30th anniversary celebration. Designed exclusively for current-generation platforms, the game aims to deliver a more oppressive and intense horror experience while introducing new mechanics and narrative twists.
Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer, here are five important things you should know before playing Resident Evil Requiem.
1. Pre-order bonuses versus post-launch purchase
As with many modern releases, pre-ordering Resident Evil Requiem comes with exclusive bonuses. Players who pre-order either the Standard or Deluxe Edition will receive the “Apocalypse” costume for Grace Ashcroft, one of the game’s main protagonists.
However, players who purchase the game after launch will not receive this costume. While it may be sold separately in the future, Capcom has not confirmed this yet. If cosmetics matter to you, pre-ordering may be worth considering.
2. How the story connects to the past
Resident Evil Requiem follows two protagonists: Grace Ashcroft, an FBI intelligence analyst, and Leon S. Kennedy, a senior operative of the Division of Security Operations. Together, their stories reconnect the franchise to the iconic Raccoon City outbreak.
Because Resident Evil has over three decades of lore, new players may feel overwhelmed. While it is not mandatory to play every previous entry, fans who want deeper context for Leon should be familiar with Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 4, and Resident Evil 6. Spin-off titles such as Outbreak also add valuable background.
3. Two protagonists, two very different playstyles
One of the biggest gameplay hooks in Requiem is how differently Grace and Leon play.
Grace Ashcroft is inexperienced in combat. Her weapon handling is shaky, and players are encouraged to focus on stealth, evasion, hiding, and crafting items to survive. Her sections emphasize vulnerability and resource management.
Leon S. Kennedy, on the other hand, brings combat expertise. His aiming is steady, and his gameplay leans more toward action, similar to Resident Evil 4. Players can use melee weapons such as axes and defensive tools like chainsaws to survive intense encounters.
As a result, the game offers two distinct emotional tones: helpless survival versus controlled but tense combat.
4. Major gameplay and camera changes
Grace’s gameplay reinforces classic survival horror pacing. Ammunition is scarce, enemies are dangerous, and crafting becomes a core survival mechanic. Players must carefully manage resources under constant pressure.
Leon’s gameplay evolves melee combat further than previous entries. While more action-oriented, the game avoids power fantasy. Even as Leon, tension remains high, and mistakes can be deadly.
A major new feature is camera flexibility. Players can choose between first-person and third-person perspectives, allowing them to tailor the experience to their preferred playstyle.
5. Enemies and atmosphere return to true horror roots
Resident Evil Requiem aims to recreate the fear of the franchise’s earliest moments. Veterans may recall their first encounters with zombies or Cerberus dogs crashing through windows. Requiem seeks to evoke that same sense of dread.
Players can expect new enemy types designed to be memorable and terrifying. Powered by an upgraded RE Engine, the game delivers more realistic gore, limb dismemberment, and environmental kills. The overall tone is darker and more oppressive than Resident Evil Village, placing fear above spectacle.
Final thoughts before you begin
Resident Evil Requiem blends old-school survival horror tension with modern design choices. With dual protagonists, flexible camera options, and a renewed focus on fear, it represents a defining moment for the franchise’s next era.
If you enjoy slow-burning tension, resource management, and atmospheric horror, this entry is shaping up to be one of the most important Resident Evil games in years.
