When starting Resident Evil Requiem, one of the biggest early questions players ask is:
Should I begin with Grace Ashcroft or Leon S. Kennedy?
Unlike previous entries in the franchise, Resident Evil Requiem deliberately splits its campaign between two distinct gameplay styles. Reviews and previews consistently describe it as feeling like “two different Resident Evil experiences merged into one.”
One path leans into first-person survival horror.
The other delivers cinematic third-person action combat.
This guide breaks down:
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Grace Ashcroft gameplay style
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Leon Kennedy combat mechanics
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Difficulty differences
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Whether play order affects the ending
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And which character is best to start with
Let’s make the choice simple.
Quick Comparison: Grace vs Leon (At a Glance)
| Feature | Grace Ashcroft | Leon S. Kennedy |
|---|---|---|
| Perspective | First-person survival horror | Third-person action |
| Combat Style | Defensive, resource-limited | Aggressive, weapon-flexible |
| Difficulty Feel | Higher tension | More forgiving |
| Inventory | Tight management | Larger capacity |
| Emotional Tone | Vulnerable & atmospheric | Confident & explosive |
| Best For | Horror purists | Action-focused players |
For most new players: Leon is the easier starting point.
But the full picture matters.
-Should-You-Start-with-Grace-or-Leon.png "Resident Evil Requiem (2026): Should You Start with Grace or Leon? Full Gameplay Guide")
Important: Do You Permanently Choose One Character?
Before going further, let’s clarify a common misconception.
Does Resident Evil Requiem Lock You Into One Protagonist?
No.
Resident Evil Requiem features an interconnected narrative where the campaign alternates between Grace and Leon at specific story points. You are not choosing one character for the entire game in isolation.
However, the character you experience first can influence:
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Your first impression of the tone
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The perceived difficulty curve
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How the pacing feels early on
That’s why the “who should I start with?” question still matters.
Grace Ashcroft Gameplay Explained
Grace represents the survival-horror-heavy side of Resident Evil Requiem.
Her sections emphasize tension, limited resources, and atmospheric exploration. Reviews consistently highlight how her gameplay leans into vulnerability and psychological pressure rather than combat dominance.
🎮 What Defines Grace’s Playstyle?
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First-person perspective for immersion
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Limited ammunition and tight inventory space
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Stealth and avoidance are often safer than confrontation
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Slower pacing focused on environmental storytelling
Grace’s sections are intentionally tense. Encounters feel risky. Every decision carries weight.
✅ Grace’s Strengths
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Deep horror immersion
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Strong atmospheric storytelling
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Strategic encounter management
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High tension and suspense
❌ Grace’s Weaknesses
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Less combat flexibility
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Resource mistakes are punishing
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Can feel harder for new players
💡 Pro Insight (Experience-Based)
Grace’s sections reward patience. Avoid unnecessary fights early on and prioritize defensive tools over aggressive upgrades. Resource conservation matters more here than in Leon’s segments.
Leon S. Kennedy Combat Mechanics
Leon represents the action-driven half of the game.
His gameplay shifts to third-person combat, giving players more situational awareness and combat mobility. Reviews consistently describe his segments as faster-paced and mechanically flexible.
What Defines Leon’s Playstyle?
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Third-person over-the-shoulder combat
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Expanded weapon variety
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Melee engagement and parry options
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More aggressive enemy encounters
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Larger inventory flexibility
Leon’s sections feel empowering. Where Grace evokes vulnerability, Leon delivers control.
✅ Leon’s Strengths
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More forgiving difficulty curve
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Greater combat flexibility
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Stronger crowd control options
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Faster pacing
❌ Leon’s Weaknesses
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Slightly reduced horror tension
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Action pacing may feel less suspenseful
Leon is often recommended for players who prefer action-first gameplay or are new to survival horror mechanics.
Why Resident Evil Requiem Feels Like “Two Games in One”
One of the most consistent themes in review coverage is how Requiem intentionally contrasts its protagonists.
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Grace delivers dread, isolation, and survival pressure.
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Leon delivers momentum, mobility, and cinematic action.
This dual structure keeps the experience fresh and prevents fatigue. It also broadens the game’s appeal to both classic horror fans and action-focused players.
Understanding this design philosophy helps you choose the best starting experience for your preference.
Does the Play Order Affect the Resident Evil Requiem Ending?
This is one of the most searched questions.
Does Starting With Grace or Leon Change the Ending?
Based on confirmed campaign structure, the core narrative remains consistent regardless of which protagonist you experience first.
However:
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Perspective shifts emotional context
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Certain story reveals may feel different depending on order
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Pacing impact can alter your perception of tension vs action
So while the ending itself does not fundamentally change, your experience of the journey can.
Final Recommendation: Who Should You Start With?
Start With Grace If:
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You want maximum horror immersion
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You enjoy slower, tension-driven pacing
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You prefer strategic survival gameplay
Start With Leon If:
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You want smoother onboarding
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You prefer confident combat mechanics
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You enjoy faster-paced action
Overall Recommendation
For most players, starting with Leon provides a smoother entry into Resident Evil Requiem’s mechanics.
However, horror purists seeking the most intense first impression may prefer beginning with Grace.
There is no wrong choice — only a different tone for your opening hours.
Resident Evil Requiem — Grace vs Leon FAQ
Does the Play Order Affect the Resident Evil Requiem Ending?
No. The core story and ending of Resident Evil Requiem remain consistent regardless of whether you experience Grace or Leon’s sections first. However, the emotional impact and pacing can feel different depending on which perspective you start with.
Can You Switch Between Grace and Leon Anytime?
No. The campaign alternates between Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy at specific story points. Players do not freely switch characters at will.
Is Grace Harder Than Leon in Resident Evil Requiem?
Generally, yes. Grace’s gameplay focuses on limited resources, tighter inventory management, and higher tension encounters. Leon’s combat system is more flexible and forgiving, making him easier for many players.
Which Character Has Better Weapons?
Leon has broader weapon variety and more combat flexibility. Grace relies more on careful resource management and strategic engagement rather than firepower.
Should Beginners Start With Grace or Leon?
Most beginners should start with Leon for a smoother introduction to combat mechanics. Players who prefer intense survival horror may enjoy starting with Grace.
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