At Gamescom 2025, we had the chance to play Resident Evil Requiem for 25 minutes on PlayStation 5. The demo was short but intense, giving us a clear look at what makes this entry stand out: its new protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, and a chilling stalker enemy that left us shaken.

First-Person or Third-Person?

Resident Evil Requiem allows players to choose between first-person and third-person perspectives. We tried the recommended first-person view, and it turned out to be a decision we quickly regretted.

In this mode, you don’t see Grace on screen, which makes you more vulnerable to the game’s oppressive sound design. The background music swells at the right moments, her breathing grows faster as panic sets in, and every creak or bang raises tension. It’s an atmosphere that makes the horror far more personal and suffocating compared to third-person mode.

Grace Ashcroft – A Different Kind of Protagonist

Resident Evil Requiem follows Grace, who feels completely different from series veterans like Leon or Jill. Instead of standing her ground, she reacts with fear and panic whenever monsters appear. This makes the experience more terrifying because her emotions reflect back onto us.

Her vulnerability gives Requiem a distinct identity compared to Resident Evil 7 and Village. Where Ethan Winters felt oddly fearless, Grace feels fragile, and that fragility heightens every encounter.

The Stalker Enemy

The biggest source of dread in the demo came from a stalker-style monster. This enemy was massive, twisted in design, and accompanied by thunderous footsteps that echoed in the dark.

With only a lighter as our main light source, the chase sequences became nerve-wracking. We couldn’t fight back, only run and use environmental cues to survive. The monster’s weakness to light gave us some relief, but halfway through the demo, that safety vanished when the power went out. Darkness swallowed everything, and survival felt almost impossible.

Classic Exploration, Elevated Horror

Like previous entries, Resident Evil Requiem retains its exploration-driven gameplay. Players must search for clues, unlock paths, and gather tools while evading enemies.

Hints are cleverly placed, guiding you toward survival strategies like the light-based weakness. But Capcom twists that comfort by stripping it away later, forcing constant vigilance. The message is clear: in Requiem, there is no truly safe place.

First Impressions

The demo managed to trick us into feeling safe before tearing that security away. That cycle of comfort and fear kept us on edge throughout the 25-minute session. It’s an approach that works well and makes this entry feel fresh yet faithful to Resident Evil’s survival horror roots.

Capcom seems to be holding back on marketing, showing us only a glimpse of what’s to come. But if this short demo is any indication, Resident Evil Requiem could be one of the most terrifying entries yet.

During our short playthrough at Gamescom 2025, Resident Evil Requiem manages to deliver a frightening new perspective on survival horror, thanks to Grace Ashcroft’s vulnerability, an oppressive soundscape, and relentless stalker encounters.

For those who can’t wait for its release, Resident Evil Requiem will arrive on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. You can keep track of all the latest developments regarding the game through their official website.

Here’s our preview video if you’d like to take a look: