Resident Evil 9’s Free Leon Must Die Forever DLC Reviewed: A Fun Twist, But Fans Still Want Mercenaries Mode

Capcom surprised players with a free Resident Evil 9 DLC just as I was about to call it a night. I powered up my PS5 Pro immediately to check it out.

Leon Must Die Forever is the new add-on mode now available in Resident Evil Requiem. It becomes accessible only after completing the main game once. This mode delivers an arcade-style, roguelite experience where Leon races against time to navigate several in-game areas and ultimately defeat the final boss.

The mode reimagines the game’s core formula with power-ups such as faster reload speeds and improved aim. Players gain experience points by eliminating enemies, which levels up Leon and unlocks special abilities. Movement between encounters happens through glowing doors, as shown in the screenshot above.

What Works in Leon Must Die Forever

Exploring Resident Evil 9’s biomes with fresh objectives and a slightly altered gameplay loop is enjoyable. The mode introduces wearable items like cat ears with embedded abilities and weapons, adding replay value. Multiple difficulty tiers can also be unlocked, enhancing the experience for dedicated players.

I appreciate Capcom’s effort to experiment with the formula, and I have no complaints about receiving a free add-on. However, the absence of the long-anticipated Mercenaries mode leaves a noticeable gap.

Why Fans Are Still Waiting for Mercenaries Mode

Capcom is actively developing single-player story DLC for Resident Evil 9, but fans remain hopeful that the Mercenaries mode will arrive alongside these updates. This time-attack mode, featuring diverse characters and maps, has been a staple in the franchise since Resident Evil 3 launched in 1999. Its expected return for RE9 makes its current absence even more surprising.

I’m not alone in hoping for a Mercenaries mode that leverages Resident Evil 9’s combat mechanics. Imagine playing on iconic maps like Raccoon City or Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center with characters such as Leon, Grace, HUNK, and Zeno. Time-based power-ups and other abilities would make the experience exhilarating. Many fans, including myself, would happily pay for such an add-on.

"I am in no place to complain about a free add-on, and I do appreciate that Capcom tried something different with the formula this time around."

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