Resident Evil Requiem Reveals First Combat Footage, But Leon Kennedy Remains Absent

Capcom has finally shown the first combat footage for Resident Evil Requiem, offering a clearer look at how the upcoming survival horror entry handles action. While core atmospheric and exploration elements have been demonstrated in earlier showcases such as Gamescom twenty twenty five, combat had remained conspicuously missing until today. Unfortunately for long time fans, the reveal did not include the confirmation everyone continues to wait for: the appearance of Leon Kennedy.

A short gameplay clip aired earlier today as part of a special Resident Evil program broadcast in Japan. The footage quickly circulated online, giving players a look at a new environment and a sequence featuring Grace fighting multiple zombies with a handgun. The over the shoulder moments strongly evoke the pacing and visual language of Resident Evil Four, suggesting that Requiem intends to blend classic horror stylings with modern third person combat systems.

Well known insider Dusk Golem noted on his official account that the footage shown on Japanese television was censored. As a result, blood and gore effects appeared reduced. The international version of the game will include standard Resident Evil levels of violence and visual intensity.

One thing I'll clarify is since this aired on Japanese television, this is 100% the censored Japanese version. RE games get a "censored" version and a "Z-Rated" version released in Japan, things like headshots/dismemberment are always censored in the Japanese non-Z rated versions

— AestheticGamer aka Dusk Golem (@AestheticGamer1) December 3, 2025

The Ongoing Question: Where Is Leon Kennedy

Speculation surrounding Leon Kennedy’s involvement in Resident Evil Requiem has intensified as each new reveal passes without showing him. For months, community discussions have pointed to the possibility that Requiem’s combat sections would highlight Leon, drawing from his prominence in Resident Evil Two and Resident Evil Four. Announcing his presence alongside the debut combat footage would have made a dramatic impact.

The door is not closed yet. In recent comments, producer Masato Kumazawa addressed fan speculation without denying Leon’s inclusion. This has kept hopes alive that Leon could still appear as a secondary protagonist, joining Grace Ashcroft in a dual perspective narrative.

Regardless of the unanswered questions, Resident Evil Requiem is looking exceptionally promising. Earlier hands on impressions from Gamescom twenty twenty five highlighted impressive production quality and a strong return to tense psychological horror. The new combat footage reinforces that Capcom is aiming to deliver a balanced and modernized survival horror experience.

Resident Evil Requiem launches on PC, PlayStation Five, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S on February twenty seven.

Do you think Capcom is saving Leon Kennedy for a dramatic reveal, or is Resident Evil Requiem meant to stand entirely on Grace Ashcroft’s shoulders