Resident Evil Requiem is Capcom’s ninth main‑line entry that introduces a split‑character system, letting players alternate between veteran agent Leon S. Kennedy and newcomer Grace Ashcroft. The game blends fast‑paced gunplay with classic survival‑horror tension, adds a versatile melee hatchet, injectable weapons, and supports both first‑person and third‑person perspectives for a customizable horror experience.
Dual‑Protagonist Gameplay
The core of Requiem’s design is its dual‑protagonist structure. Players switch between Leon, whose sections emphasize rapid combat and aggressive tactics, and Grace, whose segments focus on stealth, resource management, and tense encounters.
Leon’s Action‑Heavy Segments
Leon’s gameplay delivers high‑intensity gunfights inside a sprawling medical facility filled with infected staff. A new melee hatchet allows him to slash limbs, parry attacks, and even decapitate powerful foes before sharpening the blade for continued use. The ability to seize enemy weapons, such as chainsaws, adds a “turn‑the‑tables” dynamic to his combat style.
Grace’s Survival‑Horror Approach
Grace faces limited ammunition and no heavy weaponry, forcing careful movement and strategic use of specialized tools. She wields a high‑damage “Requiem gun” with scarce ammo and can craft injectable concoctions from infected blood that trigger explosive effects on enemies, providing inventive but limited offensive options.
New Weapons and Combat Systems
Requiem expands the series’ melee toolbox beyond traditional firearms. Key additions include:
- Hatchet (Leon) – Targets specific enemy body parts, staggers foes, and can be sharpened for repeated use.
- Requiem Gun (Grace) – Delivers high damage per shot but requires careful ammo management.
- Injectable Devices (Grace) – Crafted from infected material, these injectors cause explosive or debilitating effects on zombies.
Both characters can toggle between first‑person and third‑person views, with Leon’s fast‑paced action feeling natural in third‑person and Grace’s horror moments gaining immersion in first‑person.
Strategic Design Choices
By offering contrasting playstyles, Requiem caters to fans of both action‑driven entries and classic survival horror. The limited arsenal for Grace rewards planning and resourcefulness, while Leon’s expanded melee options encourage aggressive tactics and on‑the‑fly weapon adaptation.
Future Impact on the Franchise
The refined melee mechanics, limb‑targeting system, and player‑crafted injectors hint at a deeper tactical layer that could influence upcoming Resident Evil titles. Additionally, the flexible perspective system may set a new standard, giving future games greater player agency in how horror is experienced.
What’s Next?
Resident Evil Requiem is slated for release soon, positioned as a bridge between the series’ action‑heavy and survival‑horror roots. The previewed content showcases Capcom’s intent to honor the franchise’s legacy while pushing gameplay forward, promising a balanced entry that satisfies both longtime fans and newcomers.
