Resident Evil Requiem: Your Ultimate Play Guide Before the 2026 Release

The whispers of a new horror are growing louder. Resident Evil Requiem, set to unleash its terrors on February 27, 2026, is already stirring immense anticipation among fans of the legendary Resident Evil saga. While details remain shrouded in mystery – we only know it’s a chilling return to the iconic Raccoon City with two main characters at its heart – it’s never too early to start preparing. To truly grasp the narrative depth of Requiem, certain past Resident Evil games are absolutely essential. This guide will walk you through the key titles you need to play (or revisit!) to fully immerse yourself in the upcoming nightmare.

Unveiling Resident Evil Requiem: What We Know So Far

Resident Evil Requiem promises to plunge us back into the dark legacy of Raccoon City. With a focus on two central figures, one of whom is none other than the fan-favorite Leon S. Kennedy, and the enigmatic Grace Ashcroft, understanding their intertwined histories and the city’s grim past is paramount. You don’t need to play every single Resident Evil game, but a select few will provide the crucial context needed to appreciate Requiem’s story to its fullest.

The Core Saga: Must-Play Raccoon City Classics

To truly understand Resident Evil Requiem, your journey must begin where the horror first took root: Raccoon City.

1. Resident Evil HD Remaster (The Genesis of Horror)

The very first Resident Evil game is an absolute cornerstone. The most accessible way to experience this classic today is through the Resident Evil HD Remaster, readily available on modern platforms. This pivotal title unveils the terrifying origins of the T-Virus and the horrific events at the Spencer Mansion, laying the foundational backstory for the devastating outbreak that would later consume Raccoon City. It’s where the series’ survival horror roots were established, setting the stage for everything that followed.

2. Resident Evil 2 Remake (Leon’s Debut & Raccoon City’s Fall)

Essential for any fan anticipating Requiem, Resident Evil 2 marks the iconic debut of Leon S. Kennedy. It chronicles his harrowing first day as a rookie cop in Raccoon City, directly following the events of the original game, as the T-Virus outbreak spirals into an unstoppable apocalypse. The Resident Evil 2 Remake is a masterclass in modern survival horror, breathtakingly reimagined and an absolute must-play. Make sure to experience Leon’s perspective to truly connect with his origins.

3. Resident Evil 3 Remake (The City’s Final Breath)

While perhaps not as crucial for character backstory as the first two, Resident Evil 3 vividly depicts the definitive and cataclysmic destruction of Raccoon City. Playing through (or at least understanding the conclusion of) this game will provide critical context for the city’s state and its lasting impact on the narrative of Resident Evil Requiem. The Resident Evil 3 Remake is an intense, action-packed experience that is well worth your time if you’re looking to complete the Raccoon City trilogy.

Understanding Grace Ashcroft: Unearthing Her Past

Grace Ashcroft is the mysterious new protagonist in Resident Evil Requiem. To understand her background, we need to look to her mother, Alyssa Ashcroft, who appeared in the often-overlooked Resident Evil Outbreak series.

Resident Evil Outbreak & Outbreak File #2 (Grace’s Familial Ties)

These titles, while nearly impossible to play on modern platforms and originally designed for online multiplayer, introduce Alyssa Ashcroft, Grace’s mother, and delve into events connected to Requiem’s main plot. Since playing them firsthand is a significant challenge, watching a detailed story recap or a playthrough on platforms like YouTube is by far the easiest and most practical way to absorb their key narrative contributions and understand the foundations of Grace’s character.

Beyond Raccoon City: Deeper Dives into Leon’s Journey

While Requiem focuses on Raccoon City, these games offer a richer understanding of Leon’s evolution.

4. Resident Evil 4 Remake (Leon’s Evolution)

Set several years after the harrowing Raccoon City disaster, Resident Evil 4 is not strictly essential for the core plot points of Requiem. However, it offers invaluable insight into Leon S. Kennedy’s character development, showcasing how he has matured and changed since his rookie days. The recently released Resident Evil 4 Remake is an exceptional game in its own right, delivering an unparalleled action-horror experience that every fan should play.

5. Resident Evil 6 (A Controversial Return)

Fifteen years after the fall of Raccoon City, Resident Evil 6 brings Leon S. Kennedy back into the fold. While its sprawling and often criticized narrative might not be directly crucial for Requiem’s main story, persistent rumors about returning characters or subtle lore connections could make it worth a playthrough if you have the time and are aiming for completism. It’s a divisive entry, but still a part of Leon’s extensive journey.

Do Resident Evil 7 & Village Matter for Requiem?

You might be wondering if the more recent entries, Resident Evil 7 (2017) and Resident Evil Village (2021), are necessary preparations. The truth is, probably not for the core story. Resident Evil Requiem appears to be laser-focused on the enduring legacy of Raccoon City and the personal sagas of Leon and Grace, rather than the ongoing Winters family timeline introduced in these games.

However, given that Requiem is set in 2028, small nods, references, or overarching universe connections to the events of Resident Evil 7 and Village are not entirely out of the question. If you’re a dedicated lore enthusiast determined to uncover every possible detail within the broader Resident Evil universe, a playthrough might be worthwhile. But for those short on time and focused solely on Requiem’s immediate relevance, prioritizing the earlier Raccoon City-centric titles is the way to go.

Your Countdown Begins: Prepare for Requiem!

With February 27, 2026, still some time away, you have a perfect window to dive deep into the harrowing history of Resident Evil. Understanding the origins of the T-Virus, Leon S. Kennedy’s journey, and the tragic fate of Raccoon City will undoubtedly enhance your experience of Resident Evil Requiem. Capcom has already teased exciting details, including confirmed playtime for Leon and an official Resident Evil Requiem-themed Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller launching alongside the game. Get ready, the nightmares of Raccoon City are about to return!