Eagle-eyed Resident Evil Requiem players have spotted Leon S. Kennedy’s cell phone number — but also been left disappointed when they try to chat with the franchise’s ‘hot uncle’ for themselves.
Rather than the gravelly tones of an experienced special agent, calling Leon’s in-game number in real life simply leaves you with a message stating that “the number is not in service.” There’s no Easter egg here, either — no inputting a secret code to hear more. The number is, sadly, just a fake.
Fans were initially excited to see Leon’s number pop up on Grace Ashcroft’s phone, with a screenshot showing the caller ID generating more than 25,000 likes on X/Twitter, as a fan asked whether anyone had tried it for real. Alas, the number is 266-555-0173 — and like all other 555 numbers, this one is invalid.
Btw, has anyone tried calling this number? https://t.co/tSVDgEYAtG
— Bia || COMMS CLOSED (re-open in March 15th) (@5hanebia) February 28, 2026
For those unaware, the 555 number range has long been reserved for use depicting when cell phone numbers in movies, TV shows and video games. It’s an easy way for production companies to show an on-screen number without accidentally using the ID of a real person, though it also means there’s no secret message to be heard when dialling it for yourself.
Of course, some fans tried to call the number anyway, while others are simply having fun with the idea of Leon himself picking up:
“Yeah some guy with a bad haircut came up and roundhouse kicked my phone out of my hand and said something about Raccoon City,” one fan claimed. (I’m sorry, bad haircut?!)
“Imagine calling and all you get is ‘Where is everybody going, bingo?'” wrote another. (I understand that reference!)
“Tried but someone named Claire kept answering,” suggested a third. (Leon..!)
Some fans said they had called the number in the hope it provided some kind of clue for Resident Evil Requiem’s cryptic Final Puzzle solution, which has been confusing fans for the past week. Today, one person does now appear to have solved the Final Puzzle — but the mystery around the challenge remains, as it’s unclear exactly how they did it.
IGN’s Resident Evil: Requiem guide will help you every step of the way through RE9. Take note of these key tips and tricks before you get started, and focus on finding these important items early. Plus, our comprehensive walkthrough will make sure you don’t miss a single Bobblehead or file as you try to survive from the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center all the way to Raccoon City.
Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
