The ninth main entry in the Resident Evil series is almost here, as we rapidly approach the February 27 launch of Resident Evil Requiem. With a new protagonist being joined by series icon Leon Kennedy, it’s sure to be a massive game this year for both franchise veterans and new players alike.
To make sure you’re fully up to date with everything you need to know before release, we’ve prepared this Resident Evil Requiem launch guide just for you! With specifics on release times and file sizes to the different editions available and the story premise leading into the game, here’s everything you need to know about Resident Evil Requiem.
What time does Resident Evil Requiem launch?
We’re still waiting on Capcom to announce the specific launch time across platforms, but with a mix of leaks and historic trends from the developer we can make some guesses. Firstly, it’s likely that console players will be able to play Resident Evil Requiem from midnight local time on whichever platform they use. This applies to Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo platforms. The notable exception here is for console users along the west coast of America, where midnight ET will be 9PM PT, giving you a launch three hours earlier relative to everyone else.
For Steam users however, launches usually take a different approach. These tend to launch at midnight in one specific timezone, with the rest of the world settling for whatever that equivalent time is. For example, Monster Hunter Wilds launched at 12AM EST on PC, which was 5AM GMT for those in the UK or 6AM CET for some European gamers. This will likely be the case again, although which midnight Capcom selects to mark the launch could vary – we’ll update this page when we know so do check back.
Can I pre-load Resident Evil Requiem, and how big are the files?
Whilst Capcom hasn’t confirmed it, reports and industry precedent suggest a pre-load for Resident Evil Requiem will be available from February 25, that’s two days before the official launch date of February 27, giving you a full 48 hours to download the files. It comes with an approximate 73GB file size on PlayStation, Xbox and PC, whilst Switch 2 is far lower at 28GB.
Again though, there’s potentially unfortunate news for Steam users. Capcom don’t usually allow pre-loading of their games on PC, so those opting to play on PC will need to wait for the full launch and then begin downloading before they can enjoy what horrors await in Resident Evil Requiem.
What does each version of Resident Evil Requiem come with, and is there a pre-order bonus?
Let’s start with the base game! The standard edition of Resident Evil Requiem comes with the main game and a pre-order bonus costume for Grace if you buy the game before release. The ‘Apocalypse’ costume puts her in some rough attire, with smears of dirt on her face and a scarf hastily draped around her neck.
The Resident Evil Requiem Deluxe Edition is stacked, coming with five new costumes, five weapon skins, two screen filters, two charms, an audio pack and a file titled Letters from 1998. This is sure to be a popular purchase option, as one of Grace’s costumes allows her to dress as the iconic Lady Dimitrescu from Resident Evil Village. The Deluxe Edition is available both digitally and physically, which includes a ‘Premium Steelbook’ and a limited edition lenticular card.
Will Resident Evil Requiem have future DLCs?
Whilst Capcom haven’t confirmed plans for a Resident Evil Requiem DLC or expansion, we’d be lying if we didn’t say it’s incredibly likely. After launch, Resident Evil 4 had the Separate Ways DLC, whilst Resident Evil 7 Biohazard had the End of Zoe DLC and Resident Evil Village received the Winters’ expansion. All three of these contain paid additional story content, but came months after each game’s launch.
Besides this, the Deluxe Edition contents will likely be purchasable as a DLC expansion for those who initially purchase just the base version of Resident Evil Requiem.
What’s the story leading into Resident Evil Requiem?
The plot of Resident Evil Requiem follows two protagonists: Grace Ashcroft and Leon Kennedy. Grace is an FBI analyst and the daughter of Resident Evil Outbreak‘s lead Alyssa Ashcroft, who has since died. She’s investigating a series of peculiar deaths at the ruined hotel which once housed both her and her mother before Alyssa’s death. However, Grace is kidnapped, and is forced to find her way out of the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center as monstrous presences make themselves known.
Leon is a series icon following his breakthrough appearance in Resident Evil 2, and he’s back now with years more experience as an operative within the Division of Security Operations. In classic Resident Evil fashion, he’s also investigating deaths, but these are former survivors from the chaos of Raccoon City’s destruction 30 years prior. Their stories are set to “intertwine”, with Grace’s approach putting emphasis on the survival-horror of the franchise whilst Leon’s campaign will lean further into the action elements.
What performance or graphics options are available in Resident Evil Requiem?
We’ll start with PlayStation. Whilst the base PS5 has no confirmed settings beyond 4K resolution at 60FPS, the PS5 Pro will have two differentt graphics modes. Ray-Tracing Mode enabled on a PS5 Pro will give gamers 4K resolution with 60FPS and Ray-Traced graphics for enhanced realism, whilst Ray-Tracing Mode being disabled will instead keep the 4K resolution but offer anywhere between 90-120FPS.
There’s no word on Xbox options, but it’s safe to assume there will roughly be parity with the base PS5. For gamers on Switch 2, Resident Evil Requiem impressively still holds a strong 60FPS according to initial journalist reactions, running at a 1080p output resolution from an upscaled internal 600p using DLSS technology. As for PC, that will be dependent on your rig and its components.
That’s everything we know about Resident Evil Requiem right now, but we’ll be sure to update this post with specifics as Capcom reveals more closer to launch. For more gaming news and comprehensive launch guides like this one, stay tuned to GameObserver.
