He’s finally coming back. If you’ve spent any time on the Island lately, you know the vibe is shifting. The rumors about Leon S. Kennedy Fortnite skins returning have gone from "maybe" to "definitely" as we head into the massive Resident Evil Requiem crossover scheduled for March 2026.
Honestly, Leon is one of those skins that just feels different. It’s not just another collab. When Epic first dropped the Raccoon City Survivors set back in Chapter 4, the hype was unreal. But then? He vanished. For a long time, if you didn't grab him in 2023, you were basically out of luck, watching him become one of those "rare" gaming legends that everyone regrets skipping.
What Really Happened With Leon S. Kennedy in Fortnite?
The history here is kinda wild. Leon S. Kennedy first hit the item shop on March 17, 2023. It was timed perfectly with the Resident Evil 4 Remake launch. People expected the classic R.P.D. police uniform, but Epic went with the "muscle shirt" tactical look from the RE4 remake.
Some fans were actually pretty annoyed. "Where's the jacket?" was the top comment on every Reddit thread for months. Despite that, the skin became a staple for competitive players because of his slim profile and the absolute S-tier pickaxe he came with.
The Bundle Breakdown
If you're looking to grab him during the March 2026 return, here’s what was in the original Raccoon City Survivors Bundle:
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- Leon S. Kennedy Outfit: The tactical RE4 Remake look.
- Attaché Case Back Bling: A classic nod to the inventory management we all love/hate.
- Leon’s Combat Knife: This is the real star. It has a unique animation where he flips the knife between hands.
- Claire Redfield Outfit: Included in the larger bundle or sold separately.
- R.P.D. Keys Back Bling: The iconic keys from the police station.
- Umbrella Parasol Pickaxe: A red and white umbrella that looks... well, like an umbrella.
The bundle originally cost 2,100 V-Bucks, while Leon on his own was 1,500 V-Bucks. With the 2026 collab, prices might fluctuate slightly, but expect to shell out around that much if you want the full set.
Why Everyone is Hyped for the 2026 Return
So, why now? Why is everyone talking about a skin from three years ago?
Basically, it’s all about Resident Evil Requiem. Capcom and Epic Games are leaning hard into this new game launch. According to leaks from HYPEX (who, let’s be real, is basically never wrong about these things), the 2026 collab is going to be the biggest one yet.
We aren't just getting Leon back; we’re getting Grace Ashcroft, a brand-new character from Requiem.
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The Pre-Order Bonus Catch
Here is the bit most people get wrong: You can actually get the Grace Ashcroft skin for "free" if you pre-order Resident Evil Requiem on the Epic Games Store. But for Leon? He’s likely staying in the Item Shop rotation.
There's also a lot of talk about a potential new style for Leon. Fans have been begging for an RE9 / Requiem aged-up style or that elusive brown leather jacket. If Epic actually listens and adds the jacket as a selectable style, this might become the most-purchased skin of the year.
Leon’s Impact on the Fortnite Meta
It sounds sort of silly to talk about a "meta" for skins, but Leon actually has one. His combat knife is widely considered one of the "cleanest" pickaxes in the game.
The swing delay feels non-existent. The animation doesn't block half your screen when you’re trying to track an opponent through a wooden wall. Pro players like Bugha and Clix have used similar "knife" pickaxes for years because they just feel faster, even if the stats are technically the same as a giant marshmallow hammer.
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"The Leon knife is literally the only reason I use the skin. The hand-swap animation is just too smooth to ignore." — Every sweat in your lobby.
How to Prepare for the March 2026 Drop
Don't be the person who realizes they're 200 V-Bucks short when the shop resets. If you're serious about grabbing Leon S. Kennedy this time around, here’s the game plan:
- Save your V-Bucks now: Avoid the temptation of the random 800 V-Buck emotes. You'll want at least 2,500 banked to cover Leon and potentially his gear.
- Check the Epic Games Store: If you’re planning on buying the new Resident Evil anyway, buy it through EGS. That Grace Ashcroft skin is a nice bonus that saves you money in the long run.
- Watch the January 15 Showcase: Capcom is holding a 12-minute Resident Evil Showcase. While it's mostly about the game, these events often have a "look who's coming to Fortnite" teaser at the very end.
Leon isn't just a skin; he's a piece of gaming history that happens to look great while doing the Griddy. Whether you're a die-hard Resident Evil fan or just someone who wants a tactical skin that doesn't look like a neon billboard, the March 2026 window is your best shot.
Actionable Next Steps: Check your current V-Buck balance and set a reminder for the March 2026 Item Shop reset. If you missed the original 2023 release, this is likely your last chance to grab the Raccoon City Survivors set before it goes back into the vault for another few years. Keep an eye on the Epic Games Store for the Resident Evil Requiem pre-order page to secure your Grace Ashcroft bonus early.