A new trailer for Resident Evil: Requiem, revealed during State of Play, has sparked discussion among fans regarding the possible return of a familiar character. This article details the information gleaned from the latest trailer.
Possible Return of Character “Sherry”
The speculation centers around a character with a short haircut briefly shown at the trailer’s finish. Many believe this character is Sherry Birkin, who has appeared in previous installments of the series.
Sherry first appeared as a young girl in Resident Evil 2. She later reappeared as an adult in Resident Evil 6, where she was a playable protagonist. The character also has a significant connection to Leon, the protagonist of Requiem.
Many fans are also wondering if other characters from the series, such as Ada Wong, will appear in the game. Developers have repeatedly been asked about this in interviews. For example, a similar question was posed at the Taipei Game Show, but developers avoided a direct answer, emphasizing that the game will focus on the two protagonists, Grace and Leon.
A Growing Threat to Leon
Developers have repeatedly stated that Leon will be pushed to his limits in Resident Evil: Requiem. The latest trailer shows Leon’s left hand turning black, which is believed to be the first stage of “Raccoon City Syndrome” (the official name is unknown). This detail suggests a potentially dire situation for the protagonist.
Other information suggesting a crisis for Leon includes:
- A large bruise (or wound) was observed on Leon’s neck during a cutscene in a demo last month.
- Dr. Victor Gideon, believed to be the main antagonist, seems aware of the mark on Leon’s neck.
- The trailer includes the line “Leon, we don’t have time,” though it’s unclear whether this refers to Leon specifically or the surrounding area.
Considering this information, it’s almost certain that Leon is in a life-or-death situation. The official program also mentioned that Leon has a secret, one that is connected to the death of Grace’s mother. Something called “Elpis” holds the key to this secret, and may be the source of the virus driving the game’s events, as suggested by the line “Elpis will be unleashed.”
Outbreak and Panic in the City
Footage of the game’s setting was previously released by NVIDIA, generating significant interest. The trailer now confirms that an outbreak is occurring in the city, showing people fleeing from zombies and Leon fighting alone to protect them.
The presence of moving cars suggests the outbreak is in its early stages. The illuminated city streets, combined with the zombies and survivors, create a unique and tense atmosphere.
A Mysterious, Ruined Raccoon City
The game is set in Raccoon City, a location central to the series, as revealed during the title announcement. Raccoon City is a ruin following a “sterilization” operation involving a bomb. The latest trailer features desolate streets and the entrance to the familiar police station.
The likely progression of events is as follows:
- Investigation of the deaths at the Wrenwood Hotel
The second trailer’s setting. The trailer also includes a scene of Grace traveling with her mother, though she died eight years prior in the game’s story, so this is likely a flashback. - Escape from the Rhodes Hill Sanatorium
The setting for the previous demo. The building is structured with the entrance in the center and buildings extending to the left and right. - Entry into Raccoon City
Leon visiting Raccoon City. The trailer gives the impression that Grace may also go to Raccoon City, but it’s unclear whether she will accompany Leon.
The outbreak portion likely occurs before Leon enters Raccoon City. Despite the screenshots of the police station released previously, little information about the game’s depiction of Raccoon City has been revealed. This could be to preserve player discovery or hint at a larger mystery.
The trailer also shows a hall with benches and a church-like location, which evokes memories of the clock tower in Resident Evil RE:3, where internal exploration was cut. Fans will be hoping for the return of other locations from past games, beyond the police station.
Sniper Sections and Dash Kicks Revealed
The trailer also showcased Leon sniping enemies from a distance. Resident Evil RE:4 featured a similar mechanic where players could support Ashley with a sniper rifle. This suggests a similar dynamic with Grace or other characters in Requiem. A new melee attack shows Leon dashing forward to kick zombies, promising fast-paced combat.
Enemies include zombies wielding axes, similar to Leon. Zombies dropping axes suggest that Leon will be able to pick them up and use them. The previous demo showed Leon picking up a dropped axe and throwing it. Developers have also discussed their dedication to the chainsaw segment in past interviews, so more details can be found in the Taipei Game Show 2026 event report.
Recent Resident Evil games have traditionally released demos before launch, a trend seen across Capcom’s titles. Despite three major presentations – the Capcom Official Showcase, Nintendo Direct, and State of Play – a demo for Requiem has not yet been announced. It remains to be seen whether a demo will be released, and if so, when.
Resident Evil: Requiem is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, for PS5/Xbox Series X|S/Nintendo Switch 2/PC (Steam). Links to related content are below.
