RESIDENT EVIL 4 Loadout Guide And Hardcore Mode Tips

By xsisted78 | March 25, 2023

Capcom, the renowned video game developer, has just released its highly anticipated remake of Resident Evil 4 to the masses, much to the delight of fans worldwide. The latest iteration of this survival horror classic has been met with overwhelming praise and has already gained a significant following among gamers.

As avid fans of the series, we at [insert name here] have fallen in love with the game and are currently on our third playthrough of the campaign. While some players might prefer to start with the Normal difficulty level, we highly recommend diving straight into Hardcore mode, especially for those who have already played the original RE4 multiple times.

Not only does this difficulty mode provide a fresh and more challenging experience, but it also brings out the survival horror elements that are deeply embedded within Resident Evil 4. With the right approach, a well-planned loadout, and some skillful gameplay, players can navigate through the game’s treacherous world and save the President’s daughter.

To help you survive this intense rescue mission, we have put together a guide featuring our recommended loadout. This loadout includes essential items such as weapons, healing items, and upgrades that will help you stay alive and fend off the relentless hordes of enemies that you will encounter on your journey.

So, if you are up for the challenge and feel prepared to take on Hardcore mode, we invite you to check out our guide and join us on this thrilling adventure through the world of Resident Evil 4. Are you ready to face your fears and emerge victorious? The fate of the world rests in your hands.

Handgun – SG-09 R

If you’re playing Resident Evil 4 as Leon, you’ll soon discover that his default handgun is one of the best weapons in the game. Don’t be fooled by its seemingly weak initial performance, especially if you’re playing in Hardcore mode. The bullets don’t inflict much damage at first, and sometimes enemies won’t even react to being shot when the handgun has no upgrades applied. But be patient, because once the gun receives a few upgrades, it will become your instant go-to weapon throughout the entire campaign.

To get the most out of the default handgun, your first upgrade priority should be the laser sight. Not only is it a nostalgic callback to the original game, but it also makes aiming much easier, especially in darker areas and with enemies that are at a distance. Once you’ve got the laser sight, focus on upgrading the handgun’s power, rate of fire, and reload speed. When fully upgraded, this handgun packs 2.0 damage per hit, and that doesn’t even include critical hits.

To make the most of critical hits, be sure to purchase the exclusive perk from the merchant as soon as your handgun is fully upgraded. This will increase the critical hit rate to 5x, meaning you’ll be popping enemy heads with a single shot more often than not. With a fully upgraded handgun and the critical hit perk, you’ll be able to take out most enemies with ease, even on higher difficulty levels.

Some players might try to convince you to buy the Punisher handgun instead, but don’t be fooled! While the Punisher does offer more penetration, the SG-09 R’s exclusive critical hit perk outshines the Punisher by a mile. With the ability to increase the critical hit rate to 5x, your killing sprees will be much easier, and you’ll be able to conserve ammo more effectively. So, stick with the default handgun, upgrade it fully, and enjoy taking down the infected hordes with ease.

Shotgun – Riot Gun

In many video games, the starting weapons that you acquire early on are often not very powerful or effective, and the same is true in the case of the shotgun in many games. However, in many cases, it is possible to upgrade your weapons and improve their performance. This is particularly important in games where you face tough enemies or challenging bosses that require more powerful weapons to defeat.

If you are playing a game that features a shotgun as one of your primary weapons, you may find that the default shotgun is not very effective. It may have a slow rate of fire, low ammo capacity, and weak damage output. In such cases, it’s important to look for better options that can help you overcome the challenges ahead.

One such option is the Riot Gun, which is a more powerful shotgun that is typically available for purchase later in the game. The Riot Gun has a higher rate of fire, stronger damage output, and greater ammo capacity than the default shotgun. Upgrading the Riot Gun’s power to its third tune-up level is usually enough to give it a significant boost in damage output, making it capable of taking out enemies with a single shot.

While it may be tempting to upgrade other aspects of the Riot Gun, such as its reload speed or accuracy, it is often more practical to save your money for other necessary upgrades, such as health or armor upgrades, or upgrades to other weapons that may be more useful in specific situations.

In summary, if you find yourself struggling with a weak starting shotgun in a video game, it’s worth investing in a more powerful weapon such as the Riot Gun as soon as possible. Upgrading its power to its third tune-up level will usually be enough to make it a formidable weapon that can take down even the toughest enemies with ease.

Rifle – Stingray

If you’re playing the popular video game Resident Evil 4, then you may be interested in some tips and tricks for optimizing your gameplay experience. One thing to keep in mind is that as soon as the Stingray becomes available in the game, you will want to sell Leon’s base Rifle. This is because the Stingray is a much more powerful weapon, and you’ll want to make use of it as soon as possible.

However, the Stingray doesn’t become available until later on in the game, which means that you’ll need to use the default Rifle for a while. To get the most out of this weapon, I recommend upgrading its power to the second tune-up level until you can purchase the Stingray. This will make the default Rifle much more effective, and help you get through the early parts of the game more easily.

