The Ultimate Resident Evil Leon Kennedy Tier List: Unlock His True Ranking!

Highlights

Leon Kennedy's best appearance in the Resident Evil franchise is in Resident Evil 4, where his character is developed and he becomes iconic.

Leon's initial introduction in Resident Evil 2 is pivotal to the game's canon and firmly establishes his significance as a prominent figure in the horror gaming realm. However, his subsequent appearances in Darkside Chronicles, Resident Evil 6, and Re:Verse & Revelations 2 may cater to fans but lack substantial character growth and narrative significance.

Leon Kennedy is a crucial and beloved character in the horrifying world of Resident Evil. From his initial days as an unknowing rookie cop trapped in a city overrun by monsters to his eventual role in eliminating the infected United States President, Leon has become an iconic figure in the Resident Evil universe.

However, not every iteration of Leon's character holds the same significance. His involvement in the games can vary, sometimes playing a major part in the plot, while other times taking a more secondary role. Additionally, there are instances where his experiences are considered non-canon, rendering them inconsequential to his overall storyline.

S Tier

Resident Evil 4: Not only is Resident Evil 4 known for its exceptional storytelling within the franchise, but it also showcases Leon Kennedy's best portrayal. Being the sole protagonist allows the game to explore Leon's character and establish him as a distinct personality, solidifying his iconic status.

Resident Evil 2: Leon's initial introduction in Resident Evil 2 holds immense significance for both the game series and the horror gaming genre as a whole. While he only appears in slightly over half of the game, as players also experience it through Claire Redfield, Resident Evil 2 effectively presents Leon's origins and highlights his indispensable role within the game's world.

A Tier

B Tier

Darkside Chronicles: The dark and gripping on-rails shooter, Darkside Chronicles, not only retells Leon's harrowing journey during the events of Resident Evil 2 but also bridges the gap between that game and Resident Evil 4 with its Operation Javier scenario. This captivating storyline takes center stage as Leon's most compelling portrayal outside of the iconic main games, especially for die-hard fans yearning to witness his transformation from a rookie cop to a skilled special agent.

In Resident Evil 6, Leon is among the multiple protagonists that the game regularly switches between. However, similar to the overall era of Resident Evil 6, Leon's story in this game suffers from several issues. The storyline has become excessively extravagant, lacking its own merit. In the grand scheme, Leon's character feels somewhat insignificant, as the significant events in his story predominantly occur due to Helena or Ada. Consequently, Leon receives minimal character development or significant revelations.

C Tier

Re:Verse & Revelations 2: The inclusion of Leon as a playable multiplayer character in both Resident Evil Re:Verse and Revelations 2 is a delightful treat for fans. However, it doesn't contribute significantly to his character development. While this wasn't a requirement for these game modes, it doesn't quite stand out like the other notable entries. It would have been intriguing to witness Leon's involvement with a storyline in Resident Evil Revelations 2, given that it takes place between RE5 and RE6, bridging a gap in his story where he currently lacks any canonical appearances.

D Tier

Operation Raccoon City: The inclusion of Leon in this game's story, although non-canon, is rather disappointing. The events that unfold hold little significance, and the knowledge that Leon can be killed in this alternate storyline only adds to the overall cheapness of his appearance. Moreover, this particular iteration of Leon's character coincides with one of the most critically criticized Resident Evil games, solidifying it as his weakest portrayal.