Resident Evil Requiem unveils Grace Ashcroft’s story at Gamescom 2025

The Gamescom 2025, held in Cologne, Germany, on August 19, brought one of the year’s most anticipated reveals: the new trailer for Resident Evil Requiem, showcased during the Opening Night Live. The game, set to launch on February 27, 2026, introduces Grace Ashcroft as its protagonist, a new character carrying the legacy of her mother, Alyssa Ashcroft, a survivor of the iconic Raccoon City incident. While the trailer left fans wanting more gameplay footage, it revealed key details about the dark narrative surrounding the orphan’s search for answers about her mother’s murder at the mysterious Hotel Wrenwood. Capcom’s production promises a gripping chapter for the franchise, with an engaging story and new horror elements.

The event, one of the largest in the gaming world, spotlighted Resident Evil Requiem as the penultimate announcement, just before the surprising reveal of Black Myth: Wukong’s sequel. The decision to focus on the story rather than gameplay sparked mixed reactions, but the introduction of Grace Ashcroft’s prologue captured attention for its emotional depth. The protagonist, daughter of a legendary journalist, embarks on a personal journey blending revenge, mystery, and the franchise’s signature horrors.

• Key highlights from the trailer:
  • Introduction of Grace Ashcroft as the protagonist.
  • Connection to Alyssa Ashcroft and the Raccoon City incident.
  • Setting at the Hotel Wrenwood, site of the murder.
  • Release date set for February 27, 2026.

The trailer’s impact was amplified by Capcom’s signature cinematic quality and the promise of a narrative exploring themes of legacy and trauma. Below, the text dives into the elements presented, the protagonist’s significance, and what fans can expect from the next chapter of the franchise.

New chapter for the Resident Evil franchise

The trailer shown at Gamescom 2025 offered a glimpse into the narrative of Resident Evil Requiem, centered on Grace Ashcroft, a young woman marked by family tragedies. Unlike other games in the series, which often focus on trained agents or seasoned survivors, Grace is portrayed as a more human and vulnerable figure. Her journey begins at the Hotel Wrenwood, a setting poised to become as iconic as the Spencer Mansion or Raccoon City’s police station. The atmosphere, with dark corridors and an oppressive vibe, suggests a return to the franchise’s psychological horror roots.

Choosing a novice protagonist underscores Capcom’s intent to innovate. Grace is not a natural fighter, but her determination to uncover the truth about her mother’s death pits her against dangerous forces. The trailer featured flashes of documents, clues, and encounters with shadowy creatures, indicating that investigation will play a central role in gameplay.

• Confirmed elements in the trailer:
  • Exploration of claustrophobic settings in the Hotel Wrenwood.
  • Mystery involving the Umbrella Corporation.
  • Focus on investigation and puzzle-solving.

The narrative also appears to tie into the franchise’s past, with references to the Raccoon City incident and Alyssa Ashcroft’s fight against Umbrella. This nod to Resident Evil Outbreak resonates with longtime fans.

Grace Ashcroft and the weight of legacy

Grace Ashcroft is the big novelty of Resident Evil Requiem. As the daughter of Alyssa, a journalist who survived the 1998 chaos, she carries the weight of a well-known surname in the franchise’s universe. Alyssa, featured in Resident Evil Outbreak, was a determined figure dedicated to exposing Umbrella’s crimes. Her death at the Hotel Wrenwood, as revealed in the trailer, is the catalyst for Grace’s journey, driven by a quest for justice and answers.

The trailer suggests Grace is not just a victim of circumstance. Her personality blends journalistic curiosity, inherited from her mother, with fierce determination. Scenes show her examining files, decoding clues, and facing dangers in a hostile environment. The choice of an orphan as the protagonist adds emotional layers to the narrative, highlighting her vulnerability and strength.

Grace’s story also seems to explore themes of legacy and trauma, with flashbacks connecting her childhood to Alyssa’s work. Capcom is betting on a more intimate narrative, distinct from the global stakes of recent titles like Resident Evil Village.

Setting and horror at the Hotel Wrenwood

The Hotel Wrenwood, the main setting of Resident Evil Requiem, was a visual standout in the trailer. With a blend of gothic decay and abandoned modernity, the location promises to be a character in its own right. Narrow corridors, rooms with antique furniture, and underground areas create a constant sense of tension, reminiscent of the franchise’s best moments.

The trailer showed brief glimpses of deformed creatures, hinting at new biological enemies, possibly tied to Umbrella. The setting reinforces survival horror, with limited resources and an emphasis on exploration. Capcom appears to have listened to fans calling for a return to the classic style, with less frenetic action and more suspense.

• Features of the Hotel Wrenwood:
  • Gothic architecture with macabre details.
  • Interconnected areas, like basements and secret rooms.
  • Presence of traps and environmental puzzles.
  • New, undisclosed enemies.

The choice of a hotel as the primary setting allows for a more contained narrative, focused on a single location, unlike the sprawling cities or villages of other games. This could signal a return to the series’ origins, with greater emphasis on resource management and constant tension.

Community reactions and expectations

The presentation of Resident Evil Requiem at Gamescom 2025 sparked significant buzz among fans. While the lack of gameplay disappointed some, the trailer’s quality and Grace Ashcroft’s introduction were well-received. Forums and social media praised the nod to Resident Evil Outbreak as a treat for longtime fans, while the new protagonist attracted players seeking a fresh perspective.

Capcom also confirmed the game will be exclusive to next-gen platforms, such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, ensuring cutting-edge graphics and reduced loading times. The release date, February 27, 2026, positions the game as one of the first major launches of the year, heightening anticipation.

• Key points from reactions:
  • Praise for the trailer’s cinematic narrative.
  • Curiosity about Grace’s gameplay.
  • Excitement for the next reveal.
  • Approval of the Hotel Wrenwood setting.

The community is also speculating about potential ties to other franchise titles, such as the return of classic characters or references to events from Resident Evil 4 and 5. Capcom, however, remains tight-lipped, focusing on promoting Grace’s story.

Future of the franchise and innovations

Resident Evil Requiem represents Capcom’s effort to balance innovation and tradition. The choice of a new protagonist, the revival of Resident Evil Outbreak elements, and the claustrophobic setting show a commitment to refreshing the formula while staying true to the series’ roots. The trailer suggests the game will prioritize survival horror, with less focus on explosive action, as seen in Resident Evil 6.

The release date, close to the franchise’s 30th anniversary, also raises expectations for possible celebrations or additional content. Capcom has a strong track record of revitalizing the series with remakes and new chapters, like Resident Evil 2 Remake and Village, and Requiem appears to follow this path of quality.

• Potential innovations in the game:
  • Investigation system with complex puzzles.
  • Use of next-gen technologies, like ray tracing.
  • Narrative with choices impacting the outcome.
  • Possible co-op mode or future DLCs, yet to be confirmed.

The Gamescom 2025 trailer was just the first step in the promotional campaign for Resident Evil Requiem. With the release date approaching, fans eagerly await more details on gameplay, enemies, and Umbrella’s role in Grace Ashcroft’s story.