Capcom has shared new insights into Resident Evil Requiem, with director Koshi Nakanishi hinting at systems designed to increase replay value after players complete the main story. The comments were made during an interview with Famitsu, where Nakanishi discussed how the game handles interactions between its dual protagonists, Leon S. Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft, as well as what players can expect after reaching the ending.
When asked whether Leon and Grace can exchange items through the Item Box, Nakanishi confirmed that such a feature was considered but ultimately not implemented. “We haven’t implemented that,” he said. Instead, the game focuses on indirect interaction through shared environments. Nakanishi explained, “However, if you go to a place Leon explores later that Grace had previously explored, items she left behind might remain, or Leon might be able to defeat zombies that Grace didn’t kill. The interaction resulting from the two characters sharing the same space is one of the key points of this game.”
According to Nakanishi, the decision to avoid direct item sharing was driven by concerns over complexity. “We had the idea for exchanges through the Item Box, but we didn’t implement it because the information the player had to manage became too complex,” he said. He further elaborated that Resident Evil’s horror elements play a role in this choice, stating, “Even though Resident Evil has a lot of information, players often can’t process it well due to the fear or panic inherent in a horror game. Therefore, we adjusted in the direction of reducing the elements the player must manage.”
The interview also touched on content beyond the main story. When asked about end-game features, Nakanishi did not provide specific details but confirmed that additional systems are in place. “The Resident Evil series always prepares replay elements for after you finish the main story, and this time we have also prepared a system so you can play for a long time after finishing the game. Please look forward to it,” he said.
Given the game’s setting in and around Raccoon City, Nakanishi was also questioned about the possible return of familiar creatures from earlier entries. While stopping short of confirmation, he left the door open. “I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think the elements everyone is hoping for are non-existent,” he said.
As an additional clarification, Nakanishi noted that the demo does not take place directly within Raccoon City. “The area you played in the demo is not Raccoon City itself, but a sanatorium facility located nearby,” he explained, adding that the story will later move into the city itself.
Resident Evil Requiem is developed and published by Capcom and serves as the ninth mainline entry in the long-running survival horror series. Directed by Koshi Nakanishi and built on the RE Engine, the game follows FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft and veteran agent Leon S. Kennedy as they investigate a new biological outbreak set decades after Raccoon City’s destruction. Featuring a dual-protagonist structure, perspective switching, and a focus on shared spaces, the game is scheduled to launch on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, and Nintendo Switch 2.
