Key Highlights
- Resident Evil Requiem is set to release on February 27, 2026.
- The game returns to the iconic city of Raccoon City and features two main characters.
- To better understand the story, players should revisit earlier Resident Evil games that are set in Raccoon City or feature key characters.
- These include Resident Evil (1996), Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019), and Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023).
The Legacy of Raccoon City: A Game-Changing Series
Resident Evil, the iconic survival horror franchise by Capcom, has been a cornerstone in gaming history since its debut in 1996. As the series prepares to return with Resident Evil Requiem, set for release on February 27, 2026, it’s crucial for players to revisit earlier entries that have laid the groundwork for this new installment.
Key Games to Play Before Requiem
The most important Resident Evil games to play before Requiem are those set in Raccoon City and those featuring key characters such as Leon S. Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft. These titles provide essential context for the new game’s narrative and gameplay mechanics.
Raccoon City and Leon S. Kennedy
The first Resident Evil (1996) is a must-play, especially through its HD Remaster version available on modern platforms. This game introduces players to the T-Virus outbreak at the Spencer Mansion, setting the stage for what happens in Raccoon City. Similarly, Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019) is an absolute must-play from Leon’s perspective. This game marks his debut as a rookie cop in Raccoon City, just after the original game’s events when the virus begins to spread.
Grace Ashcroft’s Background
To understand Grace Ashcroft, players should explore Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020), which shows the final destruction of Raccoon City. While not as crucial for understanding the main events of Requiem, this game still provides valuable background on the city’s condition and key characters.
Additional Recommendations
The Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) is another must-play title, starring Leon again but set a few years after Raccoon City. This game not only offers more depth to Leon’s character development but also stands on its own as an excellent standalone entry in the series.
Optional Titles
Set fifteen years after Raccoon City, Resident Evil 6 brings back Leon and features a story that isn’t crucial for Requiem. However, if you have time and interest, it might be worth playing to catch up on the wider Resident Evil universe.
Closing Thoughts
While Resident Evil 7 (2017) and Village (2021) may offer connections or references, they are not essential for understanding Requiem. If you want to be a completist, it’s worth checking them out, but if time is limited, focus on the earlier titles that set up Raccoon City’s legacy.
With these recommendations, players can prepare thoroughly for Resident Evil Requiem, ensuring they are fully immersed in the rich and terrifying world of Raccoon City. Until February 27, get ready to face the T-Virus once again!
