GAMERTIMES

Capcom has officially ended the speculation: Leon S. Kennedy is returning to the franchise in Resident Evil Requiem.

The announcement came during The Game Awards, where the publisher debuted a brand-new trailer showing off both plot details and gameplay footage. The reveal showcased a rugged, slightly older Leon sporting facial hair and arriving on the scene in a police cruiser.

This confirms long-standing rumors that the veteran character—previously playable in Resident Evil 2, 4, and 6—would play a central role in this ninth mainline installment.

Dual Protagonists and Gameplay Styles

The game appears to split its focus between two distinct characters, blending different horror elements. The official description provided by Capcom outlines the dynamic between the new lead and the returning veteran:

“Experience terrifying survival horror with FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, and dive into pulse-pounding action with legendary agent Leon S. Kennedy.”

The narrative aims to merge these two perspectives into a single cohesive story.

“Both of their journeys and unique gameplay styles intertwine into a heart-stopping, emotional experience that will chill you to your core.”

PlayStation Store Leak

While the trailer was the first official look at Leon, the surprise was spoiled slightly earlier by an accidental listing on the PlayStation Store.

Recently, players who pre-ordered the title on PS5 noticed that the automatic pre-download screen featured unexpected artwork. The game icon displayed the known protagonist, Grace Ashcroft, but also clearly featured a large image of Leon Kennedy looming in the background.

That same screen confirmed the file download schedule. Automatic downloads are slated to begin on February 25, 2026, giving players a head start before the servers go live.

Release Date, and Deluxe Edition

Resident Evil Requiem will launch on February 27, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2.

For fans looking to secure extra content, pre-orders are currently open. Capcom has listed a Deluxe Edition which includes exclusive downloadable content (DLC), specifically offering special character costumes for those who purchase early.