With the next chapter of Capcom’s survival horror saga almost here, now is the perfect time to revisit Resident Evil Village. And if you have never experienced this masterpiece, here’s good news. The game will soon become free to play for a huge number of players as it is coming to Game Pass. The 2021 release by Capcom marked a confident follow-up to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, leaning more heavily into action while still delivering some genuinely unsettling horror moments. It is also a crucial piece of the modern Resident Evil storyline, which makes its timing particularly convenient.
SurveyAlso read: Resident Evil: Why this legendary game has defined horror for 30 years
Resident Evil Village will soon be free to play
Resident Evil Village will be added to Xbox Game Pass on January 20, where it will be available at no extra cost for subscribers. For anyone looking to catch up before Requiem arrives, Village is relatively easy to slot in, with a full playthrough taking roughly 12 – 15 hours depending on if you want to go for all collectibles or not.
Set in a remote European village, the game blends tense exploration, cinematic set-pieces, and memorable villains, including the internet-famous Lady Dimitrescu. While it may not be as intense and scary as Resident Evil 7 throughout, Village knows exactly when to lean into pure horror, delivering moments that still stand out years later.
Xbox Game Pass already hosts a growing selection of Resident Evil titles. The remake of Resident Evil 2 is available, alongside the remake of Resident Evil 3, making it easier than ever to revisit key chapters in the franchise’s timeline.
There is no official word on whether Village will follow a similar path to PlayStation Plus, though its arrival on Game Pass has naturally fuelled speculation. For now, Xbox players have a clear window to experience one of the series’ strongest modern entries before the story moves forward once again.
About Resident Evil Requiem
One of the biggest reveals tied to Resident Evil Requiem is the return of Leon S. Kennedy as a playable character. The fan-favourite survivor, first introduced back in Resident Evil 2, is back once again and this time he is older, more battle-worn, and carrying new weapons.
Leon’s return was confirmed during a new trailer showcased at The Game Awards held last month, where he appeared briefly but memorably. He entered in classic Leon fashion- calm under pressure and efficiently dispatching enemies.
Beyond character reveals, early gameplay footage of Resident Evil Requiem shows that the game is leaning heavily into classic survival horror. Dim corridors, slow-moving zombies, limited visibility, and moments of pure panic all point to a deliberate return to the series’ roots. The game is set to launch on February 27, 2026.
Also read: Leon S. Kennedy will be a playable character in Resident Evil Requiem and he has a new weapon
Follow Us
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
