With Resident Evil Requiem scrapping plans for burly man Leon Kennedy’s possible comeback in favor of newcomer Grace Ashcroft, Capcom’s upcoming game will be leaning towards the “survival” aspect of “survival horror” more than ever. That said, the latest installment will still have the series’ iconic boss battles and multiple weapons to choose from.
Talking to AUTOMATON in a joint interview at Tokyo Game Show 2025, game director Koshi Nakanishi revealed that while boss battles will be returning, they are more about exploration and ingenuity.
Of course, there will be boss battles. However, rather than defeating enemies in a flashy manner as you progress through the game, like in games that emphasize gun shooting action, the style is more like Resident Evil and Resident Evil 2, where players expand their exploration area in a closed space and overcome obstacles using their wits.
This approach to boss battles is in line with Grace Ashcroft’s evolution throughout Resident Evil Requiem. The developers want newcomers and players who are afraid that the game might be too scary to relate to Grace as she experiences new horrors and overcomes them.
One thing that’s so appealing about the Resident Evil series is that characters who are initially terrified grow stronger as they gain experience in extreme situations. Grace is scared at first, but the situation eventually causes her to snap, and she becomes able to fight her enemies. Being able to experience this process of growth together with the protagonist is one of the highlights of the game.
A big part of Grace’s growth is through combat. She has been seen wielding handguns and revolvers in promotional materials and trailers. In addition to the held gun reflecting her willingness to fight, Nakanishi says that it “conveys the romanticism of a delicate girl fighting with a rugged revolver”. Aside from firearms, melee weapons such as knives will allow for new ways to eliminate enemies.
Resident Evil Requiem is set to release on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows (Steam).
