The gaming community is buzzing after a major slip-up at Gamescom 2025 revealed crucial details about Resident Evil 9: Requiem. An attendee accidentally mentioned seeing both Leon Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft in an upcoming trailer, confirming what fans have been speculating for months.
The Accidental Revelation
During Gamescom 2025, someone reportedly slipped up and mentioned seeing Leon and Grace together in what appears to be the next Resident Evil 9 trailer. This leak has sent shockwaves through the Resident Evil community, as Capcom has been extremely secretive about Leon’s involvement in the game. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, with Tokyo Game Show 2025 approaching and Sony’s dedicated Resident Evil panel scheduled for September 27-28.
Multiple gaming insiders have been hinting at Leon’s return for months, but this represents the first concrete mention of both characters appearing together. The leak suggests that fans might finally get the official confirmation they’ve been waiting for during Tokyo Game Show’s presentations.
What We Know About Leon’s Role
According to various leaks from reputable sources, Leon Kennedy will play a significant role in Resident Evil 9, though his sections differ dramatically from Grace Ashcroft’s storyline. Leon’s gameplay reportedly takes place in 2020, while Grace’s story unfolds in 2028, creating an interesting dual-timeline narrative structure.
The most intriguing details suggest Leon’s sections will feature larger, more open areas compared to Grace’s hotel-focused investigation. Players will reportedly have access to vehicle gameplay similar to the boat sections in Resident Evil 4 Remake, allowing for more dynamic traversal through infected areas.
Visual descriptions indicate Leon has aged appropriately, sporting graying hair and a weathered black jacket. Contrary to some fake concept art circulating online, reliable sources confirm he won’t be wearing an eyepatch. At around 43 years old during his 2020 timeline, Leon appears more mature but maintains his signature style.
Grace Ashcroft’s Investigation
Grace Ashcroft, the FBI analyst and main protagonist, investigates mysterious deaths at the Wrenwood Hotel in 2028. Her story connects directly to her mother Alyssa Ashcroft, a survivor from the original Raccoon City incident featured in Resident Evil Outbreak.
The dual-character approach allows Capcom to explore both familiar territory with Leon while introducing fresh perspectives through Grace. This structure reportedly serves the game’s larger narrative goal of wrapping up decades of Umbrella Corporation storylines.
Tokyo Game Show Expectations
Industry insiders expect a major Resident Evil 9 reveal during Tokyo Game Show 2025, particularly during Sony’s dedicated panel. The timing aligns perfectly with Capcom’s marketing strategy, as the game targets a February 27, 2026 release date across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
The leak suggests this trailer will finally show Leon and Grace together, potentially revealing how their timelines intersect. Pre-order information and additional gameplay details are also expected to accompany any major trailer release.
Combat and Gameplay Innovations
Leaked details indicate significant combat improvements inspired by The Last of Us Part II, though maintaining Resident Evil’s unique identity. Leon’s action sequences promise more horror elements compared to recent entries like Resident Evil 4 and Village, with less campy content and more serious tone.
The game maintains the switchable first-person and third-person camera system announced earlier, giving players flexibility in how they experience both characters’ stories. Demo impressions from Gamescom suggest substantial differences between these perspectives.
Series Conclusion Implications
Perhaps most significantly, Resident Evil 9 reportedly serves as the final numbered entry in the series. Capcom allegedly plans to conclude all Umbrella Corporation, Raccoon City, and virus-related storylines, allowing future games to explore new directions without decades of continuity constraints.
This approach would make Leon’s appearance particularly meaningful, potentially serving as his final major role in the main timeline. For longtime fans, this represents both an exciting conclusion and emotional farewell to beloved characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will we see the Leon and Grace trailer?
Based on the leak and industry speculation, the trailer will likely debut during Tokyo Game Show 2025, specifically at Sony’s Resident Evil panel on September 27-28.
Are Leon and Grace both playable characters?
Yes, leaks consistently indicate both characters will be playable, with Leon’s sections set in 2020 and Grace’s in 2028.
Will this really be the last numbered Resident Evil game?
According to reliable leakers, Capcom plans to make RE9 the final numbered entry to conclude existing storylines, though the franchise will continue with new characters and settings.
How does Leon look in Resident Evil 9?
Leon reportedly appears older with graying hair and a black jacket, but without an eyepatch despite fake concept art suggesting otherwise.
What’s different about the gameplay compared to previous games?
The game features larger open areas, vehicle gameplay sections, combat inspired by The Last of Us Part II, and switchable first/third-person perspectives.
When does Resident Evil 9 release?
Capcom has confirmed a February 27, 2026 release date for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms.
Conclusion
The accidental Gamescom revelation has intensified anticipation for Tokyo Game Show 2025’s Resident Evil presentations. With Leon Kennedy’s return seemingly confirmed alongside Grace Ashcroft’s investigation, fans can expect a complex dual-timeline narrative that brings decades of series lore to a satisfying conclusion. Whether this leak proves accurate remains to be seen, but the timing suggests official confirmation is just days away.