Just when we were all catching our breath from last week’s epic reveal at Summer Game Fest 2025, a massive Resident Evil 9 leak has just dropped online, giving us a potential first look at gameplay, a much-requested feature, and a tantalizing clue about a second playable character. The game isn’t set to launch until February 27, 2026, but it looks like we’re getting an early, unsanctioned look at what Capcom is cooking up.
The new info comes straight from Reddit, where a user named “Nicky_Best” posted a handful of screenshots they claim are from a 30-minute press demo. While we always have to take leaks with a grain of salt, these images look incredibly legit and line up perfectly with existing rumors.
What This Resident Evil 9 Leak Reveals About Gameplay
The biggest bombshell from this leak? Players will reportedly be able to switch between first-person and third-person camera perspectives at any time. You read that right. Ever since Village locked us into first-person, fans have been dreaming of having the choice, and it looks like Capcom listened.
The demo details paint a classic survival horror picture. Players take on the role of the new protagonist, Grace, as she explores a dark and terrifying house. According to the leak, she relies on a lighter to cut through the oppressive shadows, which sounds like it will deliver some serious tension.
The Reddit post describes an intense sequence where Grace is attacked by a “monstrous creature” and has to heal with a syringe. Interestingly, the leaker notes that there was no sign of the classic green herb healing spray, suggesting a grittier survival mechanic might be in play this time.
A Familiar Face? The Second Character Teased in the Leak
Here’s where it gets really interesting. While the official trailer focused solely on Grace, this Resident Evil 9 leak confirms a second playable character. The character is described as “familiar, fully armed,” and much more combat-focused.
While Capcom has not confirmed the second character’s identity, leaks and fan speculation, including reports from insider Dusk Golem, suggest it could be Leon Kennedy.
Given his rumored involvement for months, these line up perfectly. A combat-heavy section with a fully kitted-out Leon would be the perfect contrast to Grace’s more traditional survival horror gameplay.
More Clues and What Happens Next
A few other tidbits were spotted in the screenshots, including a lot of environmental interaction and an in-game art book titled “Shadow Ghost.” What could it mean? Right now, it’s anyone’s guess.
The leaker mentions that the official embargo on this demo content is expected to lift soon, so it’s highly likely we’ll see these screenshots and get official confirmation from Capcom very shortly. For now, this Resident Evil 9 leak has given us plenty to chew on. The combination of dual perspectives, two distinct character playstyles, and a return to a truly creepy atmosphere has us counting down the days until February 2026.
What do you think of these new details? Is the second playable character definitely Leon, or could it be someone else?
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