- Key Update: Resident Evil Requiem could work if Leon were the only main protagonist.
- Last Update: January 19, 2026
- While Resident Evil Requiem introduces a dual-protagonist story with Grace, the game could deliver a more focused and emotionally impactful experience if Leon were the sole lead.
Resident Evil Requiem is nearing release, bringing the iconic Leon Kennedy back to face the horrors. Considered the series’ popular pretty boy, this former R.P.D. officer has had it rough over the years, and his return might push him to his limits.
Previous Resident Evil entries have solidified Leon Kennedy as a one-man army. After surviving the T-Virus outbreak in Raccoon City and saving the President’s daughter from deranged cultists, Leon earned his legendary status through years of confronting biohazards and despots. Which is all the more reason for Capcom to bring him back into the fold again.
But I feel like Requiem could have delivered a focused, emotionally charged horror with Leon alone.
While adding a completely new character raises the stakes and returns the franchise to its old survival horror roots, there’s a part of me that wishes maybe Capcom could’ve just stuck to Leon instead of introducing a new face.
Don’t get me wrong, Grace is a fantastic addition to the series. This isn’t to disregard her in any way. Her inexperience makes her a classic RE damsel in distress, turning the horror up a notch.
Both Leon and Grace make up Requiem’s storyline, as both of their stories intersect with one another. While we haven’t seen much of its story yet, we can assume that both are looking for the same Project Elpis that the trailers keep raving about. They are two pieces of the same coin in Requiem’s dual-protagonist storyline. Yes, it makes things far more interesting to see two perspectives, one equally overpowered to deal with the horrors, while the other succumbs to the craziness Raccoon City and Umbrella offer.
Requiem with Leon is possible. He has already proven himself to carry the story alone since Resident Evil 4. Capcom could’ve continued on with his story, putting him front and center into Requiem’s already intriguing plotline.
The addition of Grace might dilute the focus of his character. It’s as if Capcom built a safety net around her to freshen up the story, rather than building on Leon’s existing character.
Splitting their stories reduces the tension and the stakes. While everyone can agree that Leon is totally overpowered, Capcom has the liberty to tone down his expertise, exposing him to moments of weakness and vulnerability. What we have in Leon’s potential “infected” storyline in Requiem seems to go in that direction, and that’s something I’m looking forward to seeing.
Then again, Requiem would shine if it focused solely on Leon. There’s a big emotional stake when we’re playing as someone we’ve known over the years compared to someone we hardly knew. Being the poster boy for RE, he’s easily marketable, which is why Capcom was holding off on his big reveal until The Game Awards. He already has an army of fans awaiting his return, and his storyline still has loose threads that need answered.
Grace’s addition mitigates that scenario. While it’s still early to tell how these two work together, it already risks what could have been a clear and focused story. Leon, having to babysit Grace, might feel similar to Ashley in Resident Evil 4. Players would have to care more about Grace’s story to be invested in her.
But I don’t want to be too negative about a game I’m excited to get my hands on. It’s clear Capcom knows what they are doing with this dual-protagonist setup. While the series has always been at its best when legacy characters anchor the narrative, the presence of Grace might reshape Leon’s dejected morality, bringing him back to moments where he’s not meant to do things alone. He’s done things before solo, but help always comes around when he needs it.
Capcom’s claim that Leon is too overpowered is a weak excuse for sidelining him. Horror will always work regardless of whether a character is experienced or not.
Personally, it feels like Capcom is adding too much for a game that could’ve worked with just Leon alone. I hope it doesn’t cause any issues with its narrative when the game officially launches this February 28, 2026.
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