Before you buy Resident Evil Requiem: Price, plot, characters, timeline, camera perspective, and time to beat

Some years later, the shadows are lengthening once again. For nearly three decades, with every game and DLC, Capcom's premier survival horror franchise has defined the genre, and as of February 26, 2026, the anticipation for the next mainline entry has reached a fever pitch. Titled Resident Evil Requiem (stylized as Resident Evil 9), this piece promises to be the most ambitious one in the series' history.

Whether you are a veteran of the Raccoon City incident or a newcomer who joined during the Winters' saga, there is a lot to unpack before you hit that pre-order button. Here is everything you need to know about the nightmare awaiting you.

Different editions available

According to Insider Gaming, Resident Evil Requiem will launch across multiple tiers to cater to different levels of fandom:

• Standard edition ($69.99): The base game, available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
• Deluxe edition ($79.99): Includes the "Classic Horror Pack," featuring nostalgic character skins and a digital mini-soundtrack.
• Collector's edition ($249.99): A physical treasure trove including a detailed statue of Leon S. Kennedy, an art book, a map of the new open-world setting, and a replica of a key story item.

Fans who secure their copy with the pre-order, will receive the "Survival Resource Pack," providing early-game healing items and a specialized handgun charm.

The plot: An island full of secrets

Moving away from the snowy village of the previous game, Requiem takes us to a fictional, derelict island in the Southeast Asian Sea.

The narrative centers on a mysterious biological outbreak that has mutated the local flora and fauna into biological weapons. The title Requiem suggests a sense of finality, like a funeral mass for the long-standing tensions that have plagued the world since the fall of Umbrella. Rumors suggest the plot involves the "final remnants" of the Megamycete and its connection to ancient maritime folklore.

The return of the legends

In a move that has been well received by long-term fans, Resident Evil Requiem features a dual-protagonist system.

Leon S. Kennedy: Now a veteran DSO agent, Leon arrives on the island following a tip regarding a missing research team. Jill Valentine: Making her first mainline chronological appearance since Resident Evil 5, Jill joins the fray as a member of the BSAA.

The chemistry between these two icons is crucial for the narrative of the game, as they uncover why the BSAA has seemingly "turned" in its methods...

Timeline, camera perspective and playability

Perhaps the biggest shift for Requiem is its new structure. Inspired by the areas of Resident Evil Village, the game utilizes an Open-World design. You will use a boat to navigate between different coastal regions, each functioning as its own legacy dungeon (like the R.P.D. or Castle Dimitrescu).

• Timeline: The game is set in 2025/2026, roughly four to five years after the events of Resident Evil Village. It serves as a bridge, concluding the current narrative arc while setting the stage for the franchise's future.

• Perspective: Following the success of the RE4 Remake, Capcom has opted for a Third-Person, Over-the-Shoulder camera perspective. However, insiders suggest a "First-Person Mode" may be added post-launch or included for VR enthusiasts on PS VR2.

• Time to complete: Early playtests and reports from GamesRadar suggest a significantly meatier experience than previous entries. Main story would last around 18-22 hours and a completionist run around 35+ hours, including side bounties, treasure hunting, and the return of "The Mercenaries" mode.

If you enjoyed the exploration of Resident Evil Village but craved the tight, tactical combat of the Resident Evil 4 Remake, Resident Evil Requiem appears to be the perfect marriage of both worlds.