Speculation around Leon Kennedy’s involvement in the ninth mainline entry of the Resident Evil series has finally been resolved. Fans had long predicted that the character, known from Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, would appear in Resident Evil Requiem, but official confirmation had not arrived—until a recent PlayStation Store leak revealed his inclusion.
The leak showcased new cover art for the game featuring both Grace, one of the game’s main protagonists, and Leon Kennedy. Multiple users have confirmed the authenticity of the listing, suggesting that the cover is genuine. The PlayStation Store has a history of releasing game details before official announcements, making this leak particularly noteworthy. With this confirmation, it is likely that the first in-game footage of Leon will be revealed during The Game Awards on December 11.
Earlier this month, early combat footage of Resident Evil Requiem appeared online, highlighting Grace’s encounters with enemies. The combat system in the footage appears to take inspiration from the mechanics of Resident Evil 4, balancing tactical action with survival horror elements. Unlike Leon, Grace may not possess the same combat experience, which hints that each playable character could have unique abilities and fighting styles. This differentiation could offer players varied approaches to encounters and deeper gameplay options.
The inclusion of Leon Kennedy also opens possibilities for new story elements. While his role in the game has not been fully disclosed, fans can expect interactions between him and Grace to provide a fresh perspective on the series’ narrative. The combination of returning characters and new protagonists suggests that Resident Evil Requiem aims to expand its storyline while maintaining the tension and horror that the series is known for.
Hands-on impressions from Gamescom indicate that Resident Evil Requiem will feature a strong atmosphere, with detailed environments and the ability to switch between first- and third-person camera perspectives. These features could enhance both exploration and combat, offering a more immersive experience for players.
Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled to launch on February 27, 2026, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The confirmation of Leon Kennedy’s return adds to the anticipation, making the reveal at The Game Awards a highly awaited moment for fans of the series.
