Everything we know about Resident Evil 9: Release date, story, and more

The release of Resident Evil Requiem, otherwise titled Resident Evil 9, is fast approaching. The most anticipated horror game of 2026 was first announced last June at Summer Game Fest and has since released a steady, but slow, drop of information of what to expect in the latest survival horror title. From official trailers to leaks, it seems Resident Evil 9 is combining the iconic past of the series with a new direction for the future.

After Resident Evil 8 seemingly wrapped by the story of Mia, Ethan, and Rosemary Winters, fans were left wondering what the next entry in the Resident Evil series would feature for its characters, story, and enemies. While we’ll have to wait for next spring to experience the full game, here’s what information Capcom has revealed so far about the ninth mainline game in the Resident Evil series.

What’s the story of Resident Evil 9?

So far, not too many details have been revealed for the story of Resident Evil 9. What we know is mostly limited to the information provided in the very first trailer, which introduced the newest main character of the series. Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from 2004’s Resident Evil Outbreak, is an intelligence analyst at the FBI sent to investigate a series of mysterious murders. Unfortunately for Grace, these deaths are taking place in the exact same derelict hotel her mother was murdered at almost a decade earlier.

Grace will be a different type of protagonist for the series, according to game director Koshi Nakanishi. Rather than a brave cop or fearless father, Grace will be “introverted and easily scared,” as the developers wanted “someone that experiences horror from the same perspective as the player.” Despite being afraid, Grace won’t be entirely helpless, as “she’s also an analyst for the FBI who’s trained with guns, and is able to act with calm, deductive reasoning.”

As for the horrors Grace will face, demos for RE9 have featured a grotesques and relentless stalker enemy, similar to Mr. X from RE2 or Lady Dimistricu from RE8, chasing Grace through the halls of the hotel. Leaked gameplay from a Japanese TV show has also let it slip that zombies, the undead monsters that kicked off the franchise, will return for the first time since Resident Evil 6.

Alongside zombies, Resident Evil 9 is bringing back a few more elements from earlier games. Players will return to Raccoon City, left in ruins after being nuked at the end of Resident Evil 3. Why exactly anyone would return to an empty city, which has been clearly left to rot, is still unclear but the inclusion of one fan favorite character may fill in the gaps.

Gameplay wise, Resident Evil 9 looks to be keeping to tradition for the most part in its combat and puzzles. One notable change for the series comes with the camera, which had previously been fixed to either third-person or first-person mode. In RE9, players will be able to choose either camera perspective, which should drastically alter their experience.

Will Leon Kennedy be in Resident Evil 9?

Leon S. Kennedy, protagonist of RE2 and RE4, has finally been confirmed for Resident Evil 9. Though leaks and rumors had long heralded his return, Leon was officially shown in a trailer at The Game Awards 2025, still rocking the exact same haircut he had in 1998. In it, Leon seems to be investigating the same deaths that bring Grace to the hotel, where their paths cross. Leon’s appearance seems to confirm a slightly more action-based portion of the game, perhaps similar to Chris Redfield’s appearance in Resident Evil 8.

Alongside Leon is another previously seen character. An online listing for a preorder bonus mentioned alternative outfits for Rosemary Winters, who was last seen as a baby in Resident Evil 8 and a teenager in later DLC. Given her unique powers and strong connection to nefarious Umbrella plots, Rosemary would be an exciting character to see once again.

Resident Evil 9 release date and platforms

Resident Evil 9 (officially titled Resident Evil: Requiem) releases on Feb. 27, 2026. The game is currently up for preorder, though unfortunately with no fun physical bonuses like previous Resident Evil games.

According to the official Resident Evil website, Resident Evil 9 will release on Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and PC. There was no mention of earlier generations, so it’s safe to assume that RE is leaving the older consoles behind completely.