First Gameplay Reveal and Details for Resident Evil 9 – Leon Will Not Be the Protagonist

Exciting First Look and Key Details for Resident Evil 9

On the night of June 26th to 27th, Capcom held a special presentation where they unveiled a captivating five-minute gameplay trailer for Resident Evil Requiem. Alongside the footage, the developers shared important insights into what fans can expect from the upcoming ninth installment in the iconic horror series.

Leon’s Absence Sparks Speculation

Initially, there was speculation that veteran character Leon Kennedy might take center stage in this new chapter. However, Capcom decided against this idea, emphasizing that the game is designed to focus heavily on horror elements. Having Leon as the main character might diminish the sense of fear and vulnerability that the developers aim to evoke.

Introducing a New Heroine to Evoke Fear

Instead, the game will follow the story of Grace Ashcroft, a “reserved” and “fearful” FBI agent. Capcom promises that Grace will experience terror just like players do, and as the story progresses, she will learn to confront her fears. This character-driven approach aims to immerse players more deeply into the horror experience. Interestingly, while Leon won’t be the main protagonist now, he might appear in future downloadable content (DLC).

Setting and Timeline

Resident Evil Requiem takes place seven years after the events of Resident Evil Village. The storyline also extends three decades beyond the destruction of Raccoon City, which was obliterated by a nuclear strike. This new installment continues the overarching narrative established since Resident Evil 6.

Gameplay and Visuals

The developers provided a glimpse of the gameplay, showcasing both the heroine and a terrifying monster. Players will have the ability to switch seamlessly between first-person and third-person perspectives, allowing for a more flexible and immersive experience.

Release Date and Platforms

The release date for Resident Evil Requiem remains unchanged—fans can expect the game on February 27, 2026. It will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Community Interest and Anticipation

Capcom revealed that Resident Evil 9 has already been added to wishlists over one million times across Steam and the PlayStation Store. This high level of interest indicates strong anticipation from the gaming community, even before official details are fully revealed.

Additional News for Horror and Gaming Fans

• A modding pack for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has been released, boasting four times the size of the game itself.
• The final trailer for Death Stranding 2 was personally edited by Hideo Kojima, offering fans a glimpse of what’s to come.
• Steam’s huge summer sale has kicked off, with some titles available at incredibly low prices, making now the perfect time to expand your game library.

Alex "Pixel" Petrov

Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.