Ahead of the February 27 release of Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom has sent out a promotional steel briefcase that provides a tangible look into the game’s story and setting. The case arrived wrapped in yellow “Police Line Do Not Cross” tape and featured a sticker reading, “Requiem for the dead. Nightmare for the living.” Its contents reveal a combination of narrative teasers and collectible items, designed to immerse fans in the events leading up to the latest entry in the long-running franchise.
The interior lid of the briefcase features a newspaper-like article about Raccoon City. The text repeats across the page in a way reminiscent of placeholder content but contains references to the 1998 viral outbreak that devastated the city. The article mentions unnamed survivors reflecting on the incident 30 years later and notes that the city’s lockdown, originally set to end in 2026, is now extended to 2040. It also touches on Umbrella Corporation’s responsibility, local police responses, and the missile strike sterilization of the city, though many details remain intentionally obscured.
Collectibles and Themed Items
Underneath the newspaper, the briefcase contains several nested items connected to the game’s lore. One of the first items encountered is a six-page children’s book called Shadow Ghost by Harriett Jones. The book introduces a shadowy figure hiding in the dark, with a final message in red ink reading, “Stay in the light!” Fans also discovered a framed Cherub Key numbered 65 of 190, a flashlight and blacklight combination, and a brass lighter engraved with a building and the year 1966 labeled “authorized access only.”
An evidence bag, purportedly submitted by the FBI, contains a torn page depicting a demolished town and a note suggesting that some stories and truths were deliberately buried. A metal plate with in-game screenshots showing Leon driving a Porsche, along with a photograph of protagonists Leon and Grace, further links the physical items to events in the upcoming game. When the included blacklight is used, a handwritten message appears: “Truth changes things,” hinting at the hidden narrative threads players will encounter.
Setting the Stage for the Game
The steel briefcase functions as both a collectible and a narrative device. By combining physical items with cryptic notes, Capcom provides context for the events of Resident Evil Requiem while reinforcing the franchise’s themes of secrecy, viral outbreaks, and the long-lasting consequences of past incidents. For fans, the briefcase offers an early connection to the story, encouraging a deeper understanding of the world before the game launches.
Source: Brian Crecente, Contributor at Epic Games
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Resident Evil Requiem releasing?
Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026.
What is inside the promotional steel briefcase?
The briefcase contains a newspaper-style article, a children’s book titled Shadow Ghost, a framed Cherub Key, a flashlight/blacklight combo, a brass lighter, an evidence bag, and a metal plate with in-game screenshots.
What is the Cherub Key in Resident Evil Requiem?
The Cherub Key is a collectible item included in the promotional briefcase, numbered 65 of 190, and tied to the game’s narrative and lore.
What story elements are revealed in the briefcase?
The items hint at the aftermath of the 1998 Raccoon City outbreak, the extended city lockdown, Umbrella Corporation’s role, and a broader narrative about buried truths and unresolved events.
How does the blacklight affect the briefcase items?
Using the included blacklight reveals a hidden handwritten message: “Truth changes things,” serving as a narrative teaser for the game.
Does the briefcase provide gameplay information?
While the briefcase does not contain direct gameplay mechanics, it offers story context, collectible items, and hints about characters and events players will encounter in Resident Evil Requiem.
