By Gem M.
In anticipation of the upcoming Resident Evil movie from director Zach Cregger, San Diego Comic-Con 2026 has brought Raccoon City to life in a small, scavenger hunt-themed activation at the Quartyard.
After checking in with the staff in front, attendees are given a QR code to scan. A scavenger hunt checklist opens up on their phone, allowing them to scan the scavenger codes. The checklist also reveals prizes and which codes are left between ammunition, transmissions, and health. This simulates dwindling supplies during a zombie apocalypse.
Attendees could scan up to 30 QR codes around the venue to get swag including a tote bag; a shirt; a lunchbox; a three-month Discord membership; a wumpus plush; a drink, a poster; a cooler; a flashlight; and even a movie ticket. All of the prizes were Resident Evil-themed.
However, the real experience began when attendees walked inside.
Upon entering, guests were immediately greeted by the “snow” filled entrance of Raccoon City, a large green highway sign directing everyone in. Promotional posters of the movie were strewn across the area and hands and legs crawled out of the doorway of the house from the most recent trailer.
Even Discord phone booths displaying the trailer rang as guests passed by. A large screen repeatedly played the trailer as attendees raced around to find their codes.
Inside the house a QR code area awaited attendees, as well as a photo op “save station” that any fan of the RE games would recognize, typewriter and all!
In the next area, people could see a behind-the-scenes of the movie’s creation process, including storyboards and art. Attendees could also experience a terrifying elevator sequence—if they were brave enough.
Free, themed cocktails or mocktails were supplied for attendees when completing the hunt, courtesy to Quartyard’s bar. Then there was the merchant shop, where attendees went to redeem their prizes.
It was fun to see people both admire the venue and scatter around trying to win the hunt. There were also some people cosplaying as various Resident Evil characters, which almost made it seem as if you were in the game with them.
The tech and website of the hunt is honestly is a little glitchy at times. Sometimes it would take a while for people load onto the website and check their progress. However, if you speak to the staff, there are immediate to accommodate and help troubleshooting it. Also the QR scanner was either a hit or miss with everyone. Some people were able to scan the QR code right away while with others it would take a while, making the line for a code long because everyone is trying to scan it.
Even then, everyone did walk out with a prize even if they don’t win the big ticket prizes.
Overall, the Resident Evil off-site experience was pretty good and a fun way to hype up the upcoming horror movie. With only two months left until release, time will tell what Cregger has in store.
Stay tuned to The Beat for more news from SDCC ’26.
