Resident Evil Requiem has set a new benchmark for the franchise on PC, surpassing 260K concurrent players on Steam at launch. According to SteamDB data, the ninth mainline installment peaked at approximately 266K concurrent users within 30 minutes of going live on February 27, 2026. This marks the highest Steam concurrent player count ever recorded for a Resident Evil title.
The previous record was held by the Resident Evil 4 remake, which reached a peak of 168K concurrent players in early 2023. Before that, Resident Evil Village led the series with 106K concurrent users at launch in 2021. Other major entries, including the Resident Evil 2 remake and Resident Evil 3, peaked at 74K and 60K players, respectively. The data reflects a consistent upward trajectory for the franchise’s major releases on Valve’s platform, particularly for high-profile remakes and mainline entries.
Resident Evil Requiem’s launch performance not only eclipsed its predecessors but also positioned it among the most played titles on Steam at the time of release. The surge occurred despite a launch window that required late-night or early morning access for many Western players. Strong pre-order momentum and favorable timing for the Japanese PC market contributed to the rapid rise in player numbers.
The Resident Evil series has sold 183 million units globally as of early 2026, reinforcing its status as Capcom’s most commercially successful franchise. On Steam specifically, core entries have consistently outperformed spin-offs such as Resistance and Verse, which struggled to maintain significant player bases. In contrast, mainline releases continue to generate substantial engagement at launch.
Resident Evil Requiem, also referred to as Resident Evil 9, features dual protagonists Leon S. Kennedy and FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft. Developed using the RE Engine, the game allows players to switch freely between first-person and third-person perspectives. Set against the backdrop of Raccoon City’s ruins, the story follows Grace’s investigation into her mother’s death alongside Leon’s pursuit of related biological threats. With its record-breaking Steam debut, the latest entry demonstrates that demand for Capcom’s survival horror series remains exceptionally strong.
