CAPCOM has officially confirmed that Leon S. Kennedy will appear as a leading character in Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline entry in the long-running survival horror franchise. The announcement puts an end to months of speculation and follows recent reports that suggested Leon’s return to the series.
The confirmation came with the release of a new trailer during The Game Awards. The footage offered the first proper look at Leon in Resident Evil Requiem, showing the character noticeably older and more weathered than in earlier games. Despite the change in appearance, the design remains familiar, maintaining the visual traits that made Leon one of the series’ most recognizable figures in Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4.
Alongside Leon’s reveal, the trailer introduced a new villain known as Dr. Gideon. While details about the character remain limited, the footage hints at a central role in the game’s story. The trailer also provided brief glimpses of the environments players will explore, leaning heavily into darker tones and confined spaces that align with the franchise’s survival horror roots.
Near the end of the trailer, CAPCOM shared a short look at gameplay featuring Leon. The combat appears close-range and intense, with an emphasis on physical encounters rather than large-scale action set pieces. Although the footage was limited, it suggests a more grounded approach that places tension and pacing at the center of the experience.
Resident Evil Requiem is set to launch on February 27, 2026, leaving a relatively short window before release. Despite this, CAPCOM has yet to fully explain how combat systems will function or how gameplay may differ between Leon and another confirmed playable character, Grace. These differences could affect how players approach encounters and progression throughout the game.
While many gameplay details remain unconfirmed, early impressions of the game’s atmosphere have been encouraging. A short demo shown during Gamescom 2025 highlighted heavy use of lighting, sound design, and environmental storytelling. Even in a limited setting, the demo conveyed a strong sense of unease that aligns with the series’ traditional horror focus.
Resident Evil Requiem is currently scheduled for release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch 2. More information is expected to be shared in the coming weeks as CAPCOM prepares for the game’s February launch.
