Resident Evil 9: Requiem Leon Must Die Forever Review (2026)

Resident Evil 9: Requiem has introduced a significant addition to its gameplay loop with the release of the "Leon Must Die Forever" mode, a free update available now on the PlayStation 5. Developed and published by Capcom, this new time-attack mode tasks players with controlling Leon Kennedy as he tracks Victor Gideon across various environments from the main campaign.

Understanding the Leon Must Die Forever Mode

The core structure of Leon Must Die Forever functions as a time-attack challenge that incorporates roguelite mechanics. Players begin their run on the streets of Wrenwood and must navigate through sections of the Rhodes Hill care centre and Raccoon City. The path to the final encounter with Victor Gideon is not linear; players choose their route through doors located in each area, with each segment assigned a recommended difficulty level ranging from 1 to 20. The objective is to power up Leon as he progresses toward the final confrontation.

As part of our Resident Evil coverage, we have noted that the mode emphasizes survival and efficiency. When a player dies or the timer expires, the run concludes, and the game issues a score and rank. This cycle encourages repeated attempts, as completing specific challenges earns currency that can be used to unlock new weapons and items, theoretically making subsequent runs more manageable.

Progression and Combat Mechanics

Progression within the mode is managed through the Blood Collector system. By defeating enemies, Leon earns points; once 100 points are accumulated, the player can unlock an Enhancer. These Enhancers provide temporary perks for the current run, such as improved damage output, health recovery, or weapon repair. Strategic selection of these abilities is required to survive, especially as enemies become more aggressive in later stages.

For instance, some Enhancers offer significant benefits, such as filling the Blood Collector 40% faster, but these come with a trade-off, such as a 20% reduction in attack power. Balancing these trade-offs is necessary to handle the increased difficulty, particularly when facing multiple Blister Heads simultaneously. Players seeking more information on the base game can visit our gaming reviews hub.

Resident Evil Requiem Leon Must Die Forever Pros and Cons

While the mode adds a layer of depth to the title, it maintains a rigid structure. The following list outlines the primary characteristics of the experience:

• Fixed Enemy Spawns: Unlike many roguelite experiences, the enemy placement and scenarios are static, meaning players face the same challenges in every run.
• Resource Management: The reliance on the Blood Collector and Enhancer system provides a tactical layer to combat.
• Reused Assets: The environments and dialogue are pulled directly from the main campaign, which can lead to immersion issues, such as Leon repeating lines about needing to reach an office that is not the current objective.
• Progression Loop: The ability to unlock new gear through challenge currency provides a clear incentive for repeated play sessions.

Technical Considerations and Design Choices

The integration of campaign assets into this mode creates a specific experience. Because the mode utilizes existing locations and dialogue, some interactions may feel disconnected from the immediate gameplay goals. For example, while Leon’s dialogue on the streets of Wrenwood aligns with the campaign narrative, his lines during the Rhodes Hill care centre segments often reference objectives that do not exist within the mode. Although players can unlock additional dialogue options using currency earned from challenges, the core narrative context remains tied to the primary game's script.

The challenge level is designed to be high, with enemies possessing substantial health bars and dealing significant damage. The lack of randomization in enemy spawns means that success relies heavily on player knowledge of the map and the effective use of the available weapon loadouts. While this offers a consistent testing ground for player skill, it limits the variety that is often associated with the roguelite genre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Resident Evil Requiem Leon Must Die Forever worth playing?

The mode offers a challenging time-attack experience for those seeking to test their combat skills against set enemy spawns and roguelite progression systems.

What is the Leon Must Die Forever mode in Resident Evil Requiem?

Leon Must Die Forever is a free time-attack update for Resident Evil 9: Requiem where players navigate campaign locations to hunt Victor Gideon while managing limited resources.

Is the new Resident Evil Requiem PS5 update good?

The update provides a structured, high-difficulty challenge with roguelite elements, though some players may find the lack of randomized enemy spawns and reused campaign dialogue limiting.