The next major chapter in Capcom’s legendary survival horror series is on the horizon, and anticipation for Resident Evil: Requiem is reaching a fever pitch. Whether you’re a series veteran or jumping into the nightmare for the first time, you probably have questions about how to get ready. From catching up on the story to securing a spot in the demo, this guide covers everything you need to know before launch day.
Below, we’ll walk you through the essential games to play, how to access the gameplay demo, what to expect on Steam Deck, and when you might be able to preorder that coveted Collector’s Edition. Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared for what’s coming.
Which Resident Evil Games Should You Play Before Requiem?
One of the most common questions surrounding any new Resident Evil release is whether you need to have played previous entries. The short answer is no, Capcom designs each mainline game to be welcoming to newcomers, but there’s no denying that the story becomes richer when you understand the context. Requiem appears to be a direct follow-up to the recent Winters saga and will likely reference events from several other titles. Here’s how to prioritize your playtime.
The Must-Play Titles
If you only have time for a couple of games, these two are absolutely essential:
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – This soft reboot introduced Ethan Winters, the unfortunate everyman who just wants to rescue his wife. The first-person perspective, the Baker family, and the mysterious Mold all set the stage for the current storyline. It’s the starting point for the modern narrative and will almost certainly be referenced in Requiem.
- Resident Evil Village – A direct sequel to RE7, Village follows Ethan as he searches for his kidnapped daughter in a remote European village ruled by four mutant lords and the towering Mother Miranda. The game explains the origins of the Mold and closes the book on Ethan’ story… or does it? The ending, along with the Shadows of Rose DLC, strongly hints at what’s to come.
Expanding Your Knowledge
If you want to go deeper into the lore, these games provide important background and are worth your time:
- Resident Evil 4 (Remake) – A masterpiece in its own right, this remake introduces the Las Plagas parasites, which seem to have connections to the Mold. The recent Separate Ways DLC also teases elements that might tie into the new game.
- Resident Evil 5 – While it focuses on bioterrorism in Africa, RE5 dives into the origins of the Progenitor virus and features recurring villains like Albert Wesker. Understanding the wider viral arms race can only help your appreciation of Requiem.
- Resident Evil 6 – Not a fan favorite, but it does set up the global state of bioterrorism and the formation of the BSAA’s countermeasures. Play it if you’re a completionist.
- Resident Evil Revelations 1 & 2 – These episodes fill gaps between the numbered entries and explore characters like Jill Valentine, Barry Burton, and Alex Wesker. Their impact on the main story is subtle but significant.
Do You Need to Play All of Them?
Absolutely not. Requiem will be designed to stand on its own, and you’ll be able to enjoy the action without any prior knowledge. However, playing RE7 and Village will give you a deep emotional connection to the characters and a solid grasp of the world’s current state. Think of it like watching the Avengers without seeing the individual hero movies—it still works, but the full picture is more rewarding.
How to Access the Resident Evil: Requiem Gameplay Demo
Capcom often releases a playable demo ahead of the full launch, and Requiem is no exception. Getting your hands on it is usually straightforward, but there are a few things to watch out for.
Downloading the Demo
Once the demo becomes available, follow these steps:
- On your platform of choice (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam), navigate to the store page for Resident Evil: Requiem.
- Look for a separate “Demo” listing. Sometimes it’s a distinct product; other times, it appears as a download option on the game’s main page.
- Click “Download” or “Add to Library.”
- Once installed, launch the demo from your library. Note that some demos have time limits or limited access windows, so act quickly.
Troubleshooting Preload Installation Failures
If you’ve preordered the game and are trying to preload it, you might encounter an error where the download refuses to start or gets stuck. Here are some solutions:
- Check your storage. Ensure you have enough free space—modern AAA games often require over 100GB.
- Restart your console or PC. A simple reboot can clear temporary caches that interfere with downloads.
- Sign out and back in. On Steam, for example, logging out of your account and logging back in can refresh your license.
- Clear the download cache. On Steam: Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache. On consoles, a hard reset (holding the power button for 10 seconds) often resolves similar issues.
