Capcom has confirmed Leon S. Kennedy as a playable protagonist alongside Grace Ashcroft in Resident Evil Requiem, the next mainline entry in the horror series. The dual characters will offer differing gameplay styles, blending intense action and scary tension. The game launches on February 27, 2026, across multiple platforms.
Announcement at The Game Awards
At The Game Awards, Capcom officially revealed Leon S. Kennedy's role in Resident Evil Requiem, following months of fan speculation and leaks. The trailer showcased Leon in a new version of his iconic jacket, along with snippets of shooting gameplay, confirming his playability after initial rumors suggested otherwise. Director Koshi Nakanishi had previously stated Leon was considered but rejected as the sole protagonist due to his mismatch for pure horror, though he hinted at returning characters without overhyping expectations.
Dual Protagonists and Gameplay Differences
Resident Evil Requiem features Grace Ashcroft, daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from earlier games, and the veteran Leon Kennedy as dual protagonists. Their sections are nearly equally split, structured similarly to Resident Evil Revelations on 3DS. Grace is described as "the biggest scaredy-cat in Resident Evil history," with her chapters emphasizing scary, tension-building moments reminiscent of Resident Evil 2. In contrast, Leon's portions focus on adrenaline-pumping action, akin to Resident Evil 4, suiting his seasoned personality.
Director Koshi Nakanishi explained the contrast: "It's almost like having two games with completely different types of tension mixed together... like jumping into a cold bath after sitting in a hot sauna." This rhythm aims to provide "tension and release," a hallmark of the series. Producer Masato Kumazawa noted Leon's refined design as an 'ikeoji'—a cool, attractive older man—appealing to fans. The story returns Leon to a decimated Raccoon City, exploring his response to the site of his origins from Resident Evil 2.
The trailer also introduced villain Victor Gideon, who appears linked to Umbrella. Nakanishi emphasized the interplay of personalities: "Seeing how those personalities interact is part of the fun."
Release Details
Resident Evil Requiem launches February 27, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2. Remasters of Resident Evil 7 and Village will also arrive on Switch 2.
