Resident Evil 9 Returns to Raccoon City: Key Details Revealed
▼ Summary
– Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline game in the series, releases on February 27, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
– The game features a new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst investigating her mother’s murder at the Wrenwood Hotel, tying into Raccoon City’s history.
– The story connects to Resident Evil Outbreak, with Grace’s mother, Alyssa Ashcroft, being a character from the 2003 spin-off.
– Gameplay allows switching between third-person and first-person perspectives, with puzzles and combat, though Grace is less experienced than past protagonists.
– Fan speculation suggests Leon S. Kennedy may appear, hinted by trailer easter eggs and voice actor clues.
The highly anticipated Resident Evil 9, officially titled Resident Evil Requiem, marks a thrilling return to the franchise’s roots with its setting in the iconic Raccoon City. Slated for release on February 27, 2026, the game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, promising a gripping blend of survival horror and fresh narrative twists.
Fans got their first glimpse of the game during Summer Games Fest 2025, where the reveal trailer introduced Grace Ashcroft, a new protagonist and FBI intelligence analyst. Grace’s investigation into a murder at the abandoned Wrenwood Hotel quickly spirals into a chilling journey tied to her mother’s death, a case that unravels dark secrets behind Raccoon City’s infamous outbreak.
Grace’s connection to the Resident Evil universe runs deep. Her mother, Alyssa Ashcroft, was an investigative journalist featured in Resident Evil Outbreak, linking the new storyline to past events. While the exact timeline remains unclear, clues suggest the game takes place in the present day, roughly 25 years after the Raccoon City Destruction Incident.
Speculation is rife that Leon S. Kennedy might make a return, fueled by subtle Easter eggs in the trailer, like a familiar jeep parked outside the Raccoon City Police Department and a voice line that sounds eerily like Nick Apostolides, Leon’s longtime voice actor. Given the series’ history of dual protagonists, players may yet get the chance to step into Leon’s shoes once more.
Gameplay in Resident Evil Requiem offers a dynamic perspective switch between first- and third-person views, heightening immersion and tension. While Grace is trained in firearms, her vulnerability, stemming from trauma and fear, makes her a compelling, relatable lead. Expect the classic survival horror staples: limited resources, strategic combat, and intricate puzzles that challenge both reflexes and intellect.
With its mix of nostalgia and innovation, Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be a must-play for horror enthusiasts. Whether you’re revisiting Raccoon City or stepping into Grace’s shoes for the first time, the game promises an experience as terrifying as it is unforgettable.
(Image credit: Capcom)
(Source: PCGAMER)
