The gaming community is buzzing after a fresh batch of Resident Evil 9 Requiem leaks surfaced on 4chan. While we all know to take anonymous forum posts with a healthy dose of skepticism, these new details line up surprisingly well with what credible insiders like Dusk Golem have been saying about Capcom’s upcoming horror title.
Set to launch on February 27, 2026, Resident Evil Requiem brings FBI technical analyst Grace Ashcroft into the spotlight as she investigates mysterious deaths connected to her mother’s murder eight years prior. But according to these latest leaks, Grace won’t be tackling this nightmare alone.
Leon Kennedy Makes His Return
The leaks claim Leon S. Kennedy plays a significant role across two separate acts in the game. Initially, Leon is tracking down Victor Yurichenko, a suspected villain under investigation by the U.S. government for his connections to Operation Elpis. This secret initiative allegedly aims to uncover hidden organizations tied to Umbrella and the Raccoon City disaster.
Leon’s mission eventually shifts to rescuing Grace Ashcroft as the story progresses. According to the leak, his campaign details align with claims made by Dusk Golem, particularly regarding the timeline and rescue operation. The game reportedly features approximately six primary bosses, with Leon confronting three and Grace facing the other three.
The Elanthropus Virus Changes Everything
One of the most intriguing revelations involves a new virus called Elanthropus. According to the leak, this pathogen stems from Victor Yurichenko’s experiments combining mold and the progenitor virus. What makes Elanthropus different from previous Resident Evil viruses is its selective effect on consciousness.
Some infected individuals retain their awareness while others undergo drastic transformations. This mechanic could introduce morally complex scenarios where Grace and Leon encounter infected people who are still mentally present but physically mutating.
Familiar Faces and Returning Enemies
The leaks suggest Yoko Suzuki and Claire Redfield have supporting roles in the plot, while Jill Valentine and Sherry Birkin are referenced as significant survivors of the Raccoon incident. In a surprising twist, The Connections – the criminal organization from Resident Evil 7 – will reportedly assist Leon in locating Grace and combating a widespread infection in Rhodes Hill.
Enemy-wise, expect familiar threats to return in more terrifying forms:
- Lickers with enhanced decay and minor mutations
- G-Types showcasing more advanced transformations
- Drain Deimos returning with updated designs
- A stalker-type enemy revealed to be Alyssa Ashcroft after her death in the prologue
That last detail is particularly dark. The leak claims Victor Yurichenko takes Alyssa’s body after her death in the prologue, transforming her into the stalking creature shown in earlier demo footage.
Gameplay Length and Modes
Players can expect around 18 hours of campaign gameplay according to the leak. That’s substantial for a Resident Evil title, putting it roughly on par with Village’s completion time. The game will also include an additional mode similar to the fan-favorite Mercenaries format, offering replayability beyond the main story.
Should You Believe These Leaks?
Here’s the thing about 4chan leaks – they’re notoriously unreliable. Anyone can post anything, and there’s no verification process. However, some details in this particular leak do align with information from more credible sources. Dusk Golem, who has accurately leaked Resident Evil information in the past, mentioned similar story beats about Leon’s involvement and the game’s timeline.
Recent official footage showing Grace exploring a dark mansion and fighting zombies has backed up earlier claims about the horror-heavy campaign. Capcom’s marketing has been deliberately mysterious, which only fuels speculation and makes these leaks seem more plausible.
That said, take everything with skepticism until Capcom makes official announcements. Game details can change during development, and leakers sometimes mix accurate information with speculation or educated guesses.
FAQs
When does Resident Evil 9 Requiem release?
Resident Evil Requiem is scheduled to launch on February 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
Who is the main character in RE9 Requiem?
Grace Ashcroft, an FBI technical analyst and daughter of Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak, is the main protagonist. Director Koshi Nakanishi confirmed she’s the lead character, though Leon Kennedy reportedly plays a significant supporting role.
Will Leon Kennedy be playable in Resident Evil 9?
According to the leaks, Leon appears in two separate acts with his own campaign missions, suggesting he may be playable. However, Capcom hasn’t officially confirmed playable characters beyond Grace Ashcroft.
What is the Elanthropus virus in RE9?
The leaked information describes Elanthropus as a virus created from Victor Yurichenko’s experiments with mold and the progenitor virus. It supposedly allows some infected to retain consciousness while causing drastic transformations in others.
How long is the Resident Evil Requiem campaign?
The leaks claim approximately 18 hours of campaign gameplay, plus an additional Mercenaries-style mode for extra content.
Who is Victor Yurichenko in RE9?
Victor Yurichenko is reportedly the villain under investigation for ties to Operation Elpis, a secret initiative connected to Umbrella and Raccoon City’s history. He’s allegedly responsible for the Elanthropus virus experiments.
Are these 4chan leaks reliable?
While 4chan leaks should always be approached skeptically, some details align with information from credible insiders like Dusk Golem. However, nothing is confirmed until Capcom makes official announcements.
Will Chris Redfield appear in Resident Evil 9?
Director Koshi Nakanishi previously confirmed that Chris Redfield is sitting this entry out. The leaks mention Claire Redfield in a supporting role instead.
Conclusion
These new Resident Evil 9 Requiem leaks paint an ambitious picture of interconnected storylines, returning fan favorites, and fresh horror mechanics. The idea of a consciousness-retaining virus adds psychological complexity we haven’t really seen in the series, while bringing back Leon in a mentor-style rescue role could provide emotional depth to Grace’s journey.
Whether these leaks prove accurate or not, one thing is certain – anticipation for Resident Evil Requiem is reaching fever pitch. With official gameplay footage trickling out and the February 2026 release date approaching, we won’t have to wait too much longer to see what Capcom has been cooking up. Until then, keep your expectations managed and your flashlight batteries fully charged.