Resident Evil 9: Requiem - Leon's Illness & New Trailer Breakdown

A new trailer released during the State of Play event offers a detailed look at Resident Evil 9: Requiem, revealing a dual-protagonist structure and a potentially debilitating condition affecting a returning hero. The game, slated for release on February 27, 2026, will feature both Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst, and Leon S. Kennedy, a legendary special agent.

A Divided Narrative

The gameplay will alternate between Grace Ashcroft’s experience, described as a “glaçante” survival horror, and Leon S. Kennedy’s more action-oriented approach. Players will have the flexibility to switch between first and third-person perspectives, adapting to their preferred playstyle.

Leon Kennedy’s Condition

The trailer suggests Leon S. Kennedy has been infected with a virus, impacting his physical condition. This vulnerability is intended to heighten the sense of danger and create more intense moments during combat. The nature of the virus is linked to previous research conducted by the Umbrella Corporation.

Did You Know? The game features a character, Victor Gideon, who is a former researcher of the T-virus for the Umbrella Corporation.

Key Characters Introduced

The trailer introduces three central characters: Emily, a young girl found by Grace Ashcroft at the Rhodes Hill care centre; Nathan Dempsey, Grace’s supervisor at the FBI, who assigns her the case despite her ongoing trauma; and Victor Gideon, identified as a primary suspect in a series of unexplained deaths across the United States.

French Language Support

Capcom has confirmed that Resident Evil Requiem will be fully dubbed in French for Francophone players.

Expert Insight: Introducing a vulnerability for a traditionally powerful character like Leon S. Kennedy represents a significant shift in gameplay dynamics. This could force players to rely more on strategic thinking and resource management, rather than direct confrontation, potentially deepening the survival horror elements of the game.

Potential Future Developments

Given Victor Gideon’s history with the T-virus and the Umbrella Corporation, it is likely that the narrative will explore the origins and consequences of this research. The relationship between Grace Ashcroft and Emily could become a central emotional core of the story. Further details regarding Nathan Dempsey’s role and the nature of Grace’s trauma may emerge as the release date approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the two playable characters?

The two playable characters are Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst, and Leon S. Kennedy, a special agent.

What is known about Leon Kennedy’s condition?

Leon S. Kennedy appears to be infected with a virus that affects his physical condition.

Who is Victor Gideon?

Victor Gideon is a former researcher of the T-virus for the Umbrella Corporation and is currently a suspect in a series of deaths.

How might the dual-protagonist structure impact your approach to playing Resident Evil 9: Requiem?

Resident Evil 9: Requiem – Leon’s Illness & New Trailer Breakdown