Resident Evil Requiem, the latest installment in the iconic horror franchise, concludes with a narrative that intertwines the fates of Leon S. Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft in a manner that redefines the series’ history and future. The game’s true ending brings players to the desolate ruins of Raccoon City, where the duo confronts the mysteries of the ARK facility and the enigmatic project known as Elpis. The conclusion has sparked widespread discussion among fans and critics alike, marking a key moment in the series’ evolution.

The True Ending: A Desolate Raccoon City and the ARK

Resident Evil Requiem’s true ending sees Leon and Grace arriving at the ruins of Raccoon City, a location central to the franchise’s history. The pair is drawn into the conflict involving Zeno, the leader of The Connections, and Dr. Victor Gideon, an ex-Umbrella researcher. Both are convinced that Grace holds the key to unlocking Elpis, a mysterious project linked to Oswell E. Spencer. The ARK, a high-tech vault beneath the ruins, is the site where Elpis is allegedly stored, with a password required for its release.

As Leon battles through mutated creatures and other horrors, Zeno and Gideon kidnap Grace, believing she knows the password. The game reveals that Grace’s identity is more complex than previously assumed. While it initially appears she is the product of Umbrella experiments, the truth is more detailed—she is an orphan taken in by Spencer, later adopted by Alyssa Ashcroft, who became her guardian after an interview with Spencer.

Grace’s Revelation and Leon’s Struggle

Grace discovers the truth about her origins through a video left by Alyssa, who was murdered at the Wrenwood Hotel. This revelation disproves Zeno and Gideon’s theories that Grace is the key to a bioweapon. Instead, Grace learns that Elpis is not a weapon but an antidote that can neutralize all bioweapons. This knowledge becomes key as she and Leon face the final confrontation.

Leon, who has been battling the late stages of Raccoon City Syndrome, is on the brink of death. His condition is exacerbated by the events of the game, but Grace’s discovery of the true nature of Elpis gives him a chance at survival. Using the password “hope,” Grace unlocks Elpis, leading to a choice for players: destroy it or release it. The true ending follows the decision to release it, setting off a chain of events that leads to the final showdown with Gideon.

Final Showdown and Redemption

Leon and Gideon engage in a two-stage boss fight as the latter transforms into a monstrous form. Leon defeats Gideon, but the destruction of the ARK leaves no clear escape. However, the arrival of Chris Redfield’s Hound Wolf Squad saves Leon and Grace, who are both cured of their respective ailments. This outcome provides a bittersweet resolution to their struggles, with Leon leaving Raccoon City with a sense of closure and Grace returning to her life at the FBI, now able to adopt Emily, a girl she had previously helped.

The game’s bad ending, where Leon is killed by Zeno, serves as a stark contrast to the true ending, highlighting the stakes involved in the game’s narrative. The true ending, however, offers a more hopeful resolution, with the discovery of the ARK becoming international news and the potential for future collaborations between Leon and Chris Redfield.

A brief post-credits scene shows mysterious armored soldiers exploring the ARK ruins, hinting at the possibility of new threats or secrets within the facility. This scene has led to speculation that the next installment in the series could focus on Chris Redfield and potentially include Leon as a partner.

Resident Evil Requiem has received critical acclaim, with a top critic average of 88/100 on OpenCritic and a recommendation rate of 96%. The game was released on February 27, 2026, and is available on various platforms. Its ending has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to reshape the series’ lore in a meaningful way.