Capcom has officially confirmed that Resident Evil Requiem—the ninth mainline entry in the iconic survival horror franchise—has abandoned its early multiplayer-focused development direction. The decision, revealed in developer interviews and a behind-the-scenes diary, shifts the game’s focus entirely to a solo experience, aligning with fan expectations and the series’ core identity. Set to launch on February 27, 2026, the title now prioritizes the tense, atmospheric storytelling that defined Resident Evil’s legacy, while retaining select creative elements from its scrapped multiplayer concepts.
The Axed Multiplayer Vision: From Open World to Solo Focus
Early in Requiem’s six-year development cycle, Capcom’s Division 1 studio experimented with an ambitious open-world design paired with online multiplayer functionality . Director Koshi Nakanishi acknowledged the exploratory phase, noting rumors of an “online Resident Evil” were rooted in genuine development trials . Producer Masato Kuma added that the team initially aimed to craft a “lighter, more fun” horror experience through cooperative play, hoping to expand the franchise’s appeal beyond its core audience.
This direction marked a significant departure from the series’ single-player roots, but it was short-lived. After months of testing and community feedback analysis, the team opted to abandon full multiplayer integration. The pivot was driven by two key factors: a recognition that multiplayer conflicted with the franchise’s signature tension, and lessons learned from the underwhelming player retention of Resident Evil 3 Remake’s Resistance mode . “It wasn’t what fans wanted to see or play,” Nakanishi stated, emphasizing the team’s commitment to honoring the series’ survival horror core.
What Remains of the Multiplayer Concept?
While full multiplayer support is off the table, Capcom hasn’t discarded all ideas from the early development phase. Kuma confirmed that “residual elements” from the multiplayer experiments have been integrated into the single-player experience, though the studio has kept specific details under wraps to preserve mystery . These elements are not expected to introduce cooperative or competitive gameplay, but rather to enhance the solo journey—potentially through environmental design, resource dynamics, or narrative beats that echo the original multiplayer vision.
The decision to repurpose rather than discard these ideas reflects Capcom’s desire to balance innovation with tradition. By focusing on solo play, the team can double down on the tension and immersion that define Resident Evil, while still leveraging creative work from the game’s early years.
Core Gameplay & Release Details: Return to Survival Horror Roots
With multiplayer scrapped, Requiem leans into classic Resident Evil mechanics elevated by Capcom’s RE Engine. The game features a story-driven campaign following FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, who investigates a mysterious outbreak in an abandoned hotel—uncovering connections to her mother’s death and the hidden truths of the Raccoon City disaster . Players will navigate tense environments, solve puzzles, and manage limited resources, with the ability to switch freely between first and third-person perspectives to suit their playstyle.
Technically, the title promises cutting-edge visuals, including stable 60fps performance and full ray tracing on PS5 Pro, while the Nintendo Switch 2 version utilizes an scalable porting architecture to maintain quality . It will launch across PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2—with the latter receiving a bundled release alongside Resident Evil 7 Biohazard and Resident Evil Village . Pre-orders are now open, with standard and deluxe editions priced at $59.99 and $69.99 respectively (348 RMB and 398 RMB in China), and Epic Games Store pre-purchases include exclusive Grace skins and Fortnite in-game items.
Fan & Market Reaction: A Return to Form
The cancellation of multiplayer has drawn mixed but largely positive responses from the Resident Evil community. Core fans have praised Capcom’s commitment to the series’ survival horror identity, arguing that multiplayer would dilute the franchise’s signature tension and narrative focus . Critics of the decision, however, expressed disappointment at the loss of potential cooperative gameplay, though their voices have been overshadowed by broader enthusiasm for a return to solo-focused horror.
Industry analysts note the move aligns with Capcom’s recent strategy of leaning into franchise strengths—following the success of Resident Evil 4 Remake and Village, both of which prioritized single-player experiences. The decision also mitigates risk, avoiding the pitfalls of multiplayer modes that fail to resonate with a series’ established fanbase.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Survival Horror
Resident Evil Requiem’s pivot to single-player signals Capcom’s confidence in the franchise’s core formula. With four Gamescom 2025 awards already under its belt , the title is positioned to reinvigorate the series while honoring its roots. The integration of repurposed multiplayer elements teases subtle innovation, while the return to Raccoon City-adjacent lore and classic survival mechanics promises nostalgia for long-time fans.
As launch approaches, Capcom continues to release teasers highlighting the game’s psychological horror themes, dynamic perspective switching, and technical prowess. For fans eager to revisit the franchise’s terrifying origins—without the distraction of multiplayer—Requiem is shaping up to be a triumphant return to form.