Resident Evil Requiem Showcase: When to Watch and What to Expect

Capcom is about to unveil the final secrets of Resident Evil Requiem, a game poised to redefine the series with its groundbreaking perspective-swapping gameplay, in a dedicated 12-minute showcase this week. The final, focused look at the publisher's next major survival horror entry is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026. This event will serve as the last major preview before the game's launch, offering fans a concentrated dose of new information and gameplay. With the release date now just over a month away, this presentation is poised to answer lingering questions and heighten anticipation for the ninth mainline entry in the legendary franchise.

Showcase Logistics: Time, Date, and How to Watch

Capcom has streamlined the viewing process for this final preview. The Resident Evil Showcase 2026 will be a concise, 12-minute livestream, suggesting a tightly edited presentation of key details.

• Date & Time: The stream begins on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at:
  • 2:00 PM Pacific Time (PT)
  • 5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
  • 10:00 PM Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
• How to Watch: The showcase will be broadcast live on YouTube and Twitch via Capcom's official channels.
• Post-Show Content: Immediately following the main presentation, a community segment will air on the Capcom USA channel. Featuring Twitch partners @Bawkbasoup and @JenIsOnline, this segment is designed for fan discussion and will include a giveaway for a Resident Evil 4 Collector's Edition. Capcom has clarified that no new game information will be revealed during this post-show.

Resident Evil Requiem: The Story and Protagonists

Requiem is building a narrative that directly connects the series' past to its future. The game features dual protagonists, offering two distinct lenses through which to experience its horror.

Players will control Grace Ashcroft, a new character to the series and an introverted FBI intelligence analyst. She is the daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft, a survivor from Resident Evil Outbreak. Grace's investigation is deeply personal, set approximately 30 years after the destruction of Raccoon City. Her mission leads her to confront the ruins of the city and the unresolved trauma of her mother's death at the Wrenwood Hotel eight years prior.

Her story intertwines with that of the returning fan-favorite, Leon S. Kennedy, who appears in a more mature and weathered incarnation. Their combined investigations target the primary antagonist, Dr. Victor Gideon, a figure with sinister ties to the Umbrella Corporation. The narrative promises to peel back layers of the series' history, with the potential to re-contextualize hidden truths behind the original 1998 Raccoon City Incident.

Innovative Gameplay and Development Pedigree

Beyond its story, Requiem is introducing a significant mechanical innovation to the core Resident Evil formula. The game will allow players to fluidly swap between first-person and third-person perspectives at will. This system is not merely cosmetic; it is integrated into the character-based gameplay design.

Leon's sections are described as more action-oriented, with recent trailers showcasing mechanics like parrying attacks with a Tomahawk Axe. In contrast, Grace's gameplay will maintain a stronger survival horror focus, likely leveraging the immersive tension of the first-person view. This duality aims to cater to different playstyle preferences within a single, cohesive experience.

The project is in experienced hands. Requiem is directed by Koshi Nakanishi, the director behind the series-redefining Resident Evil 7: biohazard and the acclaimed Revelations games. Nakanishi has expressed strong confidence in the project, stating that Requiem is "even better" than his previous works—a bold claim that has undoubtedly raised expectations.

Editions, Pre-Orders, and Special Collaborations

Capcom is supporting Requiem with a robust slate of editions and cross-media partnerships.

• Editions: Players can choose from a Standard Edition, a Deluxe Edition (which includes three alternate costumes for Leon and a weapon charm), and a Premium Steelbook Edition with physical collectibles.
• Pre-Order Perks: Pre-ordering any edition grants Grace's "Apocalypse" costume. Those purchasing via the Epic Games Store will also receive special Resident Evil-themed collaboration items in Fortnite, such as an outfit based on Grace.
• Notable Collaborations: The game features a unique real-world partnership, with a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT appearing as Leon's in-game vehicle. For Nintendo Switch 2 players, a special gunmetal-black Resident Evil Requiem Pro Controller will launch alongside the game. In a landmark first for the franchise, Grace Ashcroft will also become the first-ever Resident Evil amiibo figure, slated for release in Summer 2026.

The Bigger Picture: Launch Day and Related Releases

All roads lead to launch day. Resident Evil Requiem is confirmed for release on Friday, February 27, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

February 27th is set to be a major day for the franchise on Nintendo's new hardware. Alongside Requiem, the Switch 2 will see the release of Resident Evil 7 biohazard Gold Edition and Resident Evil Village Gold Edition. For players looking to dive deep into the modern era of the series, a "Resident Evil Generation" pack, exclusive to Switch 2, will bundle all three titles together.

This week's showcase is the final curated look before players step into the shoes of Grace and Leon next month. It represents the last chance for Capcom to highlight the game's defining features before the real investigation begins. On February 27th, the horror—and the history—will be in players' hands.