Is the Red9 Still King in Resident Evil 4? A Deep Dive

Absolutely! The Red9 remains a top-tier handgun choice in both the original Resident Evil 4 and its remake, especially if you value raw power and stopping power. While it has some drawbacks like accuracy and inventory space, its sheer damage output, particularly when fully upgraded with its exclusive perk, makes it a force to be reckoned with.

A Classic Reinvented: Red9 Through the Ages

The Red9, inspired by the Mauser C96, has a long and storied history within the Resident Evil universe. In the original RE4, it was a straightforward, powerful option, readily available early on. The remake retains this heritage, but with some key differences that impact its overall viability. Let’s break it down:

Strengths of the Red9

• Exceptional Damage: Without a doubt, the Red9’s main selling point is its high damage per shot. Fully upgraded, it can one-shot many common enemies, saving you ammo and precious time. This makes it incredibly effective against tougher foes and bosses.
• Early Availability: You can acquire the Red9 relatively early in the game, giving you a significant power boost when you need it most.
• Stock Attachment: The stock attachment is crucial. It significantly reduces recoil and improves accuracy, mitigating one of the Red9’s biggest weaknesses.
• Iconic Status: Let’s be honest, wielding the Red9 just feels cool. It’s a nod to classic action movies and a statement of intent.

Weaknesses of the Red9

• Accuracy: The Red9 suffers from lower accuracy compared to other handguns, especially before attaching the stock. This can be frustrating when trying to land headshots at a distance.
• Inventory Space: It takes up a considerable amount of inventory space, particularly with the stock attached. Managing your inventory becomes a more pressing concern.
• Cost: Fully upgrading the Red9, including its exclusive upgrade, requires a significant investment of Pesetas. This can delay upgrades to other essential weapons.

Red9 vs. Other Handguns: A Comparative Analysis

The Red9 doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Several other handguns compete for your attention in RE4. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular choices:

• SG-09 R (Starting Handgun): The SG-09 R is more accurate and has a larger magazine, but lacks the Red9’s raw power. It’s a solid all-around choice, but doesn’t excel in any particular area.
• Punisher: The Punisher’s main perk is its penetration ability, allowing you to shoot through multiple enemies. However, rifles already fulfill this role, making the Punisher less appealing in the remake.
• Blacktail: The Blacktail boasts a higher rate of fire, better accuracy, and takes up less inventory space than the Red9. While it doesn’t match the Red9’s damage per shot, its higher DPS makes it a viable alternative.
• Matilda: The Matilda, with its burst-fire capability, can output incredible damage in short bursts. However, it’s a late-game weapon and consumes ammo rapidly.

Is the Red9 Right for You?

Ultimately, the Red9’s effectiveness depends on your playstyle and preferences.

• For Players Who Value Power: If you prioritize raw damage and enjoy taking down enemies with a few well-placed shots, the Red9 is an excellent choice.
• For Players Who Value Accuracy and Speed: If you prefer a more agile and accurate weapon, the Blacktail or SG-09 R might be better suited to your style.
• For Players on a Budget: Be mindful of the Red9’s upgrade costs. If you’re struggling to manage your Pesetas, other handguns might offer a more cost-effective solution.

Maximizing the Red9’s Potential

To truly unlock the Red9’s potential, consider these tips:

• Get the Stock: Prioritize purchasing the stock attachment as soon as possible. It drastically improves accuracy and makes the Red9 much more manageable.
• Upgrade Strategically: Focus on upgrading firepower first, followed by reload speed and capacity.
• Practice Headshots: Despite its lower accuracy, the Red9 is still most effective when landing headshots. Practice your aim to maximize its damage output.
• Manage Inventory Space: Be mindful of the Red9’s inventory footprint. Consider upgrading your attache case or storing less frequently used items.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Red9 in RE4

1. Is Red9 better than the Punisher in the RE4 Remake?

In most situations, the Red9 is generally considered better than the Punisher in the RE4 Remake. This is primarily because rifles offer similar penetration capabilities to the Punisher, making the Red9’s higher damage more valuable. The Punisher can be useful for quickly taking out shielded enemies with headshots, but otherwise, the Red9’s damage output is superior.

2. Is the Red9 exclusive upgrade worth it?

Yes, the Exclusive Upgrade for the Red9, which dramatically increases its firepower, is definitely worth it. It transforms the Red9 into the strongest handgun in the game, capable of one-shotting many enemies and significantly boosting its overall effectiveness against bosses.

3. Is the Red9 still the best handgun in the RE4 Remake?

While the Red9 boasts the highest damage per shot, it’s not unequivocally the best handgun for everyone. Its accuracy can be problematic, and the Blacktail offers a higher rate of fire and better handling. However, for players who prioritize raw power and are willing to manage its drawbacks, the Red9 remains a top contender.

4. Red9 or Blacktail: Which is better?

The choice between the Red9 and the Blacktail depends on your play style. The Red9 excels in damage per shot, while the Blacktail offers higher DPS, better accuracy, and smaller inventory size. The Red9 benefits greatly from the stock, while the Blacktail is more versatile out of the box.

5. Is the Red9 worth investing in for my first playthrough?

Investing in the Red9 on your first playthrough can be beneficial, but it requires a significant Peseta investment. If you can afford it, its power boost is invaluable. However, if you’re struggling with resources, upgrading the SG-09 R or opting for the Blacktail might be more practical.

6. What is the most powerful pistol in RE4?

The Red9, especially when fully upgraded with its exclusive perk, is widely regarded as the most powerful handgun in the Resident Evil 4 Remake. Its high damage output allows it to one-shot many enemies, making it incredibly effective.

7. Where do I find the Red9?

You can find the Red9 for free in Chapter 4. Ride the boat in the center of the Lake, where there’s a shipwreck and it can be looted from inside.

8. What ammo does the Red9 use?

The Red9 uses 9mm handgun ammo.

9. Should I sell my starter pistol after getting the Red9?

Yes, once you acquire the Red9, it’s generally advisable to sell your starter pistol to free up inventory space and recoup some Pesetas. The Red9 offers a significant upgrade in firepower.

10. How do I get the Red9 stock?

The Red9 Stock can be purchased from the Merchant in Chapter 6 for 9 Spinel.

11. What does the Red9 stock do?

The Red9 Stock significantly increases the accuracy of the Red9 and reduces recoil, making it much easier to land shots, especially at a distance.

12. Is it worth upgrading the starting handgun (SG-09 R) in RE4?

Yes, the SG-09 R is a reliable handgun that becomes even more effective with upgrades. It’s a solid choice for players who prefer a balanced weapon and may be worth investing in if you choose not to use the Red9.

13. Is the Red9 good for beginners?

The Red9 can be a good choice for beginners due to its high damage output, which can compensate for aiming inaccuracies. However, beginners should prioritize acquiring the stock to improve its handling.

14. What are the best early game weapons in RE4 remake?

Good early game weapons include the SG-09 R (which you start with), and the W-870 shotgun that can be found in the village.

15. Is Red9 the most cost effective pistol?

The Red9 offers a strong balance of power and cost-effectiveness, making it a viable option for players looking to maximize their damage output without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, the Red9 remains a potent and iconic weapon in Resident Evil 4, both in its original form and in the remake. While it’s not without its drawbacks, its exceptional damage output, especially when fully upgraded and equipped with the stock, makes it a force to be reckoned with. Whether it’s the right choice for you depends on your playstyle and preferences, but its legendary status is undoubtedly well-deserved.