Resident Evil: Requiem is the rumored next mainline entry in Capcoms legendary Resident Evil franchise. Building on the success of recent remakes and new entries, this game is expected to continue the series tradition of intense survival horror, resource management, and horrifying creatures.
Overview
Following the critical and commercial success of Resident Evil Village (2021) and the Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023), Capcom is reportedly working on the next mainline entry in the franchise. Industry insiders suggest the game may be titled Resident Evil: Requiem or follow the numbering as Resident Evil 9.
The Resident Evil series has sold over 140 million copies worldwide, making it one of Capcoms most valuable franchises. The RE Engine, used since Resident Evil 7, has proven capable of delivering stunning visuals and immersive horror experiences on current-generation hardware.
Capcom has maintained a consistent release cadence, alternating between new entries and remakes. With the Resident Evil 4 Remake launched in 2023, speculation points to a new mainline entry arriving in 2026 or 2027.
Story & Setting
While official story details are unknown, fan speculation and rumored leaks suggest several possibilities:
| Possibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Chris Redfield Focus | Continue Chris storyline from Village, investigating BSAA corruption |
| Jill Valentine Return | First mainline appearance since Resident Evil 5, potentially as protagonist |
| New Characters | Fresh protagonists like Ethan Winters in RE7, expanding the universe |
| Global Outbreak | Larger-scale bioterrorism event across multiple locations |
| Return to Survival Horror | Back to franchise roots with limited resources and atmospheric dread |
| Umbrella Corporation | Exploring remaining secrets or new threats from the legendary corporation |
The title Requiem suggests themes of death, mourning, or finality - possibly indicating a conclusion to certain story arcs or a memorial to fallen characters from the franchises history.
Expected Gameplay
Based on recent Resident Evil entries, the game will likely feature:
Core Mechanics
- Resource Management: Limited ammunition, healing items, and inventory space
- Combat: Mix of melee and ranged weapons against horrifying creatures
- Exploration: Environmental puzzles, hidden items, and backtracking
- Atmosphere: Tension-building through sound design, lighting, and pacing
RE Engine Capabilities
- Photorealistic graphics with ray tracing support
- Advanced AI for dynamic enemy behavior
- Detailed environmental destruction
- Seamless loading and fast travel
- Performance modes: 4K/30fps (fidelity) or 1080p/60fps (performance)
Resident Evil remains a cornerstone of our portfolio. We are committed to delivering high-quality experiences that honor the franchises legacy while embracing innovation.
Key Features
Anticipated Features
- Next-Gen Visuals: Full RE Engine capabilities on PS5/Xbox Series X/S
- New Creatures: Original bio-organic weapons and horrifying enemy designs
- Multiple Endings: Player choices affecting story outcomes
- Mercenaries Mode: Returning arcade-style combat mode with leaderboards
- New Game+: Unlockable weapons, costumes, and challenges
- Co-op Elements: Potential for cooperative gameplay sections
- VR Support: Optional PlayStation VR2 compatibility
- DLC Expansions: Post-launch story content and bonus modes
Development
Capcom
Capcom is a Japanese video game developer and publisher founded in 1979. The company is renowned for creating iconic franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, and Mega Man. Resident Evil, launched in 1996, revolutionized the survival horror genre.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Osaka, Japan |
| Employees | 3,000+ |
| Stock | Publicly traded (Tokyo Stock Exchange) |
| RE Engine Games | RE7, RE2 Remake, RE3 Remake, Village, RE4 Remake |
| Franchise Sales | 140+ million copies worldwide |
Recent Success
- Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023): Over 7 million copies sold, multiple awards
- Resident Evil Village (2021): Over 9 million copies sold, GOTY nominations
- RE Engine Mastery: Industry-leading proprietary engine for horror games
- Consistent Quality: Every mainline RE game since RE7 critically acclaimed
Release Window
Projected Timeline
Based on Capcoms release patterns and development cycles:
| Window | Likelihood | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Late 2026 | Possible | Would align with 3-year gap between Village (2021) and RE4 Remake (2023) |
| 2027 | Most Likely | Standard development time for mainline entries using RE Engine |
| 2028 | Fallback | If Capcom prioritizes other franchises or extends development |
What Were Watching
- Capcom Showcase events and major gaming presentations
- PlayStation State of Play or Xbox showcases
- Capcom investor reports and financial guidance
- Job listings at Capcom related to RE Engine projects
- Trademark filings and domain registrations
- Industry leaks from reliable sources