Capcom hosted the Resident Evil Showcase on January 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. PT, 5 p.m. ET, and 10 p.m. UK. The event featured brand new gameplay and news for Resident Evil: Requiem, followed by a post-show discussion stream. The showcase focused almost entirely on Resident Evil: Requiem, with significant emphasis on merchandise tied to the game.
Resident Evil: Requiem launches on February 27, 2026, for Xbox, PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch 2. Previous trailers confirmed Leon S. Kennedy as a playable character. They also suggested a larger setting, potentially an open world or a major departure from the series’ traditional level designs.
The showcase provided limited new gameplay details but highlighted five key elements. First, Resident Evil: Requiem includes at least three difficulty settings. Casual mode prioritizes the story with aim assist. Standard mode offers typical challenge. Standard (Classic) mode adds restrictions, requiring players to collect ink ribbons for typewriter saves.
Second, a new crafting mechanic relies on infected blood harvested from zombies. Players obtain this blood by killing zombies. Protagonist Grace, not a primary fighter, carries a gun named Requiem. She uses it to defeat zombies and extract blood for crafting survival items.
Third, Capcom showcased extensive merchandise. A Hamilton watch collaboration offers two models—one for Grace and one for Leon—matching those worn in-game. Production limits each to 2,000 units. Other items include an amiibo figure, a Resident Evil: Requiem-themed Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, figurines of Grace and Leon, and bonuses in the Deluxe Edition. Capcom also announced upcoming Resident Evil orchestra concerts.
Fourth, zombies in Resident Evil: Requiem display retained traits from their pre-infection lives. A custodian zombie continues cleaning the building. Another zombie repeatedly pushes elevator buttons. In the trailer finale, one zombie engages Grace in a normal conversation, raising questions about the infection or virus variant.
Fifth, the event closed with a reference to “Elpis,” a secret carried by Leon. Details remain unclear, but it connects to the murder of Grace’s mother, Alyssa. Fans noted a zombie bite mark on Leon in trailers, which may link to Elpis.
The showcase delivered these updates amid anticipation for Resident Evil: Requiem, set weeks after the January 16 event. Rebekah Valentine, senior reporter for IGN, covered the event, updated at 1:37 a.m. on January 16, 2026, after the original post at 12:51 a.m.
