Why Capcom Starting Resident Evil 9 With A Protagonist We Never Met?

Capcom has officially confirmed that Resident Evil 9, now titled Resident Evil Requiem, will introduce an entirely new protagonist and take the series in a bold, narrative-driven direction. In a private message sent exclusively to Platinum-level Resident Evil Ambassadors, director Koshi Nakanishi revealed that the upcoming title will star Grace Ashcroft, a never-before-seen character who is set to redefine the survival horror experience.

Although the original message was only released in Japanese, translations have surfaced that confirm the legitimacy of this major reveal. Grace Ashcroft is not only the first brand-new solo protagonist in a mainline Resident Evil game since Ethan Winters in Resident Evil 7, but her presence signals a deliberate move toward a more personal and emotionally grounded horror experience.

According to Nakanishi, Grace's journey is deeply tied to the overarching Resident Evil lore, suggesting her story will be more than a side narrative. Instead, Requiem is expected to be a key piece of the franchise's future. One of the most interesting things that Nakanishi revealed was that the Raccoon Police Department was back. Many fans know the RPD from its famous role in Resident Evil 2, but the new version won't be set in the same place.

Instead, it's a new version of the place that was visited 30 years after Raccoon City was destroyed by a nuclear war. Legend has it that the ruins hold long-lost secrets related to the mysterious infection stories that have shaped the series. It's a creepy callback that should make you feel heavy emotions and cold memories.

Though longtime series mainstays like Leon S. Kennedy and Jill Valentine were not confirmed to be playable, fans shouldn't give up hope. Nakanishi noted that Grace would be the central character, but he left the door open for potential cameos or supporting appearances by legacy figures. Whether through documents, flashbacks, or in-person encounters, these fan favorites may reappear in some form. The game's narrative is designed to tie directly into the broader Resident Evil universe, which means anything — and anyone — could show up.

Nakanishi is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of Resident Evil. As the director behind Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, with a first-person perspective, he helped steer the franchise back to its roots in survival horror, redefining how the series delivers fear. He also helmed Resident Evil: Revelations, a fan-favorite spin-off known for its combination of action, suspense, and classic RE puzzle design. Now, with Requiem, he claims to be taking everything he's learned and applying it to what he considers his most ambitious project yet.

This new entry isn't just about scares. Nakanishi promises a more mature, immersive, and emotionally charged story — something that goes beyond the series' traditional zombie outbreak narratives. It is said that Grace's journey will look at personal trauma, fear of the unknown, and the mental toll of life. Setting the game in the wake of Raccoon City's destruction suggests a more post-apocalyptic setting, with new threats replacing old ones and horrors that had been buried for a long time finally emerging to the surface.

Gameplay details are still under wraps, but based on Nakanishi's development history, fans can likely expect a blend of atmospheric exploration, puzzle-solving, and tense combat. Whether Capcom opts to continue the first-person perspective seen in Resident Evil 7 and Village or returns to the third-person style popularized in the remakes remains to be seen. Some insiders believe that Requiem may feature a hybrid system that allows you to experience the story from different points of view, depending on the order.

There is also speculation that Resident Evil 7 and Village will share something in common with Requiem, forming a spiritual trio. While not directly confirmed, the structural and creative choices — including a new protagonist, deep character drama, and a focus on atmospheric horror — suggest a continuation of the tone and style introduced in those titles. If true, Requiem may be the final piece in Capcom's effort to modernize the Resident Evil franchise for a new generation.

Nakanishi is sure that Requiem will be better than both Resident Evil 7 and Revelations, which makes this news even more exciting. Considering how well those books did in both reviews and sales, that's a pretty big claim. Capcom sees this game as more than just another part of the series. They're selling it as a possible turning point—a new chapter for a brand that has already shown it can last.

Fans will be upset if Leon or Chris isn't playable, but the fact that Grace Ashcroft is there isn't something to ignore. When she appears, it could mark the beginning of a new era for Resident Evil, one that combines the emotional narratives of contemporary horror games with the series' history of suspense, mystery, and survival. This could be more than just a sequel, too, if Nakanishi's idea comes true. It could be the most frightening Resident Evil game ever.

There is no set date for when Resident Evil Requiem will be released yet, but early rumors suggest a late 2026 release. Fans will watch every trailer, look over every clue, and eagerly await the next scary step in Capcom's ever-growing horror world until then.