Resident Evil Requiem: Release Date, Leaks, Rumors, and Leon Kennedy’s Role

Capcom has officially announced Resident Evil Requiem, the highly anticipated next mainline entry in the legendary survival horror franchise. With a confirmed release date, intriguing new protagonist, and plenty of rumors swirling around returning fan favorites, there’s a lot to unpack. Here’s everything we know so far about Resident Evil Requiem, including leaks, speculation, and whether Leon S. Kennedy could be stepping back into the spotlight.

Resident Evil Requiem Release Date and Platforms

Resident Evil Requiem will launch on February 27, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2. Interestingly, Capcom originally had no plans for a Switch version, but performance tests with Resident Evil Village convinced the team to bring Requiem to Nintendo’s new hardware.

Story and Setting

The game introduces a new protagonist: Grace Ashcroft, an FBI technical analyst and daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak. Grace’s investigation into a mysterious series of deaths pulls her back into the horrors of Raccoon City, now depicted as a haunting, post-outbreak ruin.

This marks the first major return to Raccoon City in years, making it a nostalgic but terrifying setting for longtime fans.

Gameplay and Perspective Options

Requiem is described as a “new era of survival horror,” blending cinematic storytelling with classic Resident Evil tension. One of its biggest features is the ability to play in both first-person and third-person. According to the director, the addition of third-person mode ensures more players can enjoy the experience, especially those who found Resident Evil 7’s first-person view too intense.

Resident Evil Requiem Leaks and Rumors

As with any big RE launch, leaks and speculation are running wild. Here are the most notable ones:

Leon Kennedy’s Possible Return

• Reliable leaker DuskGolem has claimed Leon will have a playable segment in the game, set in 2020, years before Grace’s story in 2028.
  
  
• A slip during an IGN livestream hinted at both “Leon’s” and “Grace’s” footage looking spectacular, fueling theories of his inclusion.
  
  
• Fan forums and leaked screenshots suggest Leon’s involvement, though Capcom has not confirmed anything.
  
  

Story Timeline Theories

• If the leaks are accurate, Requiem may feature a dual-timeline structure: Leon’s portion in the past and Grace’s in the future, connected by an eight-year gap.
  
  
• This would mirror narrative techniques seen in other Capcom titles, offering different perspectives on the same outbreak mystery.
  
  

New Characters and Misleading Teasers

• Capcom has cautioned fans not to overhype theories. A hooded figure teased in trailers, for example, is confirmed to be a new character, not a returning veteran.
  
  

When Will the Next Resident Evil Showcase Happen?

Capcom typically reveals new information during major events. The most likely windows for a new Resident Evil Requiem trailer or gameplay deep dive include:

• Capcom Showcase or Resident Evil Direct – Very likely to be one in October/November 2025, this is when Leon himself is expected to be revealed, as well as the release of pre-orders.
  
  
• The Game Awards 2025 (December) – Perfect timing for a cinematic trailer and hype before launch.

If Leon is indeed part of the game, Tokyo Game Show could be when Capcom officially confirms his role.

Will Leon Kennedy Be the Main Protagonist?

At this stage, Grace Ashcroft is the only officially confirmed lead. However, the persistent leaks, timeline hints, and accidental slip-ups strongly suggest Leon Kennedy will play a significant role—possibly as a co-protagonist.

Why Leon Could Be Central:

• Strong leaks point to playable sections.
  
  
• He remains one of the most popular RE characters, making his return a huge marketing win.
  
  
• The dual-timeline rumor gives Leon a natural narrative bridge role.
  
  

Why He Might Not Be the Lead:

• Capcom is clearly positioning Grace as the fresh face of the franchise.
  
  
• The developers have warned against assuming every mysterious character is a returning fan favorite.
  
  
• Leon’s presence may be significant but limited to a parallel storyline rather than full protagonist status.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up to be one of the most exciting entries in the franchise yet. With a confirmed release date, the return to Raccoon City, dual perspective gameplay, and strong rumors of Leon Kennedy’s involvement, the anticipation is huge.

For now, Grace Ashcroft is our confirmed lead—but all eyes are on Capcom to see if Leon steps back into the spotlight. Expect more answers at the Resident Evil Direct and in the months leading up to release.

Resident Evil Requiem launches worldwide on February 27, 2026.