Trying to figure out the Resident Evil Requiem release times for your region? Capcom has shared an official launch schedule that breaks it down by platform, and if you pre-ordered digitally you can preload so you are ready for launch without staring at a download bar.
When Can You Play Resident Evil Requiem?

Here’s the quick cheat sheet. Times below are local for each time zone.
| Time Zone | Console Unlock | PC Unlock (Steam) |
|---|---|---|
| PST | Feb 26, 9 PM | Feb 26, 9 PM |
| CST | Feb 27, 12 AM | Feb 26, 11 PM |
| EST | Feb 27, 12 AM | Feb 27, 12 AM |
| BRT | Feb 27, 12 AM | Feb 27, 2 AM |
| GMT | Feb 27, 12 AM | Feb 27, 5 AM |
| CET | Feb 27, 12 AM | Feb 27, 6 AM |
| SAST | Feb 27, 12 AM | Feb 27, 7 AM |
| AST | Feb 27, 12 AM | Feb 27, 8 AM |
| SGT | Feb 27, 12 AM | Feb 27, 1 PM |
| JST | Feb 27, 12 AM | Feb 27, 2 PM |
| KST | Feb 27, 12 AM | Feb 27, 2 PM |
| NZDT | Feb 27, 12 AM | Feb 27, 6 PM |
How to Preload Resident Evil Requiem
If you bought the digital version, preload is available now so you can play the moment it unlocks.
PS5
- Go to Game Library, find Resident Evil Requiem, then select Download.
- Turn on automatic updates if you want it ready with the latest patch.
Xbox Series X|S
- My Games & Apps → Full Library → Owned Games → Resident Evil Requiem → Install.
- You can also use remote install from the Xbox app if you prefer.
Nintendo Switch 2
- Open the eShop, go to your profile, then Redownload (or find the game in your Purchased list).
Steam (PC)
- Open Steam → Library → Resident Evil Requiem → Install.
Heads-up: Capcom also notes you may need to download additional update data after launch, even if you preloaded.
The New Zealand Trick Explained
The “New Zealand trick” is basically forcing your console to think you are in New Zealand, so you unlock the game when NZDT hits midnight (often way earlier than your local release). This tends to work best on Xbox for games that use local-midnight console unlocks.
How To Do It on Xbox
- Settings → System → Language & location
- Location: New Zealand
- Restart your Xbox
- Try launching the game once NZDT hits midnight
To revert later, switch Location back to your region and restart again.
Looking for more guides? Visit our Resident Evil Requiem hub for more, including Is Resident Evil Requiem Coming to Game Pass, so you know if you need to buy the game or not.