The Biggest Horror Game of 2026
Resident Evil Requiem launched on February 27, 2026, and immediately became one of the most talked-about games of the year. It sold five million copies in just five days, earned a Metacritic score of 92, and has 96% positive reviews on Steam.
It's the ninth main Resident Evil game and the first to feature both Grace Ashcroft — a new FBI analyst protagonist — and the legendary Leon S. Kennedy together in one story.
What Is Resident Evil Requiem?
RE Requiem is a single-player survival horror game set in October 2026, 28 years after the destruction of Raccoon City.
You play as both Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy, alternating between their perspectives. Grace's sections are first-person survival horror — tense, scary, focused on evasion. Leon's sections are third-person action, similar to Resident Evil 4.
The story follows a mysterious string of deaths connected to Raccoon City survivors, pulling both characters into a conspiracy that forces them to confront their pasts.
What Critics Are Saying
The reception has been outstanding across the board. Critics praised the balance between survival horror and action gameplay, the dark atmospheric tone, and the emotional story. The Nintendo Switch 2 version also launched day one.
Some reviewers noted mixed pacing in certain sections, but the overall consensus is clear: this is one of the best Resident Evil games ever made.
Player reviews echo the critics — 96% positive on Steam, with players calling it "one of the best RE games" and "a truly immersive experience."
How Long Is It?
Resident Evil Requiem is a single-player story game, which means it has a definitive end. Based on early reports, the main story takes approximately 15-20 hours, making it substantial but completable in a week of regular play.
This is actually great news for backlog hunters — it's a game you can start and finish, which is exactly what a well-managed Steam library needs.
Should You Play It Now?
Play it immediately if:
- You're a Resident Evil fan who has been waiting for this
- You enjoy story-driven single-player games
- You want a game you can actually finish and remove from your backlog
- You haven't played RE7 or RE Village yet — play those first for context
- You're in the middle of another long game
- You want to wait for a potential sale
The Backlog Angle
Unlike multiplayer games that require ongoing time investment, RE Requiem is a story game with a clear beginning and end. That makes it perfect for backlog management — you can start it, commit to it, and finish it.
If it's sitting in your library unplayed, move it to the top of your queue. The story is best experienced now while it's fresh and spoiler-free.
Use Backlog Coach to figure out the perfect time to start it based on what else you're currently playing.