Resident Evil Requiem vs Resident Evil 2 – 5 Key Similarities and 5 Big Differences

We’re eagerly awaiting February 2026 and the release of Resident Evil Requiem. With just over two weeks to go until we can join Grace and Leon as they investigate the aftermath of the Racoon City Incident – a tragedy that impacted so many – it’s hard not to speculate about what the game will offer.

We’ve been carefully studying the game’s trailers and marketing materials, and it led us to a key observation. The developers have repeatedly stated that Requiem draws inspiration from Resident Evil 2, but we started to consider how it differs from the original game’s core gameplay.

I’ve been really fascinated by the ways these two games are different, and I wanted to dive into those details just as much as I’m enjoying all the things they have in common. So, let’s jump right in!

5 Things Requiem Borrows From RE2 Remake

1. Back To The Beginning

The marketing for the game strongly suggests that Grace and Leon will be investigating the events of the Raccoon City Incident, which served as the backdrop for the story of the original RE2. It will be compelling to see the rookie officer reflect on a pivotal moment that defined his life.

It’s exciting that Requiem is returning to the series’ most famous setting. The game seems to be leaning into the memorable feel of RE2 in its story, and it’s also promising to deliver gameplay that builds on what fans loved from previous installments.

2. A Return To Survival Horror (Sort Of)

Many have described Grace’s gameplay as a return to the classic survival horror experience of the original Resident Evil 2 – a tense and challenging style where resources are scarce. As a new character with no experience fighting biological weapons, Grace needs to use stealth and intelligence to survive. This was a key element of what made Resident Evil 2 and its remake so popular.

This also nicely echoes Leon’s beginnings – he was in a similar position when he first faced the dangers created by Umbrella Corporation. Considering it was their first field assignments, both Grace and Leon really drew the unlucky straw.

3. A Stalker On The Hunt

We still remember how terrifying Mr. X was in Resident Evil 2, and we’re strangely excited to be pursued by a new Stalker who wants to stop Grace’s investigation—with deadly results. Like Mr. X, this new threat appears unexpectedly, creating intense pressure as you explore and forcing you to carefully plan your route through each area.

So, the new enemy, Requiem, is seriously scary – even more so than Mr. X was! It’s all about hiding and trying to trick it, and that’s something I really noticed. It actually makes this game feel a lot like the older Resident Evil, but the developers have clearly learned a lot over the years and made Requiem even more intense. I’ll dive into how it works in the next section.

4. Looking Over Our Shoulders

You can play Requiem from either a first-person or third-person view, and the ability to switch between them is a great feature. However, the third-person camera is designed to keep you close to the action, making tight spaces feel even more claustrophobic and requiring careful aiming when shooting enemies.

The game creates a really tense and confining atmosphere, which is something fans have always loved about the original. Seeing things through the camera angle also highlights how awkward and vulnerable the character feels, making the experience even more realistic and engaging.

5. Puzzles In Scary Places

Look, as a long-time Resident Evil player, I always loved the puzzles. Resident Evil 2 was especially good at that – you’d be stuck in these tight areas, trying to figure things out while zombies or worse were trying to get you. It was stressful, but in a good way! And I’m happy to say that the puzzles are back in full force in Grace’s sections – it really brings back those classic RE vibes.

Based on what we’ve played so far, the puzzles in this game are as challenging and exciting as those in Resident Evil 2. We think this new game could even be scarier and more effective than its inspiration if it delivers on its gameplay promises.

5 Things Requiem Is Doing Differently From RE2 Remake

1. A Two-In-One Approach

While Requiem also features two main characters, its story unfolds differently than in Resident Evil 2. RE2 let you play through the game with both Leon and Claire, experiencing largely the same events from different perspectives. Requiem, though, offers a distinct structure, with each character’s experience feeling unique rather than simply being parallel versions of the same story.

The game Requiem offers two very different ways to play. Grace’s sections lean into horror, focusing on suspense and atmosphere, while Leon is all about fast-paced, action-packed zombie combat, similar to Resident Evil 5. This contrast is a strong point, making Requiem feel like two games woven together with a shared story.

2. A More Seasoned Version Of Leon

Leon is a powerful and dangerous character in Requiem, and his design and abilities are similar to those in RE4 Remake, which also heavily influenced the gameplay of this newest installment. The developers have highlighted the improved combat system, focusing on fast-paced action and a satisfying sense of rhythm – and the overall experience is really exciting.

Requiem differs from the original Resident Evil 2 because Leon has years of experience working with the DSO, making him much more resilient. This is further complicated by his own hidden secrets, and uncovering them could reveal more about why he’s such a seasoned fighter. While we’d be terrified facing a zombie, Leon seems unfazed, and it’s clear he’s incredibly brave and capable.

3. Switch Perspectives On The Fly

Unlike the fixed camera angles in RE2 Remake, Requiem allows players to freely change their point of view, making it different from earlier games. Though the fixed camera worked well in RE2 and its remake, the ability to switch perspectives is a welcome addition, and Requiem‘s inclusion of this feature demonstrates how the Resident Evil series continues to improve and innovate.

Honestly, I think switching up the perspectives is a really smart move. Seeing Grace’s story from her eyes makes it way more immersive and creepy, while switching to third-person for Leon’s fights lets you actually see everything happening around you. It’s way easier to dodge attacks and get your bearings when you can see the whole space, instead of just what Leon’s looking at. It just makes the horror feel more intense and the combat smoother, which is awesome.

4. A Smarter Stalker

Mr. X was certainly frightening in the original RE2, and his imposing presence is what many players remember most. However, as a human enemy, his attacks were fairly limited, and he mostly chased you on foot. Requiem appears to have recognized this and aimed to create a more versatile and unpredictable hunter with a wider range of abilities.

The enemy in Requiem freely moves through vents and tunnels, constantly surprising Grace and making it very difficult for her to defend herself. This design is similar to games like Alien: Isolation and Amnesia: The Bunker, which focus on evasion and helplessness, unlike the more direct combat in Resident Evil 2.

5. Protagonist Framing Is Very Different

Because Requiem is set long after the events in Raccoon City, it feels distinct from RE2. That earlier game put Leon and Claire in a classic survival horror scenario, portraying them as new recruits facing a zombie outbreak. This worked well for the story and the intended experience, creating horror from the characters’ struggle to survive with limited information and few safe options.

Unlike RE2, Requiem approaches its horror by focusing on an investigation of the outbreak, told through the perspectives of Grace and Leon. Grace offers a fresh, inexperienced viewpoint as a new officer, while Leon is a seasoned agent with a history of battling bio-organic weapons. This difference in perspective is what truly sets Requiem apart.

Bonus: The Inventory System

Both Resident Evil 2 Remake and Resident Evil 4 Remake start you with limited inventory space – just 8 slots. Even expanding it to 20 slots in RE2 Remake still meant relying on item boxes. Resident Evil 4 Remake follows this challenging approach with a similar 8-slot setup, forcing you to frequently return to storage boxes and find ways to increase capacity. However, Leon in RE4 Remake has a unique, larger case – a 7×10 grid that rotates and auto-sorts – which turns managing your items into a spatial puzzle rather than simply dealing with a lack of space.

So, that covers how Requiem builds on the ideas of previous games while still forging its own path. We expect players will definitely recognize familiar elements and appreciate the nods to the series’ history when they finally get to play it.

Until then, we’re right with you in wishing that the days could go by faster!

2026-02-24 15:13