Resident Evil Requiem Multiplayer Mode Still Remains in the Final Version

Capcom apparently almost took the Resident Evil franchise in a quite different direction — an open world online multiplayer title — before finally pulling the brakes and returning Requiem to its survival horror roots. From the producer Masato Kumazawa’s account, remnants of the multiplayer concept did not completely disappear; some of the ideas were apparently inserted into the final version to be released in early 2026.

From open world multiplayer to single-player experience

During six years of development, the team experimented with a more open and multiplayer-oriented design. According to Kumazawa, the early prototype was indeed fun, but the big problem that arose was: the scary sensation that is the core of the series was reduced. Worried that longtime fans would not be satisfied, Capcom decided to refocus on the traditional single-player experience — but without discarding everything that had been worked on in the multiplayer prototype.

Kumazawa said that although the original multiplayer aspect was abandoned, some elements from that version were “carried over” to Requiem. He did not disclose the technical details that were absorbed, only giving a vague hint that the transition left a mark on the current game design.

Horror as the main priority

One of the messages emphasized by the team is the return of focus on horror. After several previous series entries were seen as “too action-oriented,” the development team listened to fan feedback and brought back deep survival horror elements. Capcom had previously hinted at ideas to make Requiem scarier, and some of those concepts are indeed present — including new enemy designs that behave as stalkers lurking around the protagonist, Grace Ashcroft.

Although there are action moments — according to Kumazawa, they serve as tension breakers so that the next horror parts feel more surprising — the core experience still aims to make players feel fear, not just reflex competition. This became the basis for the decision to reduce multiplayer ambitions to maintain the horror atmosphere.

Monsters, surprises, and possible names to appear

Information already shared shows several stalker-style monsters that will increase tension when players control Grace Ashcroft. Additionally, news about small action elements has sparked speculation — such as the possible appearance of popular characters (for example Leon Kennedy) for brief action segments — although there is no official confirmation about the involvement of certain characters.

Resident Evil Requiem was born from a major experiment: an open world multiplayer trial that was ultimately compromised to preserve the series identity. The planned early 2026 release raises high anticipation, especially because Capcom seems to be trying to balance modern gameplay excitement with fans’ need for intense survival horror. From Masato Kumazawa’s words, players can expect a more thrilling experience, with some multiplayer ideas transformed into material to enrich the atmosphere — not to change the soul of the game itself.