Resident Evil Requiem gets new gameplay showcase trailer with over-the-top Leon action — fans are still angry about no demo from Capcom, though

One of this year's biggest upcoming games is Resident Evil Requiem, also known as Resident Evil 9 — Capcom's next mainline entry in its beloved action-horror series Resident Evil. First revealed last year during Summer Game Fest with its February 27, 2026 release date, preorders for it then went live in late October, and now the developers have given fans a detailed gameplay overview ahead of its upcoming launch across Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2.

That presentation was the main event of the Resident Evil Showcase Capcom aired on Thursday afternoon that you can watch here or with the embedded video below. The showcase largely highlighted the key differences between the gameplay of the fan-favorite DSO operative Leon Kennedy and Requiem's new protagonist, the FBI agent Grace Ashcroft, while also showing both playable characters in action.

Indeed, while Requiem's narrative will draw the two protagonists together, its chapters will see you switching back and forth between them, with each character offering a very different gameplay experience. Capcom says this was done to give fans the feeling they're playing two different games in one.

Leon will have far more action-heavy gameplay that's inspired by the tense combat of Resident Evil 4. He'll be able to parry enemy attacks with his handy new hatchet, and can also shoot zombies in their limbs to disable moves, stagger them, and open them up to some comically brutal melee finishers. He's also able to pick up weapons from fallen foes, too, giving you some special and unique options in certain encounters.

Grace's gameplay, meanwhile, leans more into the horror side of things, and is reminiscent of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 7: Biohazard with lots of tight spaces. She's far less combat-capable than Leon, though she does have an extremely powerful revolver called Requiem — yes, named after the title — that can get her out of hairy situations. Still, ammo for her weapons is extremely limited, so stealth and smart retreats will be needed to survive.

Resident Evil Showcase | January 15, 2026 - YouTube

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One interesting risk vs. reward element of Grace's gameplay is that she's capable of crafting special injectors that can be used for quick zombie takedowns, but you'll need to kill enemies to get the infected blood necessary for these items; therefore, to keep some handy that may make things easier for you later, you'll have to risk combat.

Notably, with both protagonists, you can switch between third and first-person — a first for a Resident Evil game at launch. There will also be a Casual difficulty for those that want an easier experience and the ability to save freely, while Standard (Classic) heightens the challenge and only allows you to save as Grace with Ink Ribbons, forcing you to consider when to save with the limited number you have available.

The showcase also highlighted that the zombies of Resident Evil Requiem are unique in that they retain some of the habits and tendencies they had before becoming infected (for example, you might find a chef zombie wandering about a kitchen, cooking food). Paying attention to these behaviors and figuring out how you can exploit them is core to the experience, especially if you're playing as Grace.

While I like the series, I'm not a huge Resident Evil fan, but I think everything Capcom presented at the showcase looks great, and I'm looking forward to checking Requiem out when it comes out in February. Notably, though, a lot of fans were hoping for more from the event, and many were frustrated with the lack of a playable demo for the game in particular.

Capcom confirmed there won't be a demo back in November, and while fans were hoping the developer would go back on that decision closer to Requiem's launch, it doesn't appear that's going to happen. Hopefully the title gets one after its release at some point.

Resident Evil Requiem is headed to Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2 on February 27, 2026. We liked what we've seen and played so far in previews; preorders are live now, with the standard edition of the game selling for $69.99.

Resident Evil Requiem (Xbox): $69.99 at Amazon

Return to the ruins of Raccoon City to uncover dark secrets that are best left buried in the past in Resident Evil: Requiem.

Pre-order at: Amazon (Xbox) | Best Buy (Xbox) | Newegg | GreenManGaming (Steam)

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Resident Evil Requiem Steelbook Deluxe Edition: $89.99 at Best Buy

The Steelbook Deluxe Edition of Resident Evil: Requiem contains a copy of the game, dozens of cosmetic DLC, and a stylish steelbook case.

Pre-order at: Best Buy (Xbox)

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What did you think of what Capcom showed of Resident Evil Requiem at the Resident Evil Showcase? Are you excited to get your hands on the game, or does it not look like your cup of tea? Let me know how you're feeling in the comments.

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