Resident Evil Requiem has officially made history. Just days after launch, the latest entry in Capcom’s long-running survival horror franchise has secured the highest user review score in the series on Metacritic, surpassing a benchmark that stood for nearly two decades.

Released on February 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, the ninth mainline installment has quickly become a critical and commercial success. With widespread praise directed at its balance of survival horror tension and high-octane action, Resident Evil Requiem is already being hailed by many players as one of the strongest entries in franchise history.

Breaking Resident Evil 4’s Longstanding Record

For years, Resident Evil 4 held the crown as the highest user-rated game in the franchise, boasting a 9.1 user score on Metacritic. That title not only redefined the survival horror genre in 2005 but also set a standard that few subsequent entries managed to eclipse.

Now, Resident Evil Requiem has overtaken that legacy with an impressive 9.5 user score based on more than 3,000 reviews. It also surpasses other fan-favorite entries such as the Resident Evil 4 and the Resident Evil, both of which sit at a strong 8.9 user rating.

While user scores can fluctuate over time as more players submit reviews, the early momentum behind Requiem is undeniable. The overwhelmingly positive reception suggests that Capcom has once again found the formula that resonates with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

A Blend of Horror and Action That Resonates

One of the defining features of Resident Evil Requiem is its dual-protagonist structure. Players alternate between Leon and newcomer Grace Ashcroft, each offering distinct gameplay experiences. Leon’s campaign leans into refined action mechanics, while Grace’s sequences emphasize vulnerability, exploration, and psychological horror.

Some players have noted that the tonal shift between the two campaigns can feel abrupt. However, for many, this contrast is precisely what gives Requiem its identity. It successfully merges the claustrophobic dread reminiscent of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard with the cinematic combat pacing popularized by Resident Evil 4.

The result is a cohesive experience that honors the franchise’s roots while embracing modern design sensibilities.

Strong Steam Performance and Player Engagement

Beyond review scores, Resident Evil Requiem has also delivered remarkable performance metrics on PC. During its launch weekend, the game peaked at over 344,000 concurrent players on Steam. For a single-player survival horror title, this figure is exceptional and significantly surpasses the previous franchise record of approximately 168,000 concurrent players set by the 2023 Resident Evil 4 remake.

Additionally, the game currently holds an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, based on tens of thousands of user reviews. This level of engagement signals more than launch hype; it reflects sustained enthusiasm within the community.

Capcom’s Remarkable Franchise Momentum

Capcom’s recent trajectory with the Resident Evil brand has been nothing short of impressive. The modern resurgence began with Resident Evil 7 in 2017, which re-centered the franchise on intimate horror and methodical pacing. Since then, the company has delivered multiple critically acclaimed remakes and the commercially successful Resident Evil Village.

Resident Evil Requiem now builds upon that foundation. Nearly 30 years after the series first defined console survival horror, Capcom continues to refine and evolve the formula. If early reception is any indication, Requiem may not only stand as a franchise high point but also as one of the defining horror games of this generation.

As more reviews come in, its record-setting user score may shift. For now, however, Resident Evil Requiem sits at the top of its storied legacy, proving that even after decades of sequels, reinvention remains possible.