- Check network restrictions. Sometimes firewalls or ISP throttling block large downloads. Try switching to a mobile hotspot temporarily to rule this out.
- Verify game files. If the download completes but the game won’t launch, use the platform’s “verify integrity” feature.
If all else fails, cancel the preload and try again later. Server congestion on launch eve is also a common culprit.
Resident Evil: Requiem on Steam Deck: Will It Work?
With the Steam Deck’s growing popularity, many players want to take the horror on the go. The good news is that most RE Engine games run reasonably well on the Deck, but there are caveats.
Compatibility and Official Support
Capcom has not yet announced official Steam Deck verification for Requiem. However, based on the performance of Resident Evil Village and the RE4 Remake, it’s very likely the game will be playable. Village is marked as “Playable” rather than “Verified,” meaning you may need to tweak settings or contend with small text. Expect a similar situation here.
Expected Performance
We can make an educated guess about how Requiem will run by looking at its predecessors:
- Resident Evil Village: Averaging 40-50 FPS on low-medium settings with FSR enabled. Drops to mid-30s during intensive scenes.
- Resident Evil 4 Remake: A bit more demanding but still manageable; expect 30-45 FPS with compromises.
Requiem is likely built on an upgraded RE Engine, so performance could be slightly worse unless Capcom optimizes specifically for the Deck. For a smooth experience, you might need to run at 720p with all settings on low, FSR on “Performance,” and lock the framerate to 30 FPS. Streaming from a powerful desktop PC via Steam Remote Play or Moonlight is always an option if you demand higher fidelity.
Resident Evil: Requiem Collector’s Edition Preorder Details
Many fans are eager to secure the physical Collector’s Edition, which typically includes a statue, artbook, steelbook, and other goodies. As of this writing, Capcom has not revealed any details about a Requiem Collector’s Edition or opened preorders. Historically, special editions are announced during major events like a PlayStation State of Play or a dedicated Resident Evil showcase, usually a few months before launch. Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Follow official channels. Keep an eye on the official Resident Evil Twitter account, Capcom’s blog, and the game’s website.
- Sign up for retailer notifications. Create accounts at GameStop, Best Buy, Amazon, and GAME (UK) and enable stock alerts for “Resident Evil Requiem Collector’s Edition.”
- Act fast. When preorders go live, they often sell out within minutes. Have your payment details ready and consider using apps like HotStock for immediate alerts.
We’ll update this guide once official preorder information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which games do I need to play before Resident Evil: Requiem?
At a minimum, we recommend playing Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Village. These two games establish the Winters family story that Requiem will likely continue. For broader lore, add the Resident Evil 4 Remake and consider RE5 and the Revelations series.
Can I play Retro Realms without knowing older Resident Evil games?
Yes, Requiem is designed to be accessible on its own. However, you’ll miss emotional weight and narrative nuance that comes from experiencing the earlier adventures.
How do I get the Resident Evil: Requiem demo?
When the demo is released, visit the store page on your platform (PS5, Xbox, Steam), find the separate Demo listing, and download it. Some demos may require a preorder or have limited access windows, so check the official announcement for specifics.
Why isn’t the Resident Evil: Requiem preload installing?
Common fixes include: ensuring you have enough free storage space, restarting your device, clearing your download cache, and checking for network issues. Try canceling and reinitiating the download. If problems persist, contact your platform’s support.
Can I play Resident Evil: Requiem on Steam Deck?
Officially unconfirmed, but based on the performance of similar RE Engine titles, it will likely be playable with graphical compromises. Expect to lower settings, enable FSR, and lock to 30 FPS for a stable experience.
How well will Resident Evil: Requiem run on Steam Deck?
Performance will probably mirror Resident Evil Village: around 30–45 FPS on low settings with FSR. The final result depends on Capcom’s optimization and the specific model of Steam Deck you own.
When will Resident Evil: Requiem Collector’s Edition preorders be available?
There is no official date yet. Announcements typically happen a few months before the game’s release. Watch Capcom’s social media channels and major retailer websites for the latest updates.
Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the release of Resident Evil: Requiem. With any luck, we’ll all be facing our fears together sooner rather than later.
