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The Capcom Spotlight Creators' Message unveiled some interesting updates surrounding Resident Evil Requiem, the latest chapter in the long-running survival horror franchise, which is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.
Packed with insight from the development team, the creators' message gave fans a clear look at the game’s direction, its new lead character, and some surprising revelations about series icon Leon S. Kennedy.
Here’s a breakdown of everything we learned, and what it might mean for the future of Resident Evil.
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Who's The Protagonist in Resident Evil Requiem? What's The Story?
Capcom is introducing a fresh protagonist named Grace, described as an introvert who is easily frightened. This marks a significant shift in tone and design, leaning hard into traditional survival horror by focusing on vulnerability and emotional realism.
We believe that with Grace, the developers aim to create a slower, tension-heavy experience that brings back the fear and isolation of earlier RE titles.
Although, Grace is shown with a gun, it seems likely that her gameplay won’t rely entirely on stealth, as some fans had initially worried.
"Everything is set in motion when a body—the victim of an unidentifiable disease—is discovered in an abandoned hotel.
FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft is assigned to the case. But the crime scene is at the very same hotel where her mother died eight years ago.
Grace prepares to finally face the past and makes her way to the scene, but this one case leads to uncovering the hidden truth behind the outbreak in Raccoon City, the biological disaster that shook the world.
Will this be the requiem that finally lays the memories of that abhorrent disaster to rest?"
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Is Leon S. Kennedy in Resident Evil Requiem?
One of the most talked-about moments in the presentation was the mention of Leon, despite him not being the main character in Requiem.
The development team explained that Leon’s evolution into a more combat-savvy figure has made him less suitable for core horror gameplay.
Understandably, this brought out the most powerful reactions from fans. Some criticized the implication that he couldn’t "fit" in the horror theme anymore because of his action-hero image. Some might voice frustration that male protagonists, like Leon and Chris, often get boxed into emotionless roles, even though both have clear signs of trauma throughout the series.
Characters like Leon and Chris are survivors, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be afraid, broken, or fragile. Chris struggled with alcoholism, and Leon hides his trauma behind humor, these characters are human, and that’s what I want to see more of. Strength and fear often exist side by side, and that complexity deserves to be explored.
In fact, we think that showing strength alongside fear could bring deeper storytelling to the franchise.
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Dual Gameplay Styles Confirmed
First-person
Third-person
Resident Evil Requiem will support both first-person and third-person perspectives, much like recent entries in the series. Concept art and early gameplay footage highlight the immersive lighting effects, environmental storytelling, and attention to detail, from realistic gun animations to how Grace’s hair responds dynamically to physics, even when upside down.
Based on the short game cut, everything looks fluid and responsive in both perspectives. Still, some fans remain cautious, especially after Resident Evil Village’s third-person mode, which many felt was compromised by Capcom’s insistence on hiding Ethan’s face at all costs.
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Visual Highlights & Impressions
Some standout details from the footage and fan impressions include:
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Highly detailed character animations, including blushing skin and pulsing veins under stress.
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Realistic hair physics, even when Grace is upside down, an uncommon detail in gaming.
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Grace’s lighter, which glows subtly in first-person with a trembling flame, and reflects in her hair during third-person.
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Weapon design, with her gun closely resembling a SIG P232.
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Leon’s possible presence, which continues to spark speculation about dual storylines.
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Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the idea that Leon showing fear wouldn’t feel fitting (which we can understand) doesn’t mean he’s been completely left out. He could still appear in some form, maybe in a side mode like Not A Hero or as a playable character in The Mercenaries.
It makes sense though, characters like Jill, Leon, and Chris have all faced so much over the years that putting them in a pure horror setting might not have the same effect anymore.
We're excited for the game's release on February 27, 2026 and we'll be here to update you once Capcom drops it. Personally, I’m absolutely picking up this game and there’s no chance I’m playing in first-person: I need to see those incredible hair physics in action!
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