Based on what I’ve played at PAX West, Resident Evil Requiem is shaping up very nicely. It builds upon the first-person gameplay of Resident Evil 7 and 8, while forging its own identity and, in some ways, returning to basics.
The toggle between first– and third-person camera options is a significant reason for that, and I look forward to seeing how the two eras combine as one in Requiem. I also hope that a massive part of Resident Evil’s past makes an appearance.
Adding Chris Redfield To RE7 Was The Right Move, Too
The Series Has Always Peppered In Cast Members
Multiple leaks have claimed that classic Resident Evil hero Leon Kennedy will make an appearance in Resident Evil: Requiem. While this has elicited a mixed reaction from some fans, I’m all for it, mainly because it’s true to the series’ roots and would uphold a longstanding tradition.After decades of games, Resident Evil has developed a vast stable of fan-favorite characters. While Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield hail from the original game and are often the most beloved of the lot, Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield have popped up in numerous games, much to the delight of the fanbase. Even Resident Evil 7, which was billed as a return to the series’ grittier horror roots, featured Chris Redfield returning a full five years after his appearance in Resident Evil 6.The fact is, fans are always guessing who is going to come back into the fray, and for the most part, Capcom nails their homecomings. Even Barry Burton got to come back for Resident Evil Revelations 2. There’s plenty of room in the series’ sprawling narrative for both new and old characters (Grace would even count as part of the latter group).
As Long As Requiem Focuses On Grace, It’ll Be Fine
By All Counts, It Will
Time and time again, the team over at Capcom has commented that this will be Grace Ashcroft’s story. We’ll get to see her rise from an FBI analyst to someone who is increasingly less afraid, which is going to be a blast to see. Having Leon come in wouldn’t detract from that, especially if he’s just providing exposition or coming in early to give Grace some pointers.
Giving characters a mentor-like relationship is a classic move in the Resident Evil series. Since Leon is one of the strongest human characters the series has to offer, his extensive training should serve as a believable plot device for Grace’s eventual rise to become a hero. We don’t have to wait much longer to find out what secrets Resident Evil Requiem has in store, as it’s still set to launch on February 27, 2026.
- Released
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February 27, 2026
- ESRB
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Rating Pending
- Engine
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RE Engine
