The Resident Evil Requiem (otherwise known as Resident Evil 9) showcase just wrapped up, and while no demo was released, some interesting elements of the game were revealed for the very first time. Resident Evil 9 comes out Feb. 27, 2026, and will return players to Raccoon City for the first time since the events of Resident Evil 3.
This title also marks the return of Leon S. Kennedy, a fan-favorite protagonist, as he joins new character Grace Ashcroft in a horrifying investigation.
What was revealed in the Resident Evil Showcase?
Like past announcements, this showcase from Capcom with director Koshi Nakanishi highlighted the two different types of gameplay Resident Evil 9 will feature. One section of the game will be focused on Leon, as he mows through enemies with action-oriented gameplay, while the section with Grace will be a tenser, survival horror experience.
The reasoning for this divide came from Leon as a character, as Nakanishi explained that the team did initially try to create another horror game with Leon as the protagonist. They ultimately came to the conclusion that “people wouldn’t want to see a timid Leon” due to his years of experience facing bio-weapons and taking down monsters.
New behaviors from zombies
One unnerving piece of information from the showcase was related to the undead foes both Leon and Grace will have to face. While it was already previously revealed that zombies would be returning, Nakanishi revealed that now, “there are zombies that retain characteristics from when they were alive.” These zombies, seen wandering the derelict hotel, both speak and attempt to continue whatever activities they did in their previous life.
A few examples shown were a chef still preparing meals in the kitchen, a maid scrubbing at the mirrors, and party-goers still roaming the halls. For Leon, these new behaviors might not impact how he shoots them, but Grace can attempt to sneak around them by predicting their movements.
Picking up weapons in Resident Evil 9 and Leon’s hatchet
Alongside action that Director Koshi Nakanishi said was an evolution of the gameplay in Resident Evil 4 is a tantalizing new mechanic that allows Leon to pick up enemies weapons. As shown in the showcase trailer, Leon can equip a chainsaw to use against the hordes moving towards him. While the showcase didn’t reveal exactly how this new mechanic will work, it’s safe to assume this type of overpowered weapon will have limited usability.
Leon has also upgraded his kit for RE9, as instead of using a knife to parry enemy attacks, he’ll have a hatchet to utilize. This new gameplay element will allow Leon to approach enemies with different attacks than just guns and provides some gruesome finishers.
Grace’s gameplay, expanded
The balance of action and survival horror has been stressed in every trailer about Resident Evil 9, but the recent showcase expanded more on how that will impact Grace’s gameplay sections. Two major reveals were made for Grace, the foremost being that Grace will need to find ink ribbons in order to save the game, harkening back to an earlier era of Resident Evil.
The second reveal was that Grace will need to collect infected blood in order to craft, making it necessary to take down at least some zombies. She will have some sort of recipe that, when injected into a zombie, causes them to completely explode, so the extra effort may well be worth it.
Grace will also have access to “one symbolic weapon” that bears the same name as the game. This large caliber assault revolver only holds one shot, but was showcased completely obliterating two zombies at close range.
Cosmetics and upcoming merch
Near the end, the showcase revealed a deluxe edition of the game that includes fun new outfits for both Grace and Leon. One Grace outfit has her wearing the same costume as Resident Evil 8’s most iconic enemy, Lady Dimitrescu, which will likely be a fan favorite cosmetic.
On the physical merchandise side, a few exclusive items were revealed including limited edition watches by Hamilton. These two watches are based on the exact watches Grace and Leon wear in-game, and will be limited to 2,000 units.
New figures of Leon and Grace will also be available to purchase separately this fall, unfortunately separate from any sort of pre-order bonus.
