The announcement for Resident Evil Requiem is teasing a bold new direction for the franchise, as the series is getting a heavy dose of psychological horror. Resident Evil Requiem was rumored to be a big change for the series ahead of its reveal, but the shake-up teased in the first trailer is still quite unexpected.
A psychologically charged investigation story isn't the only surprise that Resident Evil Requiem has to offer, though. Newcomer Grace Ashcroft has been confirmed as one of the game's main protagonists. Grace works as an FBI agent, and her newly-assigned mission tasks her with investigating the mysterious Wrenwood Hotel. What makes this setting so important is that this is the very same place where her mother was murdered eight years before. Grace's mother is Alyssa Ashcroft, the investigative reporter from Resident Evil Outbreak, connecting the story to an unexpected spin-off. If Resident Evil Requiem is acknowledging spin-offs, then that opens the door for even more surprising connections.
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Resident Evil Reqiuem Could Potentially Pull From Multiple Spin-Offs for Inspiration
Resident Evil Outbreak Showed a Different Side to the Raccoon City Tragedy
- Resident Evil Outbreak was released for the PS2 in 2004.
What makes RE Outbreak so special is that it takes an episodic approach to telling the story of Raccoon City's zombie outbreak. The game features a series of storylines told through the eyes of eight different characters, with one of them being Alyssa Ashcroft. While RE Outbreak is considered an underrated spin-off by a lot of longtime fans, it may be one of the most unexpected titles for Requiem to be directly tied to. This could merely be the tip of the spin-off connection iceberg, and if that's the case, then there are some compelling options to further tie into the story.
Resident Evil Requiem will launch on February 27, 2026.
Resident Evil Revelations 1 & 2
When it comes to Resident Evil spin-offs, it can be difficult for them to hit the same highs as their mainline counterparts. However, RE Revelations 1 & 2 provided players with some compelling spin-offs that feature some of the series' most beloved characters investigating new threats. There may not be any concrete evidence that supports RE Revelations 1 & 2 being connected to Requiem, but the latter has an interesting connection with the first spin-off.
Koshi Nakanishi, the director of both RE7 and Requiem, also directed RE Revelations 1. Of course, just because he directed the spin-off doesn't mean that it will be connected to Requiem, but it's not entirely impossible. If it is, it could be a great way to set the stage for a Jill Valentine return, since she acts as one of the spin-off's main protagonists.
While Revelations 1 stars Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, Revelations 2 stars Claire Redfield, Barry Burton, and his daughter, Moira.
Grace works as an FBI agent, and her newly-assigned mission tasks her with investigating the mysterious Wrenwood Hotel.
Resident Evil Requiem is One of the Year's Biggest Announcements
So far, the year has been filled with huge reveals. Grand Theft Auto 6 confirming a release date is definitely the biggest news of the year, but Requiem's long-awaited confirmation is massive news for horror fans. Next year is shaping up to be a major moment for the gaming industry, as a lot of anticipated titles are finally getting release dates scheduled.
As the year continues, Capcom may have even more surprises in store regarding Requiem. There's no telling when Capcom will offer more details, but there are still plenty of gaming events this year that could be perfect for fresh reveals, particularly The Game Awards. Until then, Requiem's confirmed connection to RE Outbreak is fascinating, and raises plenty of questions about just how much further the next chapter will take its spin-off connections.
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