Loads of reveals for Resident Evil Requiem, including Leon

He’s back. The rumors were true, as Capcom has revealed Leon S. Kennedy is the second playable character for Resident Evil Requiem.

Leon has skills

From the second we heard the rumor that Leon was set to make a comeback in Resident Evil Requiem, we figured it was likely true. The character just fits, when it comes to the return to Raccoon City that looks to make up the bulk of this upcoming game. And, as it happens, that’s exactly right.

Just revealed last night at The Game Awards, RE9 will indeed be welcoming the fan-favorite hero back. He’ll join the previously announced Grace Ashcroft in delving back into the disaster area that is RC. But don’t expect the two to play even remotely similar. While they’ll both be in the former city, and on the same case, their styles will be night and day.

In a cool twist, Capcom says that Leon’s portion of the game will be an action spectacle. So when he cruises into town in his (licensed) Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, expect bullets and roundhouse kicks. Well, that and maybe a chainsaw or two.

All of that should contrast nicely with FBI analyst Ashcroft’s storyline. If you remember, that’s being set up to harken back to the series’ more hardcore survival horror roots. The two campaigns come together in the brand new trailer for Resident Evil Requiem.

Check it out:

New Deluxe additions, and more news and notes

The Resident Evil Requiem Deluxe Edition has gotten a little bigger, thanks to Leon’s reveal. As such, that higher level of purchase will now include a trio of costumes for the former cop. Those will reflect his Resident Evil 4 look, as well as stocking “Apocalypse” and “Film Noir” ensembles.

Not enough? Well there’ll also be a DSO emblem weapon charm. Then there’s the special pre-order bonus. Also newly revealed, is that everyone who locks up their copy of the game with an “Apocalypse” costume for Grace.

Getting back to the Deluxe Edition though, there’s a steelbook version of that coming to retail for launch. This new SKU will serve up a copy of the game, a “limited-edition lenticular card exclusive to this release”, and the Deluxe Edition contents.

Spinning away from the Deluxe, it looks like Fortnite will be getting in on the undead action as well. PC players who pre-order RE9 via the Epic Game Store will get Grace’s outfit for use in the ubiquitous shooter. Just a heads-up though, as the outfits will be distributed after Resident Evil 9 releases. So yeah, no funny business.

And finally, fans can be on the lookout for something special coming to lead off next year. Capcom says that a “jaw-dropping “Resident Evil Showcase” will premiere in early 2026 with an even deeper look at Resident Evil Requiem.” So if you just can’t wait for this latest adventure arrive, you’ll be getting an early look.

Hang on though, because we’re not done. Rounding things out, came a selection of reveals for those planning on getting the game for the Switch 2.

Nintendoes zombies

Resident Evil‘s big return to a Nintendo console will be marked with a few cool issuances. Those are led off by the first ever Resident Evil Amiibo figure. That will be Grace, who’s scheduled to hit sometime after the game’s launch, in summer of 2026. As to what she might unlock in the game though, we’ve no idea yet.

Players looking to rep their fandom in the real world should check out the official Resident Evil Switch 2 Pro Controller as well. This fresh pad will showcase “designs from the game”, and will be cast in “gunmetal-inspired black”. Capcom says it’ll be available from Nintendo at RE9‘s release.

And finally, there’s the Resident Evil Generation Pack. A collection of titles, the offering will be exclusive to the Switch 2, and include “Resident Evil 7 Biohazard Gold Edition, Resident Evil Village Gold Edition, and the all-new Resident Evil Requiem.”