Resident Evil 9: Requiem is shaping up to be one of 2026’s standout survival horror releases, with a character-driven story, island horror setting, and a fan-pleasing Deluxe Edition packed with cosmetic and nostalgia-focused extras. Strong next‑gen tech, dual protagonists, and deep ties to classic lore all help make it a must‑play Resident Evil experience for long‑time fans and newcomers in 2026.
What Resident Evil 9: Requiem is about
Resident Evil 9, officially titled Resident Evil Requiem, is the ninth mainline entry in Capcom’s long‑running survival horror franchise and is planned for a 2026 release.
The game targets current‑gen hardware only, launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, promising higher fidelity visuals and more immersive horror design.
Multiple reports and leaks indicate the story takes place several years after Resident Evil Village, continuing the modern saga’s focus on bioweapons, shadowy corporations, and the Megamycete storyline.
The central concept revolves around an investigation into a new threat tied to bio‑weapon cloning and the legacy of Eveline, connecting plot threads from Resident Evil 7 and Village.
Setting, characters, and core gameplay
Resident Evil 9 is set primarily on a mysterious, isolated island filled with classic survival horror locations, including an abandoned hospital, dark forests, caves, a factory, underground laboratories, remote houses, and a temple‑like structure.
This island is reportedly controlled by a company responsible for cloning Eveline and other bio‑weapons, giving the game a strong investigative and conspiracy tone.
Leaks and industry reports suggest that beloved series veterans Jill Valentine and Leon S. Kennedy return as key playable characters, with Chris Redfield and Barry Burton potentially offering support via comms.
Character designs are said to blend updated models with familiar inspirations, such as Jill’s RE5‑style attire and Leon’s look reminiscent of his appearance in Resident Evil: Damnation and Resident Evil 4, appealing strongly to legacy fans.
Gameplay remains rooted in third‑person survival horror with exploration, resource management, and tense combat against mutated enemies, but it aims to push immersion through next‑gen lighting, audio, and environmental detail.
Capcom emphasizes a “more immersive than ever” experience, leveraging 4K, HDR, high frame rates, spatial sound, and advanced haptics on supported platforms to heighten tension and jump scares.
What’s included in the Deluxe Edition
The Deluxe Edition of Resident Evil 9: Requiem builds on the Standard Edition with a bundle of cosmetic and thematic extras designed for fans who want deeper customization and nostalgia.
Digital Deluxe content
According to official store listings, the Deluxe Edition includes the full game plus a Deluxe Kit with multiple bonuses.
Full game plus Deluxe Kit download.
Five costumes themed around fan‑favorite aesthetics, including:
Grace’s costume “Dimitrescu” and other outfits like “Film Noir”.
Leon’s costumes, such as an RE4‑inspired look, “Apocalypse”, and “Film Noir”.
Screen filters to change the game’s visual tone, including “Apocalypse” and “Film Noir”, allowing players to create a grittier or more cinematic horror atmosphere.
Four weapon skins, such as the S&S M232 “Apocalypse” skin, adding stylized flair to key weapons.
Two charms, including the returning “Mr. Raccoon” talisman, which nods directly to Raccoon City and classic RE collectibles.
An “Audio Pack: Raccoon City Classic” that brings back nostalgic sound cues, likely referencing older Resident Evil audio design.
Extra lore “Files: Letters from 1998”, giving story‑driven players more context, backstory, and world‑building connected to the early RE timeline.
Pre‑order bonuses
Players who pre‑order get the exclusive “Grace: Apocalypse” outfit as an early bonus, with the possibility that it may be sold later.
This costume alters the appearance of the new protagonist Grace, reinforcing her place alongside legacy heroes like Leon.
Why Resident Evil 9 could be one of 2026’s best horror games
Resident Evil 9 is already listed among 2026’s most anticipated games, sharing space with high‑profile releases like GTA VI, which shows strong early hype and expectation from both press and players.
The combination of classic characters, a fresh setting, and narrative ties to RE7 and Village gives the game a strong identity while still respecting decades of series history.
The next‑gen‑only focus means the design is not constrained by older hardware, allowing for denser environments, better enemy AI, richer lighting, and more convincing horror scenarios that fully leverage modern consoles and PCs.
Spatial audio, HDR, 4K, and high frame rates on consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, plus advanced sound solutions like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, should make every creaking floorboard and distant scream feel more intense.
From a franchise perspective, Resident Evil has been on a steady upswing with RE7, RE2 Remake, RE Village, and more, and Requiem is positioned as the “most immersive” mainline entry yet.
With dual or multiple protagonists, strong narrative hooks, and deep fan service in the Deluxe Edition, Resident Evil 9 has the potential to satisfy lore fans, gameplay‑focused players, and collectors all at once.
Is Resident Evil 9: Requiem worth experiencing in 2026?
For long‑time series fans, Resident Evil 9 looks worth experiencing for its return of iconic characters, deep lore connections, and a setting that evokes the eerie isolation of earlier games while still pushing forward the modern storyline.
The Deluxe Edition adds meaningful cosmetic and nostalgic value, especially for players who care about alternate costumes, visual filters, classic audio, and extra lore files, making it an appealing upgrade over the Standard Edition.
For new players coming in 2026, Requiem serves as a high‑production, next‑gen showcase for what Resident Evil can do today, with modern controls, strong presentation, and accessible platforms.
When combined with Capcom’s track record on recent RE titles and the strong anticipation surrounding the game, Resident Evil 9: Requiem stands out as one of 2026’s must‑play horror releases and a Resident Evil entry that is absolutely worth experiencing.
