Resident Evil‘s biggest showcase in years kicks off today with exclusive Leon Kennedy gameplay footage straight from the vault. Capcom’s dropping unprecedented details about Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline entry launching February 27, 2026. Fans are about to get their first real look at the legendary agent’s return.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Resident Evil Showcase goes live January 2, 2026 with major announcements
- Leon S. Kennedy confirmed playable character alongside Grace Ashcroft in dual-protagonist system
- Release date: February 27, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam/Epic), and Nintendo Switch 2
- Requiem wins Gamescom 2025 awards including Most Epic, Best Visuals, Best Audio, and Best PlayStation Game
Resident Evil Requiem’s Dual Protagonist System Explained
Grace Ashcroft and Leon Kennedy offer completely different gameplay experiences in the ninth mainline entry. Grace, an FBI intelligence analyst investigating mysterious deaths in the Midwest, delivers classic survival horror with exploration and resource management.
Leon, a seasoned DSO agent who survived the original Raccoon City Incident, brings action-heavy combat sequences and tactical gunplay. Both protagonists are dispatched to an abandoned Midwest hotel—the same location connected to Grace’s mother’s murder eight years prior.
This dynamic split creates emotional depth rarely seen in the franchise, with each character’s storyline intertwining toward a devastating climax set in devastated Raccoon City itself.
What Leon Kennedy Gameplay Reveals This Week
| Element | Details |
| Primary Weapon System | Action-focused combat with tactical aiming in first/third-person |
| Perspective Toggle | Switch freely between first-person and third-person views mid-combat |
| Infection Status | Leon appears infected with “Elpis” virus, stoking theory-crafting |
| Release Window | 57 days until February 27, 2026 launch date |
Resident Evil Requiem’s Story Returns to Ground Zero
The story kicks off when a mysterious body surfaces at the abandoned Midwest hotel. Grace’s mother, Alyssa Ashcroft, was a reporter who survived Raccoon City in 1998 but was murdered eight years before the game begins.
Grace becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about her mother’s death and the dark secrets linking back to the original outbreak. Meanwhile, Leon‘s DSO superiors dispatch him to investigate a missing police officer at the same location, setting up their fateful convergence.
The location itself—devastated Raccoon City—plays a massive role, with iconic landmarks from RE2 and RE3 reimagined as haunting ruins players must traverse while unraveling interconnected mysteries.
Multi-Platform Launch and Pre-Order Bonuses
Resident Evil Requiem releases February 27, 2026 across five platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), and Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders unlock exclusive Grace Ashcroft Costume: Apocalypse outfit plus early access to developer commentary.
Capcom announced a surprise Porsche collaboration dropping during the showcase, introducing branded in-game content for collectors. Grace Ashcroft amiibo figures also launched October 30, 2025, opening unlockable cosmetics for console players.
Will Resident Evil Requiem finally answer Raccoon City’s secrets?
After 28 years since the original outbreak, Resident Evil Requiem promises definitive answers about Umbrella’s legacy, the government cover-up, and the new “Elpis” virus threatening protagonists. Leon’s apparent infection raises stakes dramatically—fans are already theorizing whether a cure exists or if Requiem delivers a devastating emotional wallop.
The Showcase unfolding today teases story details, extended Leon gameplay, and potential DLC roadmap announcements that could reshape franchise expectations heading into 2026. Grace and Leon’s emotional journey appears designed to rival the franchise’s most iconic entries.
Sources
- Capcom Official – Resident Evil Requiem official website and press releases
- Wikipedia – Resident Evil Requiem game information and timeline
- IGN – Leon Kennedy gameplay reveal coverage
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.