Resident Evil Requiem director Koshi Nakanishi has officially confirmed that Grace Ashcroft will be the new main character in the upcoming Resident Evil 9. The announcement marks a pivotal shift for the franchise, as the game ushers in a new era of storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Discover what’s in store, including the return to Raccoon City and the innovative ability to switch between first- and third-person perspectives at any time.
Grace Ashcroft is the New Main Character
It might be time to make room for a new hero—Leon Kennedy may not be taking the lead in Resident Evil Requiem (RE9). Director Koshi Nakanishi has confirmed in a private video message sent to platinum Resident Evil Ambassadors, as reported by Neon Slice, that Grace Ashcroft is the game’s "new main character." This revelation comes after the game’s debut during Summer Game Fest 2025, where the trailer exclusively showcased Grace as the playable protagonist.
While fans had speculated that Leon Kennedy would return to the spotlight, the teaser offered no sign of him. Capcom has not yet confirmed whether Leon will appear in any capacity, playable or otherwise. However, Nakanishi emphasized that Grace’s story will be central to the narrative and deeply intertwined with the broader Resident Evil universe, setting the stage for a fresh yet connected chapter in the series.
Return to Raccoon City
The announcement of Raccoon City’s return sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Nakanishi revealed that Resident Evil Requiem takes place 30 years after the catastrophic destruction of the city in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, when it was obliterated by a thermobaric missile strike. The game will explore the remnants of the once-infamous city, blending nostalgia with a bold new vision.
Nakanishi expressed confidence that RE9 will surpass his previous acclaimed works—Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil Revelations—both of which were praised for their intense survival horror elements and deep narrative immersion. With this ambitious promise, expectations are sky-high. Capcom has also stated on the official game website that Resident Evil Requiem will deliver “A new era of survival horror,” signaling a reinvention of the genre within the franchise.
Switching Perspectives: A First for the Series
Resident Evil Requiem is set to redefine player immersion with a groundbreaking feature: the ability to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives at any point during gameplay. As revealed in the live demo and reported by IGN on June 11, this toggle can be accessed directly through the game’s options menu, offering unprecedented flexibility.
This marks a significant evolution in the series’ camera design. Early entries like RE1, RE2, and RE3 used fixed camera angles to heighten tension, while RE4 popularized the over-the-shoulder third-person view that became a staple for years. With RE7 and RE8, Capcom shifted to first-person to amplify horror and immersion. Now, RE9 combines the best of both worlds—giving players the freedom to choose their preferred perspective without altering the core experience.
As anticipation builds, fans await further details on the roster of returning characters and additional gameplay mechanics. With a release date set for February 27, 2026, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, more revelations are expected in the months ahead. Stay tuned for updates on whether classic characters like Leon Kennedy will make a comeback.
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