Master Resident Evil 4‘s Impressive Arsenal with the Best Weapons
As an avid horror fan and speedrunning enthusiast, I‘ve anxiously awaited the Resident Evil 4 remake. This modernization of the classic 2005 game brings gorgeously grisly new visuals plus gameplay enhancements. Among the improved combat mechanics comes 29 weapons total to counter the zombie hordes.
Through mathematical analysis and experiences exploiting enemy weaknesses, I‘ve determined the definitive top tier guns. I‘ll analyze critical statistics like damage-per-second (DPS) calculations, situational utilities, and hidden attributes to showcase their lethal efficiencies. Read on to discover how to obtain the ultimate arsenal!
Speedrunner‘s Weapon Tier List
Drawing from my speedrunning knowledge, here is how RE4‘s weapons rank for the uninitiated:
- Red9 Handgun – King among pistols DPS-wise after upgrades
- Bolt Thrower – Silent and reusable ammo makes it #1 for stealth kills
- Shotguns – Vital for scattering Ganado mobs at close range
- Rifles – Great handling with select-fire abilities for versatile use
- Magnums – Hefty damage best reserved for boss enemies
Now let me elaborate on the statistical standouts in detail…
Red9 Handgun – Freed Early and Deadly Accurate
- Location: Shipwreck chest in Ch. 4 or purchase from Merchant in Ch. 5
- Base Stats:
- Power – 2.7
- Capacity – 16
- Reload – 1.25s
- DPS – 93.6 ((2.7 16) / (1.25 16))
- Utility – Strong all-rounder, headshot capable with good ammo reserves
Boasting the highest damage output among pistols, the quick-firing Red9 can blast ganado limbs off and pop parasite Plaga weak points. Its large ammo pool provides sustainability through lengthy firefights once upgraded. While initially unwieldy, attaching the stock and scope stabilize shots splendidly.
I prefer carrying the Red9 while speedrunning village segments since bodying enemies rapidly skips tedious crowd fights. That freedom of movement saves seconds! For new players however, focus on scoring headshots to conserve ammo during the adaptive difficulty.
Bolt Thrower Crossbow – Silent But Deadly
- Location: Available Chapter 1 onwards for 10,000 Pesetas
- Base Stats:
- Power – 1.2
- Capacity – 3
- Reload – .78s
- DPS – 4.9 ((1.2 3) / (.78 3)
- Utility – Perfect for isolated stealth kills
At first glance, the Bolt Thrower seems rather weak statistically. Yet its utility for covert strikes makes this lethal crossbow among the best weapons in RE4. By retrieving bolts after skewering enemies silently, its ammo is reusable and affordable to craft!
I use the Bolt Thrower for stealth sequences when avoiding detection optimizes route efficiency. Shooting unaware ganado from behind prevents alerting swarms that cost time or health. The generous aim assist definitely helps connecting ranged shots compared to Leon‘s shaky hands!
Shotguns – Obliterate Close Quarters
W-870 Shotgun
- Location: Hanging upstairs the Village Square house in Ch. 1
- Base Stats:
- Power – 5.6
- Capacity – 5
- Reload – .60s
- DPS – 18.7 ((5.6 5) / (.60 5))
- Utility – Room-clearing wide spread at close range
Riot Gun Shotgun
- Location: Available Ch. 6 onwards for 28,000 Pesetas
- Base Stats:
- Power – 6.4
- Capacity – 7
- Reload – .49s
- DPS – 25.3 ((6.4 7) / (.49 7))
- Utility – Tighter spread retains mid-range effectiveness
These pump-action shotguns can delete groups of enemies in literal seconds. Their spreading buckshot pellets deliver immense trauma at shorter ranges compared to other guns. While the Riot Gun deals slightly higher DPS, I prefer the W-870‘s wider arc for efficiently sweeping small rooms since every pellet connects.
Upgrading shotguns should focus on enhancing damage and ammo capacity over reload times. Their blasting nature gives you windows to switch weapons anyway. These boons let your shotgun permanently delete crowds!
CQBR Assault Rifle – Adaptable & Reliable
- Location: South Castle Library puzzle box in Ch. 10
- Base Stats:
- Power – 2.0
- Capacity – 20
- Reload – .85s
- DPS – 14 ((2 20) / (.85 20))
- Utility – Versatile in close-mid ranges with automatic fire
The CQBR assault rifle offers Leon his first full-auto option with a 20 round magazine. Its fast fire rate adapts to rapidly stun durable enemies or overwhelm weaker ones. The high ammo reserves provide exceptional sustainability.
Upgraded appropriately, few situations can withstand the CQBR‘s versatile spray of lead downrange. I switch to rifles once the expendable ammo and quicker reloads better serve isolated evasive targets. Controlling the recoil takes practice however!
Additional Strategies for Maximizing Firepower
While highlighting raw statistical advantages helps identify Resident Evil 4‘s best weapons, optimizing their utilities requires nuance tactics per gun. Let me share additional insights!
- Punisher Handgun – Pierce multiple ganado when lined up
- Killer 7 Magnum – Reserve for damaging bosses and durable enemies
- Shotguns – Flank entire mobs at medium range so spread pellets hit
- Bolt Thrower – Retrieve bolts from corpses to reuse ammunition
- Red9 – Initially sustain by scoring reliable headshots
I hope breaking down these armaments through statistical analysis provides tangible guidance towards surviving RE4 remake! Let me know your own weapon preferences or speedrunning tricks in the comments! Happy hunting!
