Capcom officially unveiled Resident Evil Requiem (aka Resident Evil 9) as the surprise finale of this year’s Summer Game Fest, and fans were treated to a gripping new trailer that revealed major story details — including confirmation of at least two playable characters, with the possibility of a third.
Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy Lead the Way
The trailer revealed Grace Ashcroft as a central protagonist. Fans of the Resident Evil Outbreak series will recognize the name: she is the daughter of journalist Alyssa Ashcroft. Now working as an FBI agent, Grace is dispatched to investigate a mysterious hotel — the very site of her mother’s unexplained murder.
While the footage shows Grace being captured and restrained in disturbing conditions, the exact details of her mission — and fate — remain unclear. Her presence, however, marks a major step forward in connecting Resident Evil Outbreak to the core series narrative.
Meanwhile, Leon S. Kennedy, a fan-favorite from Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, is confirmed to return as the main playable character, according to reliable insider AestheticGamer (aka Dusk Golem). Though Leon didn’t visibly appear in the debut trailer, the insider confirmed his pivotal role through a trusted post on X.
A Third Playable Character?
In addition to Grace and Leon, AestheticGamer hinted at a potential third playable character, possibly via flashbacks. The leading theory suggests that Alyssa Ashcroft herself may be playable in certain narrative segments, tying past and present events together. This would be a unique twist and a way to further expand on the series’ deep lore and intergenerational storytelling.
What This Means for Resident Evil Fans
The decision to include multiple playable characters is nothing new for the franchise, but it’s always exciting. This approach allows players to explore different storylines, character perspectives, and gameplay styles. With Grace likely focused on investigation and stealth, and Leon delivering more classic action-horror gameplay, Resident Evil Requiem could provide a rich, layered experience.
Whether Alyssa becomes playable or not, the mere possibility opens up a door to deeper narrative exploration — especially for longtime fans of Resident Evil Outbreak.
What’s Next?
Capcom has yet to announce a release date for Resident Evil Requiem, but the buzz following its Summer Game Fest debut suggests more updates will come soon. With two confirmed protagonists and a potential third on the horizon, this next chapter in the Resident Evil saga is shaping up to be one of the most narrative-driven yet.