Leon vs. Claire in Resident Evil 2 Remake: Who Should You Play First? Let’s Settle This.
You’re entering the world of Resident Evil 2 Remake. The big question appears: Leon or Claire? It’s like picking between two great pizzas. Both are excellent. But which one do you choose first? Don’t worry, brave survivor, we will examine this choice like a skilled surgeon with a herb-infused scalpel.
First Timer? Leon’s Campaign is Your “Friendly” Intro
Confused about whether to choose rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy or college student Claire Redfield as your first character? Reddit is buzzing with opinions. The majority believes you should play as both. Their stories intersect, offering unique experiences of zombie chaos. It’s like viewing the same outbreak from two different, panicked views.
Many suggest the route “Leon A/Claire B.” It is often seen as the easier choice for beginners. Leon’s “A scenario” is usually simpler than Claire’s. After finishing Claire’s “A,” you can tackle Leon’s “B” with valuable insights from your first playthrough. Think of it as your survival training montage.
There’s also the “Claire A/Leon B” path. It raises the challenge early on. Some players prefer diving headfirst into the chaos. The experience from Claire’s “A” scenario equips you well for the dangers in Leon’s “B.” Consider Claire’s campaign an intense boot camp for zombies.
Regardless of who you select first, keep this in mind: the main story beats are similar, but each character has unique interactions, special cutscenes, and different final bosses. It is not merely a color swap; it’s a genuinely different experience. For a detailed look, CBR has a good article on this dilemma.
More Than Just a Different Outfit: Story and Gameplay Divergences
Still curious if there’s a real difference? Indeed there is. The Raccoon City Police Department is the setting, but Leon and Claire’s journeys diverge significantly. They also introduce different weapons for the zombie-slaying task.
Leon, the youthful cop, carries distinct firearms compared to Claire, who seeks her brother. This leads to naturally different playstyles. Trying both weapon sets is crucial for enjoying Resident Evil 2 Remake completely. It’s like sampling different flavors of zombie ice cream; you must try both to grasp all the nuances.
It’s more than just weapons too. The item and enemy placements change throughout their scenarios. This clever design enhances replayability. Mastered the police station layout? Not so fast when playing as the other character. Familiar hallways shift into dangerous new paths.
Plus, you will meet different supporting characters. Leon encounters Ada Wong, while Claire meets Sherry Birkin. Claire also explores areas inaccessible to Leon, shedding light on unique story parts. It’s like having two keys revealing different Raccoon City horrors.
Canonically Speaking: Which Story Truly Counts?
The eternal question: Is Leon’s story canonical or Claire’s? Fans of continuity note that the original Resident Evil 2 favored Claire’s “A” and Leon’s “B” scenarios as the official order. Why does this matter? Claire’s “A” scenario reveals Sherry Birkin’s G-virus infection, pivotal for future plot points in Resident Evil, confirmed later in Resident Evil 6. TheGamer covers this canon debate if you want more lore.
For those who care about continuity, “Claire A, Leon B” is your “official” path through Raccoon City. This order ensures the timeline aligns with existing Resident Evil lore. Following it is like using an exact recipe for a perfect zombie-themed cake.
And where does Resident Evil 3 fit into this? Things get tricky with time travel. But simply put, play RE3 after RE2. The first part of RE3’s story occurs before RE2, while its latter section happens after. Confusing? Yes, but that’s how time manipulation works… plus zombie outbreaks. IGN has a timeline guide for the series.
Love in the Time of Zombies? Leon, Claire, and Romance
Now, let’s discuss romance amid the bio-organic threats. Do Leon and Claire eventually pair up? Are wedding bells in Raccoon’s future? Probably not with all the undead nearby. While fans have formed the “Cleon” ship (Claire + Leon), Capcom keeps their relationship strictly platonic.
Leon’s romantic interests often include the cunning Ada Wong. Their bond is complex. They kiss in Resident Evil 2, and their connection is strong despite espionage and manipulation. Some joke Ada aids Leon in RE6 mainly because she finds him attractive. Even spies have feelings!
Claire lacks a confirmed romantic partner in canon. Some fans theorize about Neil Fisher from Resident Evil: Revelations 2 or a one-sided crush on Leon. Officially, they are just good friends who survived terrifying situations together. They’re zombie-fighting best friends, not destined lovers.
Despite some playful tweets (looking at you “Steve Rogers” on X!), Leon and Claire are not canonically married. If it’s not in official games or materials, it did not occur. Their dynamic leans more towards mutual respect than romantic tension. They partner against zombies rather than living out a rom-com.
Battle of the Playstyles: Claire’s Speed vs. Leon’s… Everything Else?
Aside from canon discussions, let’s focus on gameplay. Generally, Leon’s campaigns seem slightly easier overall. This doesn’t mean Claire’s experience is brutal; Leon deals with fewer overwhelming foes. His enemies are still frightening but often less numerous compared to those in Claire’s path.
However, Claire possesses a hidden advantage: speed. She moves faster and feels more agile than Leon. Her controls are more responsive, allowing for quicker turns and smoother movement. Although Leon isn’t clumsy, Claire feels notably more nimble. It’s like comparing a sports car (Claire) to a reliable sedan (Leon). Both reach the destination, but one does so with more flair.
Age and Backstory: Raccoon City’s Young Survivors
Curious about their ages? In Resident Evil 2, Leon is just 21 years old, born in 1977. Claire is slightly younger at 20 and born in 1979. They are practically kids facing a biohazard nightmare!
Fast forward to Resident Evil 4 in 2004, and Leon is about 27 years old. By Resident Evil 8 Village, he’s reached 44 years old in this timeline, having endured many zombie-related challenges.
Comparatively, another icon of Resident Evil, Jill Valentine born around 1974, would be approximately 51 years old now (around March 2025). These characters have fought bio-terrorism for a long time!
Leon: The Flirty Moral Compass
Leon exceeds being just a zombie-slaying machine; he has unique traits. He flirts with women he encounters yet remains fundamentally a “good guy.” His strong moral compass directs him through tough decisions and gruesome choices in the Resident Evil universe.
Beyond Leon and Claire: A World of Bio-Horrors
Don’t forget the broader conspiracies in Resident Evil. Villains often represent shady organizations dabbling in bioweapons. They develop new viruses capable of creating monstrous beings. Meanwhile, characters like Jill Valentine fight their nightmares against foes like Nemesis in Resident Evil 3.
So whom do you choose first? Leon or Claire? Honestly, no answer is wrong here. Both give amazing yet slightly varied slices of Resident Evil 2 Remake’s terrifying pie. Pick a character and prepare for a wild ride through Raccoon City. Just avoid becoming zombie snacks.
