Why Returning To Raccoon City In Resident Evil Requiem Is A Brilliant Idea

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Summary

  • Raccoon City’s return taps deep nostalgia, with iconic sites like the RPD and Clocktower reborn as ruins.
  • Provides a strong excuse for Leon, Claire or Jill to return and guide survivors through ruins.
  • Post-apocalyptic Raccoon City advances lore, honors the dead, and offers fresh, eerie environments.

Capcom took a chance by setting the newest *Resident Evil* game, *Resident Evil Requiem*, back in the well-known Raccoon City. The location has been featured heavily throughout the series, so it was a risk. However, as more details about the story, gameplay, and characters have been revealed, it’s becoming clear that returning to this iconic city was a smart move. There are several reasons why this approach is working so well.

Capcom could have easily designed a completely new setting for the game, like they did in *Resident Evil 7* and *8*. However, with *Requiem*, they’re taking a more daring approach. Reviving the iconic Raccoon City and reimagining it after the apocalypse is a fantastic move that fans will truly enjoy. This is why bringing back Raccoon City is such a smart decision by the Capcom team.

Familiarity

No Fan Can Pass Up The Chance To Re-Live The Horrors Of Raccoon City

Raccoon City is arguably the most famous location in the *Resident Evil* series, and even many non-gamers recognize it. For dedicated fans, it instantly evokes memories of the original *Resident Evil 2* and *3*. While Leon, Claire, and Jill once struggled to survive a city overrun with zombies and dangerous people, the Raccoon City in the upcoming game will be much more desolate, reflecting the massive destruction caused by the bombs intended to obliterate it.

Playing *Resident Evil Requiem* will be like exploring a forgotten, once-vibrant amusement park. Seeing iconic locations like the RPD and Clocktower return in the main story after all this time is incredibly exciting, and it’s a big reason why so many fans are looking forward to the game’s release.

An Excuse For Old Characters To Return

Survivors Are Always Drawn Back To The Origins Of The Nightmare

Although the first *Resident Evil* game began at Spencer Mansion, the city of Raccoon City is really where the series became famous, introducing key characters like Leon and Claire. They were among the few survivors who escaped the zombie outbreak before the city was destroyed by a bomb. Even though they survived, later games show that the events in Raccoon City deeply affected them emotionally and psychologically.

If Grace goes back to Raccoon City and finds a new virus or outbreak, it’s likely we’ll see some familiar faces join her. Having a character who already knows the city would be a big help, and it’s a great way to bring back beloved heroes who haven’t appeared in recent games. Fans would be thrilled to see Leon, Jill, or Claire fighting zombies in Raccoon City again.

Continuing The Story

With Ethan’s Story Over, It’s Time To Push On With The Mainline Plot

While *Resident Evil 7* and *Resident Evil Village* are part of the main series, they feel separate because they center on a new character with limited connection to the broader *Resident Evil* story and its established heroes. Because of this, the overall plot hasn’t progressed much since the 2012 release of the sixth game. It seems Capcom is now ready to push the narrative forward and introduce fresh storylines and character development in their next installment.

Grace’s connection to Alyssa Ashcroft, a character from *Resident Evil Outbreak*, already makes her significant to the series’ history. Now, seeing the ruined city of Raccoon City will introduce exciting new developments to the story. Players will finally get to explore Raccoon City after the events of *Resident Evil 2* and *3*, discovering what remains and, crucially, if any monsters still hide within, potentially creating a fresh danger.

Unique Environment

A Fresh Aesthetic That Resident Evil Players Have Never Seen Before

Everyone remembers Raccoon City, but it’s now a completely ruined and desolate place. This means players won’t feel like they’re revisiting the same locations from the older *Requiem* game. This kind of utterly destroyed environment is new for the series, as most previous games took place either inside a single building or in areas where life still clearly existed.

Typically, in Resident Evil games, you explore locations overrun with zombies and other creatures. But this time, the game takes you to places that have been utterly destroyed *by* the outbreak itself. This offers a new take on the familiar Resident Evil setting, and many fans are excited to see it.

Connecting To Some Major Themes

Honoring And Remembering Those Who Were Lost In The Outbreak

Going back to Raccoon City lets Capcom explore a powerful idea central to the game: remembering and honoring those who died there. The city was once home to around 100,000 people, but over 90% perished – either from the zombie outbreak or from the bombs used to stop it. This tragic history creates a naturally unsettling atmosphere, and the developers are building on that by making ‘requiem’ – a mass for the dead – a key part of the story, as reflected in the game’s title.

Setting the story back in Raccoon City could add a lot of depth by showing Grace’s journey to seek justice for those who died. This would be especially meaningful for characters like Leon and Claire, if they return, as they personally witnessed the tragic events that unfolded there.

The Perfect Location For Both Newcomers And Veterans

Anyone Can Jump Into The Experience

For anyone new to the world of *Resident Evil*, learning about Raccoon City is a great place to start, as it’s the most central location in the series. Even though the city is in ruins, *Resident Evil Requiem* – the newest installment – allows players to explore what remains of this iconic setting.

This setting works well for both new players and long-time fans. Veterans will enjoy seeing familiar locations and the changes the developers have made, while newcomers will be introduced to a compelling city. By focusing on Raccoon City, Capcom has created an experience that everyone can enjoy, no matter their history with the *Resident Evil* series.

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2025-09-23 02:50