Some players may argue that the CQB Assault Rifle is a better choice than the default Rifle, but I disagree. While the CQB is a full-auto rifle, it cannot be used in third-person view, which can be a disadvantage in certain situations. Additionally, the Stingray comes with a bonus of 3x power against weak points, making it much more effective against tougher enemies.

To make the most of the Stingray, I recommend upgrading its power to at least level 4 and reload speed to level 2. This will allow you to tear through the Regenerators later on in the game, and make boss battles much easier. It’s also a good idea to have the standard scope, as the 10x magnified scope is not really necessary in most situations.

Overall, these tips should help you get the most out of Resident Evil 4 and make your gaming experience more enjoyable. Happy gaming!

Stealth – The Bolt Thrower

In the recently released remake, a new stealth weapon has been added to the arsenal of the game’s protagonist. This new weapon is a bolt thrower, which fires bolts that are completely silent. This feature can prove to be invaluable in certain parts of the game where stealth is of the utmost importance.

However, players should be aware that in Hardcore mode, the traditional bolts do not inflict much damage even when fully upgraded. Instead, players are encouraged to use the bolt thrower to open crates silently, especially when dealing with the formidable Garradors. Moreover, the bolt thrower can also be used to shoot down treasures instead of expending precious handgun ammo. It’s worth noting that the bolts can be retrieved and reused, making the weapon more economical.

While the bolt thrower may not be the go-to weapon for taking out enemies, there are situations where it can come in handy. One such instance is when players need to defeat Plaga emerging from the host’s head. If players are running low on ammo, they can attach mines to the bolts and shoot them at the Plaga. This tactic will result in an instant kill and will also inflict damage to other nearby enemies. Thus, the bolt thrower can be a useful tool in the player’s arsenal when used strategically.

Magnum – Broken Butterfly

If you’re looking for a powerful weapon to take down tough bosses in your video game, The Broken Butterfly is a must-buy. This handgun packs a serious punch, dealing out a considerable amount of damage per shot. Not only is it effective in battle, but it’s also easily accessible early on in the game, making it a valuable asset to have in your arsenal.

To make the most of The Broken Butterfly, consider upgrading its power to level 3. This will increase its damage output to an impressive 21, making it even more effective at taking out enemies quickly and efficiently. However, as you progress through the game, you may find that it’s time to upgrade to an even stronger weapon.

The Killer7 is an excellent choice for replacing The Broken Butterfly. This firearm deals more damage than its predecessor and even comes equipped with a laser sight, making it easier to hit targets accurately. While the two weapons are relatively similar in terms of damage output, the Killer7 provides a much-needed upgrade that you’ll appreciate as the game becomes more challenging.

Overall, both The Broken Butterfly and the Killer7 are powerful weapons that can help you succeed in your video game endeavors. Whether you’re looking to take down a tough boss or simply want to deal as much damage as possible, these firearms are sure to come in handy.

Close Quarters – Combat Knife

If you are playing a survival or horror game, upgrading your weapons can be a vital aspect of your gameplay strategy. One of the best weapons to focus on upgrading early on is the knife. This seemingly humble weapon may not pack as much punch as a shotgun or assault rifle, but it has unique advantages that can save your life in tight situations.

The first thing you should focus on when upgrading your knife is its durability. While the knife can deal a decent amount of damage, it has a tendency to break easily, especially if you use it frequently. By upgrading its durability, you will reduce the likelihood of it breaking, giving you more time to use it in combat.

After upgrading the durability, you can then start to focus on upgrading the power of the knife. While the knife’s maximum damage output is relatively low, at only 1, it’s still worth upgrading. This is because upgrading the power of the knife unlocks its exclusive perk from the Merchant – an attack speed boost of 1.5x faster. This means that you can take out enemies more quickly, even if you run out of ammo for your other weapons.

In addition to being a valuable combat tool, upgrading the knife is also relatively inexpensive. It won’t cost you as much as other weapons, so it’s a good place to start if you’re short on resources. You should also focus on upgrading your handgun alongside your knife, as it’s another reliable weapon that can help you get through tough situations.

In summary, upgrading your knife should be a top priority when playing a survival or horror game. By focusing on durability first and power second, you can make it a reliable weapon that will save your life time and time again.

Body Armor

Why wouldn’t you buy it? It’s not very expensive and it will save your life. In any dangerous situation, having body armor can provide an extra layer of protection that could mean the difference between life and death. While it may seem like body armor gets destroyed quickly in Hardcore mode, that is actually the point. It takes the hit so you don’t have to.

One of the key advantages of having body armor is that it can absorb a lot of damage, allowing you to stay alive longer during boss fights or other challenging encounters. In Hardcore mode, where resources are scarce and enemies hit harder, this is especially important. Without body armor, you may find yourself struggling to survive against even basic enemies.

Additionally, repairs for body armor can be discounted if you unlock the Ada charm for your attache case, making it an even better purchase. This means that you can repair your body armor for a lower cost, allowing you to continue using it throughout the game. This is particularly important in Hardcore mode, where resources are limited and every item counts.

