I‘ll be honest – when the developer announced that Resident Evil Requiem would receive a “new look” at The Game Awards, I was expecting Leon. You know, rookie detective, president’s bodyguard, stunning hair follicles – that Leon. Yeah, I believed Dusk Golem when all of you doubted him! Jokes aside, however, it seemed like the right time. Even if the sequel is getting a “deeper dive” in early 2026, if Leon is really such a significant part of the game, what bigger and better stage to reveal him than The Game Awards?
Well, if that PlayStation Store leak wasn’t enough evidence, we can finally confirm it: Leon S. Kennedy is in Resident Evil Requiem. That alone would be enough, but the developer wasn’t just content on teasing, oh no. It showcased his new look – one that’s gruffer, with longer hair and some stubble. Don’t even get me started on his new outfit – the black coat, complete with the high fur collar and gloves, is pretty darn cool. Almost covert ops but far sleeker.
So right away, he makes an impression, saving Grace from the massive Stalker foe that’s been hunting her (while also asking why an FBI agent is involved). Not only does this reaffirm the developer’s statement that the creature is a small part of the campaign, but it also implies that Leon will meet up with Grace early in the story and have an immediate impact. Of course, that could be in the first hour or third, for all we know.
Regardless, Leon is following his own investigation into the mysterious Doctor Victor Gideon. After Umbrella Corp went under, the latter purchased a mysterious building where he’s seemingly conducting his research. Just as Grace is investigating that fifth corpse and how it relates to the Wrenwood Hotel, so is Leon.
How Gideon is related to Umbrella remains to be seen, but we know that he needs Grace to set something called Elpis “free.” He calls her the “chosen one”, and when she flees from him, he pursues, screaming in anger and frustration. The question is: Why was Grace afraid, especially at this point when she has a weapon? Interestingly, when Leon ventures to the building in question, a woman in nursing attire says that Dr Gideon has been expecting him.
Speaking of weapons, Leon wields a revolver with high-powered rounds that are more than capable of repelling the Stalker-like creature. He utilizes a tomahawk, pulling it from a freshly slain enemy’s head. A clue that players will be able to reuse it? Maybe, but it may also be used as a throwing weapon, marking a significant upgrade over the standard knife. Of course, despite his age, Leon is still adept at kicking fools in the face and performing takedowns at close range.
We also got a better look at the infected, who seem zombie-like, but their flesh is nowhere near as rotting. It may be the effects of Elpis, and judging by that photo of Gideon with other scientists, he seems to have infected them. One wields a chainsaw, not unlike the infamous Dr Salvador, the difference being that he’s swinging it around much more wildly.
So anyway, Leon can take the chainsaw and execute enemies with it. Oh, how the turn tables. Here’s hoping it’s a permanent tool that he can use. I didn’t think I needed Slayer Leon, but I’m all for it.
Another notable thing is Leon’s ride. Back in September, Dusk Golem alleged that his levels are bigger than Grace’s, which means a vehicle to get around. Cue this trailer and the developer’s official confirmation of a partnership with Porsche, with Leon driving around in a Cayenne Turbo GT. And who should comment but Dusk, wondering aloud what vehicle he would be driving through “some big open levels.”
You could argue it’s purely for show, but would the developer really collaborate with a brand like Porsche to just feature their vehicle in a few scenes?
Another notable detail is that the story will intertwine the fates of both Leon and Grace. While Grace offers a “unique survival horror experience,” Leon brings “explosive action” to the forefront. It’s unknown just how extensive his campaign missions will be – after all, even Chris was front and center of the marketing for Resident Evil Village despite not having the longest gameplay role. Nevertheless, considering how iconic Leon is, the whole bit about their stories “intertwining,” and that Dusk Golem outright said he’s a major playable character, we’ll hope for the best.
If all this wasn’t enough, there’s the voice communicating with Leon, telling him not to do anything stupid. Some assumed that it’s Ingrid Hunnigan, the communications officer, who worked with him to rescue Ashley, but the voices sound too different. This mysterious new character sounds younger, almost like Sherry Birkin. A quick comparison with her voice in Resident Evil 6 certainly lends credence, even if it’s a different voice actor. Besides, given her connection to Leon and the Raccoon City Incident – not to mention she’s also a federal agent – it wouldn’t be surprising if she returned.
As an aside, the developer finally revealed the other cosmetics in Requiem’s Deluxe Edition, including two new weapon skins for Leon’s revolver and three outfits for the man himself. These include one that’s without his new coat, highlighting the various weaponry underneath (including what seems to be a few knives and a grenade). You can also equip his jacket or a suit, which seems like a nod to Infinite Darkness, albeit with a tie. It’s worth noting that Grace’s second outfit, which offers a strong look, was also revealed. There’s also an additional screen filter that provides a much more saturated look to everything.
Despite only being three minutes and 24 seconds long, Resident Evil Requiem’s trailer didn’t disappoint. It gave everyone what they wanted to see after months of rumors – the return of Leon S. Kennedy to the fold, looking better than ever – while adding more mysteries due to Gideon’s involvement. Whatever Elpis, which is Greek for “hope,” is, it seems to cause the infected to lose their teeth and cause these dark skin lesions. Even their eyes don’t look quite like a traditional zombie’s, what with the distinct glow.
And then of course, the developer ended it in the best way possible – with an ever-so-brief look at Leon’s abilities. The familiarity is immediately enticing – this is the action horror that we know and love – but now you can wield a chainsaw, however briefly, as Leon. What’s not to love?
We still have so many questions. What was up with that GameStop Deluxe Edition listing, which indicates two new story DLC and an update to Mercenaries Mode? What about those mentions of Rosemary Winters, the protagonist of Resident Evil Village’s Shadow of Rose DLC? Is there any chance that other iconic characters tied to the Racoon City Incident, like Claire Redfield or Ada Wong, will return, perhaps even as additional characters in Mercenaries?
Time will tell, but we’re more pumped for Resident Evil Requiem than before. It’s out on February 27th, 2026, for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
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