Resident Evil Requiem Is the Best Horror Game of 2026 So Far

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This feels like a major moment for the Resident Evil series. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard successfully re-engaged longtime fans and attracted new players with its focus on classic survival horror. Since then, Capcom has balanced revisiting older games with creating new ones, and Resident Evil Requiem feels like the result of that careful approach.

Resident Evil Requiem successfully blends thrilling action with traditional horror, and the return of Leon alongside the new character Grace makes it a standout title. Despite being the ninth main game, it’s easily one of the best in the Resident Evil series and a must-play for any horror enthusiast.

Resident Evil Requiem Flawlessly Shifts Between Action and Horror

Resident Evil Requiem features two playable characters, Grace and Leon, and changes between first-person and third-person perspectives depending on who you’re controlling. Players can choose at the beginning whether to allow the game to automatically switch between these viewpoints.

Players who’ve followed the series for a while already know Leon’s style – he’s quick to action and always ready to fight. But Grace is new to this kind of danger, being an FBI agent who hasn’t faced horrors like these before, so she’s much more uneasy and vulnerable than Leon.

Experiencing the game through Grace’s eyes really pulls you into the most frightening scenes. However, you can adjust the perspective in the settings if you’d rather play the whole game from a single viewpoint. And, similar to older games, Grace has a limited amount of ammunition, adding to the tension.

Resident Evil Requiem is genuinely scary, featuring truly terrifying moments. Similar to previous installments, it builds suspense through atmosphere and anticipation, rather than relying solely on sudden shocks. The game creates a constant sense of dread, especially with enemies as intimidating as Mr. X, making it hard to relax.

Leon Kennedy is still incredibly cool and capable, dispatching enemies with ease and a touch of humor. Players controlling Leon have access to a wide range of weapons and abilities. While switching between Leon’s style and the other character’s might seem strange, Resident Evil Requiem manages to blend them seamlessly. It’s a game that truly offers the best of both worlds.

Resident Evil Requiem’s Story Takes Players on a Wild Ride

You can start playing with Resident Evil Requiem, but it’s best to play the previous games first to fully understand the story. The game has a lot of references and details that long-time fans will appreciate, and knowing the earlier games will make the plot twists even more impactful.

Leon Kennedy’s return has a surprising purpose, and his story immediately grabs your attention. To fully enjoy the unexpected twists and turns, it’s best to go into the game knowing as little as possible.

It’s not just about Leon Kennedy’s story; Grace is a really engaging character who helps the audience experience the terrifying world of Resident Evil with her. Angela Sant’Albano, the actress who voices Grace, does a fantastic job portraying her shyness and making it feel genuine.

Viewers are expected to have a strong reaction to Resident Evil Requiem, and it will be interesting to see their detailed analysis. RE9 demonstrates that the series remains vibrant and compelling, solidifying its place as the leading survival horror franchise, no matter what Capcom does next.

Resident Evil Requiem Runs Perfectly On Switch 2

Resident Evil Requiem looked fantastic and ran smoothly at 60 frames per second on the Switch 2, whether played on a TV or in handheld mode. While some textures appeared slightly blurry at times, these moments were fleeting. The game’s performance wasn’t perfect, however, as occasional frame rate drops could be distracting.

We’ve only tested the game on the Switch 2 so far, so it’s unclear if these minor issues are specific to the console or affect all versions. However, the game generally performed very well, and these small problems didn’t ruin the overall experience. The fact that a game as demanding as Resident Evil Requiem can run so smoothly on the Switch 2 is a significant achievement for Nintendo.

Resident Evil Requiem Might Be the Best Resident Evil Game Ever

There’s a lot of discussion among fans about the best Resident Evil game. RE4 is popular for its exciting action, and RE7 is praised for its terrifying horror. Resident Evil Requiem strikes a great balance between the two, offering both action and horror without leaning too heavily on either one.

Both newcomers and longtime fans of Resident Evil can enjoy Requiem, though those familiar with the series will appreciate it even more. Once the game starts, it maintains a relentless pace all the way through. Even though it’s early in the year, RE9 is already being considered for Game of the Year and looks like it will be the top horror game of 2026.

Resident Evil Requiem launches February 28 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, and PC.

This review was written with a Switch 2 review code of Resident Evil Requiem provided by CAPCOM.

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2026-02-25 18:19