Another benefit of body armor is that it does not take up any inventory space. This means that you can equip it and forget about it, freeing up valuable inventory space for other items. In a game like Resident Evil 2, where inventory management is crucial, this can be a real game-changer.

In conclusion, if you’re playing Resident Evil 2 and looking to survive in Hardcore mode, investing in body armor is a smart decision. It may seem like a small purchase, but it can provide a significant boost to your survival chances. So, don’t hesitate to grab some body armor and stay alive in the zombie apocalypse!

Recipes – Flash Grenades, Mixed Herbs, Attachable Mines

Acquiring the Flash Grenade Recipe is an essential move in the game of Resident Evil 4. It is highly recommended that you purchase this recipe as soon as possible and always keep at least one on hand. This recipe provides you with a simple and effective method for instantly killing all plaga types, which can save you from many difficult situations throughout the game. In addition to its lethal capabilities, the Flash Grenade also stuns enemies, giving you the opportunity to finish them off with a knife.

While playing Resident Evil 4, it’s important to keep an eye out for yellow herbs. These herbs are the rarest ones to find in the game, and missing them can be detrimental to your gameplay. Unlike in the original game, items in Resident Evil 4 do not glare as much, making them much harder to spot. Therefore, it’s important to take your time with the campaign and search carefully for these valuable herbs. Yellow herbs can be combined with a red and green herb to increase your maximum health, which will be crucial as you progress further into the game.

In addition to the Flash Grenade and yellow herbs, attachable mines are another helpful tool to have in your arsenal. They can be used as a last resort when dealing with the plagas, and can often destroy most types of plaga with just one shot. This is a great way to conserve your precious ammo and is an excellent backup plan when things get tough. Keep in mind that you can always craft more mines if needed.

Overall, it’s important to stay prepared and keep a variety of weapons and tools on hand when playing Resident Evil 4. By following these tips and using the Flash Grenade, yellow herbs, and attachable mines strategically, you can increase your chances of survival and successfully navigate your way through the game.

 

Buy The Treasure Maps

When it comes to upgrading your weapons in a game, finding and selling treasure is often a crucial part of the process. The more treasure you collect, the more money you will have to spend on upgrades, which can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. However, it’s important to be strategic about how you use your gems and other valuable items to get the most out of your efforts.

One of the best ways to maximize your profits when selling treasure is to save your gems and only use them to enhance larger pieces of treasure. Gems are often worth more when they are inserted into larger items, so by combining them with other valuable items, you can increase their overall value. This will allow you to sell them for a higher price and get more money to spend on weapon upgrades.

Another important strategy to keep in mind is to explore every area thoroughly and collect as much treasure as possible. This may require you to backtrack to areas you have already visited, but it’s worth it to find hidden treasures and secret areas that may contain valuable items. You can also check in with merchants regularly to see if they are offering any special deals or discounts on upgrades.

In addition to finding and selling treasure, you may also want to consider completing side quests and missions to earn additional rewards and upgrades. These tasks can often provide valuable items and currency that can be used to purchase upgrades and improve your weapons.

Overall, the key to affording all the weapon upgrades you want is to be diligent about collecting and selling treasure, using gems strategically, exploring thoroughly, and completing side quests. With these strategies in mind, you can make the most of your gameplay experience and create the ultimate arsenal of weapons to take on your enemies.

Do All The Side Missions

If you’re looking to tackle Resident Evil 4’s Hardcore mode, taking your time with the campaign and completing as many side missions as possible can make a significant difference. During your playthrough, you’ll come across various side missions that offer rewards like spinels, which are valuable gems that you can trade for other items.

While some of the spinel rewards may not be useful for your Hardcore playthrough, you may find yourself trading for items like gunpowder, yellow herbs, and diamonds. These items can help you out in a pinch, and every little advantage counts when you’re playing on the game’s toughest difficulty setting.

One way to gain an edge in Hardcore mode is by purchasing tokens for the gun range. These tokens allow you to unlock different attache charms that can give you a slight boost in your campaign. These charms include things like increased health and ammo capacity, faster reload speeds, and improved critical hit chances. While these upgrades may seem small, they can make a big difference in a game where every shot counts.

During your playthrough, be sure to take your time and explore every nook and cranny of the game’s environments. This will not only help you find hidden treasures but will also give you a chance to encounter more side missions. These missions can offer valuable rewards that can help you survive the game’s toughest encounters.

If you’re looking to get a high rating in Hardcore mode, you’ll need to be prepared to die a lot. However, don’t let that discourage you. The game is designed to be challenging, and every death is an opportunity to learn and improve your strategy. Take advantage of your knowledge gained from previous playthroughs to help you overcome difficult encounters and progress through the game.

If you’re new to the game, it’s worth noting that it took the original author of this guide over 25 hours to complete their first Hardcore playthrough. While this may seem like a long time, taking your time with the game and exploring its various environments can help you better prepare for the game’s toughest challenges.

Resident Evil 4 is available now for a variety of platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, the game’s Hardcore mode offers a challenging and rewarding experience that is sure to test your skills. Good luck, and happy hunting!