Resident Evil Requiem Leaks Early: Physical Copies Surface Before Official Launch
In a development that has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, copies of Resident Evil Requiem have emerged in the wild more than a week ahead of its scheduled launch date. This early leak threatens to spoil the highly-anticipated game for fans eagerly awaiting its release.
Physical Copies and Gameplay Videos Circulate Online
Photographic evidence, which has since been removed from various platforms, has confirmed that physical copies of Resident Evil Requiem are already in circulation. Additionally, gameplay videos have been shared online, reportedly clipped from a Twitch stream that has been swiftly taken down. While the stream's evidence has disappeared, it is clear that some copies have leaked early to the public.
Capcom's successor to Resident Evil Village, featuring new protagonist Grace Ashcrof alongside returning fan-favorite Leon S. Kennedy, is officially set to launch on February 27, 2026. However, this leak follows a troubling tradition in the gaming industry where highly-anticipated titles often find their way into players' hands prematurely.
Leaker Confirms Early Store Sales
Resident Evil leaker Dusk Golem, who previously revealed Leon's presence in Resident Evil Requiem months ago, has personally verified that at least one individual purchased the game from a store selling early copies. In a series of posts on X, the leaker stated: "I can personally verify there is at least one person out there who bought Resident Evil Requiem from a store selling early."
The leaker added: "I will say this is likely your last chance to go on blackout for Resident Evil Requiem leaks. Nothing major has leaked yet, I believe some of what's floating around is fake... but what's out there will only increase. Game is 100% in the wild right now, so really if you want to dip from spoilers, now's the time to do so."
How to Avoid Spoilers
For gamers determined to experience Resident Evil Requiem without spoilers, experts recommend several protective measures:
- Mute all keywords related to "Resident Evil" or "Requiem" on social media platforms
- Avoid gaming forums and discussion boards until after launch
- Consider a temporary digital detox to prevent accidental exposure
While these measures might seem extreme, with nine days remaining until the official launch, they represent the most effective way to preserve the game's surprises and narrative twists.
Industry-Wide Leak Problem Persists
This incident highlights a persistent issue across the gaming industry where publishers struggle to prevent early access. Despite technological capabilities that could restrict online play before launch dates—similar to whitelisting systems used for review copies—these measures are rarely implemented consistently.
It remains uncertain whether console manufacturers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo could enforce stricter controls, but historically they have not prioritized this even for their own exclusive titles, let alone third-party games like Resident Evil Requiem.
Anticipation Remains High Despite Leaks
Based on preview sessions, Resident Evil Requiem continues to generate significant excitement as a potentially strong entry in the legendary survival horror series. The game is scheduled for simultaneous release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, marking a day-one launch across all major platforms.
As the gaming community braces for potential spoilers, the fundamental appeal of Resident Evil Requiem appears undiminished. The combination of a new protagonist, returning characters, and Capcom's signature horror elements promises an experience that many fans will want to discover firsthand rather than through leaked fragments.
The coming days will test both Capcom's damage control measures and the gaming community's discipline in avoiding spoilers as the countdown to February 27 continues.
