It is official. After months of rumors and leaks, Capcom took the stage at The Game Awards 2025 to drop the third trailer for Resident Evil Requiem, confirming that series legend Leon S. Kennedy will be co-starring alongside newcomer Grace Ashcroft. Set to launch on February 27, 2026, this ninth mainline entry looks like a perfect blend of old-school horror and high-octane action.
While Grace’s sections are clearly designed to terrify you with slow-paced, atmospheric survival horror, Leon’s gameplay is all about payback. The trailer shows him looking older, grizzled, and absolutely done with everyone’s nonsense. In a moment that had the crowd roaring, he is shown not running from a chainsaw-wielding maniac, but wielding one himself to slice through a horde of enemies.
A Tale of Two Playstyles
The trailer made it clear that Requiem is aiming to please both camps of the Resident Evil fanbase. Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst investigating the death of her mother (Alyssa Ashcroft from Resident Evil Outbreak), represents the vulnerable, resource-scarce horror of the early games. Her segments are tense, first-person explorations of dark corridors where every bullet counts.
Then there is Leon. His sections appear to be third-person action set pieces reminiscent of the Resident Evil 4 Remake. We see him performing his signature roundhouse kicks, suplexing zombies, and dual-wielding pistols. The contrast between Grace’s terrifying struggle to survive and Leon’s “one-man army” crusade promises a dynamic pacing that keeps the game feeling fresh.
The Villain: Victor Gideon
We also got our first proper look at the game’s antagonist, Victor Gideon. Described as a once-respected doctor with ties to Umbrella, Gideon cuts an imposing figure. With his heavy spectacles and calm, menacing demeanor, he seems to be a more psychological threat than the cartoonish villains of the past. He is linked to a mysterious location called the “Wrenwood Hotel,” where much of the game’s horror seems to be centered.
There is also a hooded figure stalking Grace who kills with ruthless efficiency. While fans speculated this might be a returning character turned evil, Capcom has confirmed this is a brand-new threat created specifically for this storyline. Whatever Gideon and this hooded assassin are planning, it is clear that Raccoon City’s legacy is far from buried.
Release Date and Platforms
Resident Evil Requiem will be released on February 27, 2026. It is launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and—in a major show of support—day one on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo fans are getting some extra love with a special edition Switch 2 Pro Controller and a “Resident Evil Generation Pack” that includes Requiem, Village, and Biohazard. Whether you are playing on a high-end PC or Nintendo’s next-gen handheld, 2026 is shaping up to be a very good year for killing zombies.
Conclusion
Capcom seems to have mastered the art of giving fans exactly what they want. By pairing a vulnerable new protagonist with the franchise’s most capable action hero, Resident Evil Requiem feels like a celebration of the series’ entire history. Leon with a chainsaw? Take my money.
FAQs
When is Resident Evil Requiem coming out?
The game releases on February 27, 2026.
Is Leon Kennedy playable?
Yes, Leon S. Kennedy is confirmed as a second playable character, with his sections focusing on action-heavy gameplay.
What platforms is it on?
It will launch on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2.
Who is the main villain?
The primary antagonist appears to be Victor Gideon, a mysterious doctor with connections to the Umbrella Corporation.
Is this a sequel to Village?
Yes, it is the ninth mainline entry in the series, set after the events of Resident Evil Village, though it follows a new storyline involving Grace Ashcroft.