As the launch of Resident Evil Requiem draws near, it's evident that this upcoming Capcom horror title will deeply intertwine with its three-decade legacy. To fully appreciate Requiem, players are encouraged to revisit specific foundational games. This guide outlines three pivotal entries in the Resident Evil series that are essential for understanding the backstory, key characters, and recurring locations that will feature prominently in the new release, ensuring a richer and more informed gaming experience for all.

For those aiming to dive into the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem with a solid understanding of its intricate narrative and returning characters, a brief journey through some foundational titles is highly recommended. The series, celebrated for its complex lore and evolving gameplay, demands a certain level of familiarity for players to fully appreciate the nuances of new installments. Requiem, in particular, promises to be a culmination of past events and character developments, making the pre-play of these selected games not just a suggestion, but almost a necessity. This preparation will illuminate the motivations of protagonists, the significance of iconic settings, and the lasting impact of the Umbrella Corporation's dark legacy.

First on the list is the seminal Resident Evil 2, a title that offers dual perspectives through its protagonists, Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield. Leon, a rookie police officer, and Claire, searching for her brother, both navigate the zombie-infested streets of Raccoon City. This game is critical for understanding Leon's origins, his formative experiences, and the events that forged him into the seasoned character he is in Requiem. Moreover, it introduces key Raccoon City landmarks, such as the R.P.D. station, which are expected to reappear. The potential return of Sherry Birkin, a character rescued by Claire, as a dispatcher in Requiem, further underscores the narrative threads connecting these games.

Next, Resident Evil 3: Nemesis is indispensable for comprehending the complete destruction of Raccoon City. Players follow Jill Valentine as she contends with the T-Virus outbreak and the relentless pursuit of Nemesis, a bioweapon designed to eliminate S.T.A.R.S. members. This game provides an extensive tour of Raccoon City's doomed streets, transforming the city into a character in its own right. The intense cat-and-mouse gameplay between Jill and Nemesis, set against a backdrop of urban decay, serves to explain why Raccoon City is reduced to a crater by the time Requiem begins, highlighting its importance as a pivotal setting in the series' lore.

Finally, Resident Evil Outbreak and its expanded version, Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2, offer unique insights into the perspectives of ordinary citizens during the Raccoon City disaster. These cooperative multiplayer titles, groundbreaking for their time, introduce a diverse cast of playable characters, including Alyssa Ashcroft, a journalist with a hidden past involving the Umbrella Corporation. Her survival and subsequent motherhood, leading to the introduction of her daughter Grace Ashcroft as a protagonist in Requiem, establish a direct and crucial link to the new game. Exploring Alyssa's backstory and her connection to Umbrella's experiments provides vital context for Grace's role and potential discoveries in Requiem.

These three games collectively lay the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of Resident Evil Requiem. By exploring the origins of key characters like Leon, witnessing the tragic fall of Raccoon City through Jill's eyes, and uncovering the personal histories tied to Umbrella through Alyssa, players will gain an enriched appreciation for the intricate world and enduring legacy of the Resident Evil universe as they embark on the next chapter.