During The Game Awards, Capcom officially unveiled Resident Evil Requiem, thrilling fans with the confirmation that series icon Leon Kennedy will make a return in this ambitious title.
Accompanied by an engaging new trailer, the announcement hinted at a dynamic dual protagonist approach, featuring both Leon Kennedy and the all-new character, Grace Ashcroft.
Resident Evil Requiem is set to release on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 27, 2026, marking a significant entry for Capcom as it explores new hardware and gameplay paradigms. Capcom’s decision to spotlight both Leon and Grace stems from a desire to blend the classic survival horror roots of the franchise with more modern, action-based gameplay.
Speaking with Automaton, director Kōshi Nakanishi and producer Masato Kumazawa clarified that both protagonists will share nearly equal screen time throughout the campaign.
This balanced approach means the narrative and gameplay will not favor one character over the other, offering a more varied and engaging player experience. Nakanishi likened Resident Evil Requiem’s structure to that of Resident Evil Revelations—a title that previously saw players alternating between Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield under his direction.
Elaborating on the contrasting gameplay styles, Nakanishi stated that Leon’s scenarios deliver intense, action-driven sequences suited to his established role as a seasoned operative.
Conversely, Grace’s chapters focus on classic survival horror elements, creating tension and atmospheric dread reminiscent of early Resident Evil entries.
This deliberate contrast establishes what Nakanishi described as a "distinct pacing," giving Resident Evil Requiem a recognizable yet refreshing rhythm compared to previous series installments. According to Nakanishi, blending these two modes resulted in a gameplay cadence similar to switching from high-energy action to edge-of-your-seat suspense: "The interplay between slow, nerve-wracking segments and fast-paced action gives Resident Evil Requiem its signature flow, setting it apart from earlier titles." This duality not only honors the series’ heritage but also aims to appeal to a broad range of fans, from those who appreciate survival horror to those drawn to high-octane gameplay. Grace Ashcroft’s gameplay is rooted in the atmospheric intensity of Resident Evil 2, demanding caution and careful resource management.
In contrast, Leon’s sections reflect the more action-oriented gameplay pioneered in Resident Evil 4, complete with new moves that offer players a cathartic sense of release following Grace’s tense scenarios.
By weaving these playstyles together, Capcom intends to alleviate player fatigue and sustain engagement throughout the campaign. Another layer of depth comes from highlighting Leon’s character evolution.
Now an older and more experienced protagonist, Leon faces the psychological weight of returning to settings deeply tied to his past, including Raccoon City.
Nakanishi emphasizes that this personal journey brings additional narrative richness to Resident Evil Requiem and elevates its appeal. With its carefully constructed balance of horror and action, Resident Evil Requiem promises to deliver a fresh yet familiar experience for long-standing fans and newcomers alike.
As Capcom prepares for the game's launch on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, anticipation continues to mount.
Resident Evil Requiem’s dual-protagonist gameplay and innovative pacing are set to reinforce the franchise’s reputation for quality and innovation.
Accompanied by an engaging new trailer, the announcement hinted at a dynamic dual protagonist approach, featuring both Leon Kennedy and the all-new character, Grace Ashcroft.
Resident Evil Requiem is set to release on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 27, 2026, marking a significant entry for Capcom as it explores new hardware and gameplay paradigms. Capcom’s decision to spotlight both Leon and Grace stems from a desire to blend the classic survival horror roots of the franchise with more modern, action-based gameplay.
Speaking with Automaton, director Kōshi Nakanishi and producer Masato Kumazawa clarified that both protagonists will share nearly equal screen time throughout the campaign.
This balanced approach means the narrative and gameplay will not favor one character over the other, offering a more varied and engaging player experience. Nakanishi likened Resident Evil Requiem’s structure to that of Resident Evil Revelations—a title that previously saw players alternating between Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield under his direction.
Elaborating on the contrasting gameplay styles, Nakanishi stated that Leon’s scenarios deliver intense, action-driven sequences suited to his established role as a seasoned operative.
Conversely, Grace’s chapters focus on classic survival horror elements, creating tension and atmospheric dread reminiscent of early Resident Evil entries.
This deliberate contrast establishes what Nakanishi described as a "distinct pacing," giving Resident Evil Requiem a recognizable yet refreshing rhythm compared to previous series installments. According to Nakanishi, blending these two modes resulted in a gameplay cadence similar to switching from high-energy action to edge-of-your-seat suspense: "The interplay between slow, nerve-wracking segments and fast-paced action gives Resident Evil Requiem its signature flow, setting it apart from earlier titles." This duality not only honors the series’ heritage but also aims to appeal to a broad range of fans, from those who appreciate survival horror to those drawn to high-octane gameplay. Grace Ashcroft’s gameplay is rooted in the atmospheric intensity of Resident Evil 2, demanding caution and careful resource management.
In contrast, Leon’s sections reflect the more action-oriented gameplay pioneered in Resident Evil 4, complete with new moves that offer players a cathartic sense of release following Grace’s tense scenarios.
By weaving these playstyles together, Capcom intends to alleviate player fatigue and sustain engagement throughout the campaign. Another layer of depth comes from highlighting Leon’s character evolution.
Now an older and more experienced protagonist, Leon faces the psychological weight of returning to settings deeply tied to his past, including Raccoon City.
Nakanishi emphasizes that this personal journey brings additional narrative richness to Resident Evil Requiem and elevates its appeal. With its carefully constructed balance of horror and action, Resident Evil Requiem promises to deliver a fresh yet familiar experience for long-standing fans and newcomers alike.
As Capcom prepares for the game's launch on the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, anticipation continues to mount.
Resident Evil Requiem’s dual-protagonist gameplay and innovative pacing are set to reinforce the franchise’s reputation for quality and innovation.
