Even though Leon Kennedy underwent intensive government training to become a secret agent, the former Raccoon City police officer is still far from invincible, and there some seriously gruesome ways in which he can die in the Resident Evil 4 remake. One wrong step or one missed bullet is oftentimes all that separates the player from a face-to-face encounter with the many horrors of the game, especially on harder difficulties - and although enemies will vary in size, shape, and capability, they each share an insatiable thirst for Leon's blood. In particular, the worst deaths in the RE4 remake might make players think twice about risking their skin for Ashley again.
The remake of the 2005 title brought to fruition a slew of exciting changes that have set the two firmly apart, especially when it comes to tone. The game has certainly maintained Leon's zany one-liners and its somewhat campy plot, but some of the biggest changes in the RE4 remake have created a setting, character lineup, and gameplay experience that's much more dark and grim than its predecessor. Death animations are no exception; between increased graphical fidelity, improved sound design, and changes to the deaths themselves, Leon is in for a much gorier ride this time around - especially with the worst deaths in the Resident Evil 4 remake.
7 Repeatedly Impaled By Iron Maiden
The Regeneradors (or Regenerators) are some of the most iconic enemies from the original game, but the remake has made them even an even greater menace. Not only are they more difficult to kill, but they've also been equipped with a plethora of new ways to maim and murder the player. One animation in particular, as showcased by RE4 remake's Regenerators are scarier than ever before, especially those mutated into Iron Maidens.
6 Skewered By Chainsaw
Likely one of the most memorable deaths in Resident Evil 4 was Leon's decapitation via chainsaw, which was surprisingly brutal and effective, despite its simple graphics. Although the remake has unfortunately excluded this spontaneous beheading by chainsaw, the alternative is still entirely gut-wrenching in its own right. If Leon loses a tussle with one of the game's chainsaw-wielding enemies, they may take their weapon, rev it ominously, and then proceed to stick it straight through his abdomen, suspending him in the air and unceremoniously mincing his insides. Although his torso won't physically split in two, this death scene certainly isn't for the faint of heart to watch.
5 Head Crushed By Kra
Like many characters in the 2023 title, Kra's story was fleshed out considerably to make him more complex, well-rounded, and believable than before. However, his violence and thirst for combat has only grown increasingly apparent, especially with one of the goriest Kra death animations in the Resident Evil 4 remake. When Leon's former partner lets his Plaga form loose, he can kill a bested Leon by wrapping his large, claw-like hand around his head, crushing it with ease. After a rush of blood drips down from his fist, there will be nothing left of the protagonist but this headless body, which collapses to the ground.
To make matters even worse, Kra will also express a disappointment in Leon as he disintegrates his cranium, telling him that he should have accepted the power of the Plaga for himself. Just like with Luis in the RE4 remake, Kra's more developed backstory make his actions and words hit harder than ever before, especially for returning players. Thus, not only is this death a fatal blow to Leon's physical body, but also to his ego, as the former Army Major openly shares his disgust for him in his final moments.
4 Decapitated By Axe
With improved character design, behavior patterns, and even a handful of brand-new villagers, the Ganados have received a major facelift in the remake. Leon would be wise to treat them with a bit more respect, especially since they now bear the possibility of granting him one of the goriest deaths in the Resident Evil 4 remake. In this rare animation, two Ganados will work together to bring the protagonist to his knees, restrain him, and decapitate him with two swings of a sharp axe. Whether they like it or not, players will have a front-row seat to the show, as Leon's head will roll off his shoulders right before the camera.
3 Skull Punctured By Méndez
Beating the RE4 remake will require defeating Chief Méndez, the crazed missionary and one of the game's most intimidating characters. Although his boss fight isn't the most difficult, things can easily take a turn for the worse if Leon makes a mistake and ends up in his Plaga-infected hands, as it's a recipe for one of the worst death animations in the Resident Evil 4 remake entirely. Here, an enraged Méndez will stab his long, sharp nails directly through Leon's head as if he was cutting through butter. He'll let his hand rest inside Leon's skull for a moment before quickly ripping it back out, instantly rendering him dead.
2 Sliced In Half By Saddler
Being the game's final boss fight, beating Saddler in the RE4 remake will likely take players a few tries - and as they attempt to take down the grotesque monstrosity of Plaga limbs and eyeballs, they'll need to be extra careful, lest they wish to experience one of Leon's worst deaths. Unlike other entries, this fatality doesn't receive its own dedicated scene, but this is likely for the best. After all, only those with a strong stomach would be able to handle seeing the protagonist be sliced clean in half in close-up, bloody detail. Seeing his torso lying lifeless on the ground as his legs fall over separately is more than enough.
1 Head Bitten Off By El Gigante
Leon's worst death in the RE4 remake is delivered through none other than El Gigante's boss fight. Taking one look at the mammoth, hunchbacked monster should be enough to make players realize that this enemy is not one to be messed with, but one of its unique death animations can grant them an additional, not-so-friendly reminder.
If Leon is so unlucky as to end up in El Gigante's grasp, the giant will carefully place the protagonist in his mouth, twist his head off using his teeth, and then rip it clean off his neck, chewing it like a light afternoon snack. Leon will be screaming in agony the entire time, implying that he doesn't immediately die and is instead consciously in anguish as he's being devoured, making it the most gruesome and most violent death in the Resident Evil 4 remake.
Source: TorteliniSensei/YouTube
