Grace vs Leon — Character Differences in Resident Evil Requiem

Resident Evil Requiem features two playable protagonists with completely different gameplay styles. This complete comparison covers every ability, weapon access, exclusive feature, and tactical difference between Grace Ashcroft and Leon S. Kennedy.

Grace Ashcroft — abilities and exclusives

// BLOOD CRAFTING SYSTEM

Grace's signature mechanic is the Blood Collector, a device that harvests Infected Blood from enemies. Combined with Scrap, this enables crafting:

• Handgun Ammo — basic crafting recipe (Scrap + Blood)
• Hemolytic Injector — one-shots mini-bosses from behind
• Pistol Magazines — extended mag for the M232
• First Aid Items — supplemental healing

Recipes unlock by analyzing Blood Specimens at the Blood Lab. Solve Specimen 1 (Denatured) ASAP — it unlocks Hemolytic Injectors which trivialize the Chef and Chunk fights.

// SAFE-CRACKING (EXCLUSIVE)

Only Grace can interact with the 5 locked safes. If you encounter a safe as Leon, you cannot open it — switch back to Grace's section in the story.

// STEALTH FOCUS

Grace's chapters emphasize avoidance. Many encounters are designed around sneaking past enemies rather than fighting. Use the Hemolytic Injector for silent stealth kills from behind.

Leon S. Kennedy — abilities and exclusives

// WEAPON UPGRADE SYSTEM

Leon visits Supply Boxes across Raccoon City and the ARK to spend Credits on weapon upgrades:

• Tier 1 upgrades — base improvements (damage, capacity, accuracy)
• Tier 2 upgrades — specialized stats (rate of fire, reload speed)
• Tier 3 (Advanced Tuning) — unlocked by collecting all 25 Mr. Raccoons

// HATCHET FINISHER

When an enemy is staggered (low HP or post-parry), Leon can perform a Hatchet finisher — an instant-kill execution. Three finishers unlock the "Chop Chop" trophy.

// HEAVY WEAPON ACCESS

Leon has access to weapons Grace cannot use:

• Requiem Revolver (his signature weapon)
• MSBG 500 / W870 / 990-TAC Shotguns
• Marksman 1A Sniper Rifle
• Clatter Carbine (Assault Rifle)
• Rocket Launcher (single-use)

Side-by-side stat comparison

Story-driven character switching

You don't choose which character to play — the story switches automatically based on chapter progression:

• Wrenwood — Grace (intro)
• Care Center 1F-Basement — Grace
• Care Center Attic-Courtyard — Leon
• Raccoon City — Leon (mostly)
• ARK Facility — Leon (final boss)

Optimal play for each character

// AS GRACE

• Solve Blood Specimen (Denatured) ASAP for Hemolytic Injectors
• Open all 5 safes during her chapters
• Kill the optional Chunk and Chef bosses for unique drops
• Use stealth approach — most fights are avoidable
• Conserve Blood — recipes get expensive late-game

// AS LEON

• Pick up MSBG 500 Shotgun in Care Center Attic immediately
• Visit every Supply Box to upgrade weapons
• Collect all 25 Mr. Raccoons for Advanced Tuning (Tier 3)
• Master parry → Hatchet counter for boss fights
• Save Requiem Bullets for boss weak points only

Which character is "better"?

Neither — they're complementary halves of the same game. Capcom designed the campaign so Grace's setup work (safe codes, blood crafting, exploration) directly benefits Leon's combat sections. A player who hoards Hemolytic Injectors as Grace will struggle once Leon takes over.

If you must pick a favorite for replay value:

• Speedrunners prefer Leon — Infinite Requiem trivializes his sections
• Completionists prefer Grace — her exploration is where most missables live
• Casual players often find Grace more relaxing (less combat pressure)
• Combat fans prefer Leon for the boss fights and weapon variety