If you’ve reached the final hours of Resident Evil Requiem, you already know Capcom doesn’t pull its punches. The descent into the ARK facility beneath Raccoon City delivers one of the most intense finales the series has seen in years. Leon and Grace’s journey builds toward a single, pivotal choice that determines the fate of multiple characters—and possibly the future of bioweapon warfare itself.



If you’re looking for clarity before committing to your decision, this Resident Evil Requiem Guide breaks down both endings and how to unlock them.



The Point of No Return: ARK’s Central Chamber



The final chapter unfolds deep below the ruins of Raccoon City. Perspective shifts between Leon S. Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft as you fight through the ARK facility.



Before the decisive moment, Leon must survive a brutal elevator defense sequence in the Bioweapon Repository/B4 Staff Room. Lickers and infected swarm the area, making it wise to create a manual save here. Once you take that elevator, there’s no turning back.



Eventually, Grace reaches the central chamber and is confronted with a question:



What does the creator desire?



Destroy Elpis



Release Elpis



Your answer determines which ending you’ll see.



The Destruction Ending (Bad Ending)



Choosing to destroy Elpis leads to a grim outcome.



Leon attempts to confront Zeno—often described as a “Wesker wannabe”—but he’s severely weakened by the Raccoon City Syndrome virus. Zeno effortlessly dodges Leon’s gunfire and overpowers him. In a shocking scene, Leon is executed.



Grace escapes as ARK collapses, but the emotional weight is heavy. Leon’s death leaves her shattered, and the story ends on a bleak note.



Capcom does give players a second chance. After the credits roll, you’ll receive a prompt allowing you to reload a system autosave from the decision point. It’s essentially the game’s way of saying: “Are you sure that’s the future you want?”



The Hope Ending (Good Ending)



Releasing Elpis reveals its true purpose—it’s an antivirus capable of counteracting bioweapon infections. Grace administers the cure to Leon, restoring his strength and shifting the balance of power.



Zeno lashes out, but events escalate when Victor Gideon arrives. In a dramatic twist, Victor mutates, dismisses Zeno as an imitation, and kills him. This sets up the true final boss battle.



Victor transforms into a Nemesis-style monstrosity reminiscent of Resident Evil 3. The fight includes classic mechanics like targeting glowing pustules during the second phase. Leon ultimately finishes the creature using the Requiem weapon, destroying its core.



What Happens After the Final Battle?



The Hope ending delivers a far more expansive conclusion.



BSAA’s Wolf Hound Squad rescues Leon and Grace. Leon is informed that Commander Redfield is looking for him, a clear nod to Chris Redfield.



Meanwhile, Sherry Birkin—still infected—smiles at the possibility that Elpis could be the cure humanity needs. News broadcasts confirm that ARK was discovered beneath Raccoon City, with government denials hinting at deeper conspiracies.



In a touching epilogue, Grace returns to work at the FBI. A rescued girl named Emily survives her mutation ordeal, and Grace appears to become her guardian. The scene reinforces the “hope” theme and unlocks Grace’s Report in the Bonus Content menu, offering lore insights and subtle retcons.



Which Ending Is Canon?



While Capcom hasn’t officially declared canon, the Hope ending clearly expands the narrative and sets up future storylines. It preserves Leon’s arc, introduces global implications for Elpis, and plants seeds for the franchise’s future.



If you’re aiming for the most complete experience, releasing Elpis is the way to go. Still, both endings are worth seeing for the emotional impact alone.



No matter which path you choose, Resident Evil Requiem proves that even one decision can change everything.