Resident Evil Requiem could be one of the boldest entries in Capcom’s legendary survival horror series if recent leaks prove accurate. A credible insider has claimed that the ninth mainline Resident Evil will feature vehicular traversal, open-level exploration, and combat inspired by The Last of Us Part 2—major shake-ups for the franchise.
Following 2021’s Resident Evil Village, fans have eagerly awaited the next chapter in the saga. After enduring multiple alleged internal delays, Resident Evil Requiem was finally unveiled at Summer Game Fest 2025. The reveal trailer confirmed a return to an annihilated Raccoon City, picking up in the aftermath of Resident Evil 3. It also introduced Grace Ashcroft as the main protagonist, while leaks suggest series icon Leon Kennedy will share the spotlight.
Open-Level Raccoon City & Vehicle Traversal
In a recent thread on X (Twitter), reputable insider Dusk Golem revealed that Resident Evil Requiem will feature open-level areas in Raccoon City, alongside more traditional closed environments. Players will reportedly have access to at least one vehicle to traverse these zones—an unprecedented addition for core gameplay in the series. Capcom is said to be optimizing the open areas to run at a smooth 60fps target on current-gen hardware.
Brutal Combat Overhaul
Combat in Resident Evil Requiem may undergo its biggest transformation yet. According to the leak, Leon’s gameplay segments will be heavily inspired by The Last of Us Part 2, with refined stealth mechanics, gritty melee takedowns, and tense, calculated gunplay. Grace’s sections, meanwhile, will emphasize environmental interaction—players might use light, shadow, and improvised weapons to survive, blending puzzle-solving with combat in unique ways.
Why This Matters for the Series
If true, these changes mark a bold evolution for Resident Evil. While vehicles have made cameo appearances in earlier games—such as cars, boats, and aircraft—they’ve never been a sustained part of the gameplay loop. An integrated traversal mechanic could drastically change pacing and exploration. Similarly, the more visceral combat approach could mesh perfectly with Leon’s older, battle-hardened persona, while Grace’s gameplay could restore some of the classic survival horror tension.
Capcom is expected to showcase official Resident Evil Requiem gameplay in the coming days, likely during Gamescom 2025. Until then, these leaks remain unconfirmed—but if they’re accurate, fans may be in for the most ambitious Resident Evil experience yet.