5 Things We Learned From Playing Resident Evil Requiem (That I’m Allowed to Share With You)

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Resident Evil Requiem has a lot to live up to. Not only does it follow the popular Resident Evil Village, but it also features the return of Leon S. Kennedy, introduces new characters like Grace Ashcroft, and celebrates 30 years of the Resident Evil series. Perhaps because of all this, the developers seem to have played it safe by splitting the story between Leon and Grace, showcasing their different perspectives on the series’ history.

At a preview event in Los Angeles, ComicBook spent several hours playing Resident Evil Requiem. While we can’t reveal everything, including some interesting story details, we can share our impressions of the gameplay and how it looks. The most important thing to know is that Resident Evil Requiem delivers a true horror experience, whether you’re playing as a powerful agent or a vulnerable FBI analyst.

Requiem Is Building On The Legacy Of Resident Evil

Resident Evil Requiem isn’t just another sequel; it’s a strong representation of everything that’s made the Resident Evil series successful for three decades. The game focuses on the classic formula of placing resourceful, but vulnerable, characters in a large, monster-filled location with challenging puzzles. This core gameplay, reminiscent of the original game and Spencer Mansion, feels familiar yet fresh. The setting – a hospital run by Victor Gideon – has its own distinct atmosphere and reflects the villain’s mysterious nature. Players will navigate surgery rooms, offices, and narrow hallways, experiencing a sense of nostalgia while also finding new elements. The gameplay draws inspiration from across the series, blending the intense first-person horror of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard with the action-packed combat of Resident Evil 4. Connections to the lore from the very first Resident Evil game, and even spin-offs like Resident Evil Outbreak, demonstrate how the new installment builds upon the rich history of the franchise.

Gameplay Style Alternates Based On Character

Early gameplay of Resident Evil Requiem showed a clear contrast between its two protagonists. Leon S. Kennedy returns with his signature style – quick wit and powerful kicks – offering fast-paced, action-packed sequences. Players controlling Leon need to be agile, dodging or blocking attacks to survive encounters with terrifying monsters. His gameplay feels similar to recent, action-focused Resident Evil games and remakes. Grace, however, offers a very different experience. Her sections lean more towards the survival-horror of games like Resident Evil 7, emphasizing stealth over direct combat. Grace has limited weapons and fewer options for attacking, which reflects her inexperience and fits naturally with the game’s story.

You Will Get Killed — A Lot

Resident Evil Requiem doesn’t shy away from challenging players, immediately throwing them into a dangerous situation with a chainsaw-wielding enemy attacking Leon. This opening is even more intense than the famous introduction in Resident Evil 4, largely because of the confined space. Players must effectively fight off the enemies and block the chainsaw attacks, or Leon will face a brutal end. Similarly, controlling Grace can be precarious, and she can quickly be overwhelmed. The game also brings back a classic mechanic from older Resident Evil titles: typewriter ribbons. These limit the number of times players can save, forcing them to carefully manage their resources. This seems particularly important in Grace’s storyline, emphasizing the danger she faces and increasing the player’s stress. This combination of tension and action makes Grace’s sections stand out and enhances the impact of Leon’s more fast-paced gameplay.

A New Form Of Crafting Is Key To Survival

A standout feature in Resident Evil Requiem is its simplified crafting system. Players, as Grace, quickly learn a device lets them collect infected blood from throughout the mansion. This blood, though limited in how much you can carry, is essential for making health packs and ammunition. It’s a smart change because it forces players to carefully manage their resources. Spending too much blood on one item could leave you vulnerable, while hoarding too much might limit your options when you need to heal or fight. It’s unclear how deeply the game will develop this system, but it’s a clever way to make gathering resources feel important and integrated into the environment.

Resident Evil Requiem Doesn’t Forget To Be Scary

Ultimately, Resident Evil is a horror series, and it’s most effective when it fully embraces that. Requiem seems to understand this, focusing on genuinely scaring players no matter how they like to play. While the action is big and explosive, as you’d expect with a character like Leon, there are still plenty of startling moments with the zombies. Even intense boss fights, where Leon is powerful but facing a huge enemy, manage to be terrifying, especially when you start running low on ammo. However, even Leon’s sections offer a breather compared to the constant fear experienced while playing as Grace. Grace’s gameplay is centered around stealth – tricking enemies or taking them down with precise shots. But even then, her sections often involve simply turning and fleeing from massive, pursuing creatures. Resident Evil Requiem is a truly scary horror game, and fans will be thrilled with just how creepy it is.

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2026-01-27 20:13