Grace and Alyssa Ashcroft return in Resident Evil Requiem trailer: Here’s their story

The very mention of the Resident Evil franchise is enough to send shivers down the spine for some of us who have experienced the games. Moments of trying hard just to survive in the world, eerie settings and combat, and unforgettable characters have defined the series for years.

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With its unique blend of psychological tension, grotesque bio-weapons, and cinematic storytelling, Resident Evil is one of the franchises that has ruled the survival-horror gaming genre. And at Gamescom Opening Night Live held recently, we got another haunting glimpse of what awaits us in the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem. A brand new trailer revolving around two familiar characters – Grace and Alyssa Ashcroft- was unveiled during the event.

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Also read: These are the biggest trailers unveiled at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025

The mother-daughter duo’s appearance sparked recognition for some, yet left many wondering where exactly they fit into the expansive Resident Evil universe. Let’s answer that.

Grace and Alyssa Ashcroft- A brief introduction

Capcom’s latest trailer for Resident Evil Requiem gave yet another glimpse of Grace Ashcroft, the game’s protagonist who was also showcased in a previous trailer. She is an FBI technical analyst-reserved, easily unsettled, yet trained in firearms and capable of deduction under pressure.

However, what caught everybody’s attention was Alyssa Ashcroft, Grace’s mother, who is a familiar character. She first appeared as a playable character in the early Resident Evil spin-offs, Resident Evil Outbreak (2003) and Outbreak: File #2 (2004).  If you have played the previous Resident Evil games, chances are you would remember her. But in case you don’t, read on.

Alyssa Ashcroft: The journalist who couldn’t be silenced

Photo: Reddit

So, who exactly is Alyssa Ashcroft and what is her connection with the Resident Evil universe? A field reporter for the Raccoon Press, Alyssa was defined by her relentless curiosity and combative spirit in the earlier games. She possessed investigative instincts that made her both a survivor and someone who pushed deeper into danger-hoping to expose the secrets behind Umbrella’s corrupt operations.

Her investigative journey uncovered a disturbing story about an illegal drug-testing scheme orchestrated by Umbrella at a hospital in the Arklay Mountains. During her probe, she witnessed a fellow journalist, Kurt, being attacked and killed by a zombified patient. To prevent her from going public and revealing the truth, an Umbrella researcher suppressed Alyssa’s memories of the incident.

Nevertheless, she pressed on. Post-Raccoon City outbreak, she published exposés on Umbrella’s creation of bio-organic weapons (B.O.W.s), igniting the Raccoon Trials, which were legal proceedings that challenged Umbrella’s hold on the truth. Her defiance marked her as a symbol of investigative courage in the Resident Evil lore.

Apart from her interesting back story, Alyssa also brought powerful gameplay advantages in Outbreak. For instance, she could lock-pick doors and containers that other characters couldn’t, which granted her unique access to key areas and advantages. She also had a stun gun in Outbreak: File #2 and was adept at handgun handling.

Reappeared in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Alyssa re-emerged in the series via a clue in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. A newspaper article written by her mentioned disappearances in Dulvey Parish, Louisiana. This article could be found in the Baker family estate while exploring the area. 

Photo: Reddit

This not only marked Alyssa’s reappearance in the Resident Evil universe, but also confirmed her survival from Raccoon City. This article has become one of the few tangible links tying the Outbreak games into the broader Resident Evil narrative.

Grace’s emotional connect to Resident Evil Requiem

The trailer of the upcoming Resident Evil shows Grace being dispatched to investigate a string of mysterious deaths at the Wrenwood Hotel- the same location where her mother, Alyssa, was murdered eight years earlier. This haunting personal connection is the emotional engine of Requiem, blending the survival horror narrative with deeply personal stakes.

Photo: YouTube

So, even though Grace is a new face in the franchise, her surname carries legacy weight for longtime fans.

As an inexperienced but relatable protagonist, Grace marks a deliberate shift from battle-hardened icons like Leon Kennedy or Chris Redfield. It looks like her emotional vulnerability is meant to enhance the tension and immersion in survival horror, aligning players’ fear with hers. We will get to know more about her as the game launches on 27 February 2026.

Also read: Resident Evil 4 Remake review: This is exactly how you improve a masterpiece!

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Divyanshi Sharma

Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile