Resident Evil Requiem Brings Full Ray Tracing and Path Tracing to PC: Everything You Need to Know

Survival horror fans have reason to celebrate as Capcom has officially announced that Resident Evil Requiem will not only push the franchise forward in storytelling but also in graphical fidelity. Powered by the RE Engine, this highly anticipated title will be the first Resident Evil game to feature full Ray Tracing and Path Tracing on PC, along with NVIDIA DLSS 4 support from day one. For fans of the series and PC gamers alike, this marks a massive step forward in both performance and visual realism.

A New Chapter in Survival Horror

Unlike the multiplayer-focused experiments that we’ve seen in the past, Resident Evil Requiem stays true to the series’ roots with a single-player survival horror campaign. Players will step into the role of Grace Ashcroft, a brand-new protagonist in the Resident Evil universe. Grace’s journey is not just about survival—it’s about confronting terror on both a physical and psychological level.

The developers have emphasized that the guiding theme of this entry is “addictive fear.” In practice, this means that the game will constantly keep players on edge, balancing moments of silence and suspense with sudden bursts of chaos. Grace will not only fight horrifying enemies but also struggle with her own inner demons, learning to conquer fear as part of her character progression.

Returning to Raccoon City

The story of Resident Evil Requiem takes place 30 years after the catastrophic missile strike on Raccoon City, an event that has become a cornerstone of the franchise’s lore. By revisiting the iconic city, Capcom aims to bring long-time fans back to the place where the nightmare began. The developers have explained that Raccoon City and the Umbrella Corporation are inseparable elements of the Resident Evil identity, making it the perfect setting for this new chapter.

This return isn’t just a nostalgic trip. The narrative will build on the legacy of the past while introducing new mysteries, horrors, and revelations. For fans who have followed the series since the original Resident Evil in 1996, this promises to be both a chilling and emotional experience.

Cutting-Edge Technology: Ray Tracing and Path Tracing

One of the biggest highlights of Resident Evil Requiem is its groundbreaking use of Ray Tracing and Path Tracing on PC. Ray Tracing has already become a popular feature in modern games, improving reflections, shadows, and lighting to create a more lifelike atmosphere. Path Tracing, however, goes a step further, simulating how light actually travels in the real world.

Previous Resident Evil titles sometimes suffered from visual problems, particularly noisy reflections and unrealistic lighting in dark areas. With Path Tracing, those issues will be eliminated, resulting in clean, cinematic visuals. This means that shadowy environments, abandoned hallways, and dimly lit streets will feel even more terrifying, pulling players deeper into the atmosphere of horror.

Capcom has also confirmed that the game will fully support NVIDIA DLSS 4, ensuring that players with supported hardware can enjoy these visual improvements without compromising performance. For many fans, this combination of cutting-edge graphics and smooth performance is a dream come true.

Comparisons with Other Titles

While Capcom’s other highly anticipated title, Pragmata, will include Ray Tracing and DLSS 4, it will not feature Path Tracing. This makes Resident Evil Requiem the only RE Engine game to fully embrace Path Tracing for now.

NVIDIA also shared a list of other major PC games that will include these technologies. Titles such as Phantom Blade Zero, The Outer Worlds 2, and Cronos: The New Dawn will support Ray Tracing and DLSS 4, while Directive 8020 will be the next game to adopt full Path Tracing.

This positions Resident Evil Requiem as a true benchmark title for PC gaming in 2026, not only for its gameplay but also for its visual standards.

Addressing Past Criticisms

Many players were disappointed by the visuals of Monster Hunter Wilds, particularly in areas with heavy shadows and inconsistent lighting. Capcom seems to have taken that feedback seriously, ensuring that Resident Evil Requiem avoids the same pitfalls. With improved global illumination (GI) through Path Tracing, environments will now look consistent and realistic, even in complex lighting scenarios.

The developers want players to feel fully immersed—whether they’re exploring a ruined street in Raccoon City, investigating a creepy abandoned building, or running for their lives from a grotesque bio-organic weapon. Every detail, from reflections on broken glass to flickering street lamps, will contribute to the fear factor.

Release Date and What to Expect

Capcom has officially announced that Resident Evil Requiem will release worldwide on February 27, 2026. While the exact PC system requirements have not yet been revealed, it’s safe to assume that gamers will need a powerful rig to experience the game at its fullest potential, especially with Path Tracing enabled. More details on recommended specs are expected as we get closer to launch.

For now, fans can look forward to a survival horror game that blends the best of classic Resident Evil storytelling with the latest in next-generation graphics technology. With a strong protagonist, a terrifying return to Raccoon City, and visuals that set a new industry standard, Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of 2026.

Final Thoughts

The Resident Evil franchise has always been about evolution—finding new ways to terrify players while staying true to its horror roots. With Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom is not only delivering a gripping story but also redefining how horror looks and feels on PC.

If the promises hold true, this will be a game that doesn’t just scare you—it immerses you in fear itself. And with its release date locked for early 2026, the wait for fans has already begun.