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Can You Use Cat Ears to Unlock Handcannon RE4 Remake? Your Definitive Guide

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Yes, absolutely! You can use the Cat Ears accessory to unlock the Handcannon in the Resident Evil 4 Remake. In fact, it’s a highly recommended strategy. The Cat Ears, which grant unlimited ammo to all weapons, significantly trivialize the Professional Mode run required to unlock the Handcannon, making the challenge much more manageable and, dare I say, even enjoyable. This article will explore the details of using the Cat Ears to unlock the Handcannon, along with frequently asked questions to help you achieve this goal.

Understanding the Handcannon Challenge

The Handcannon is one of the most coveted weapons in the Resident Evil 4 Remake, renowned for its immense power and the potential to become an infinite ammo behemoth. However, unlocking it requires completing the game on Professional difficulty on a fresh save file (no New Game Plus) without using any bonus weapons.

What Constitutes a “Bonus Weapon”?

This is crucial. The game classifies only a specific set of items as bonus weapons. Specifically, they are the:

Primal Knife: An unbreakable combat knife.
Chicago Sweeper: A powerful Tommy Gun with unlimited ammo after its exclusive upgrade.
Infinite Rocket Launcher: A self-explanatory weapon of mass destruction.

Anything else is fair game! This opens up a world of possibilities, particularly with accessories like the Cat Ears.

The Power of Unlimited Ammo: Cat Ears Explained

The Cat Ears accessory grants Leon (or Ashley, depending on who’s wearing them) unlimited ammo for all weapons. This removes the need to scavenge for resources and allows you to focus entirely on combat and strategy. While using bonus weapons is a no-go for the Handcannon unlock, accessories like the Cat Ears are perfectly permissible and highly encouraged to ease the difficulty.

Why Cat Ears Are Game-Changing

Unleashed Firepower: The Cat Ears eliminate the need to conserve ammo. You can go all out with your most powerful weapons without worrying about running dry.
Strategic Flexibility: Allows you to use any non-bonus weapon you like. Pump up your firepower, utilize your favorite weapons, and customize your loadout without resource constraints.
Reduced Stress: The Professional Mode run is inherently challenging. Having unlimited ammo reduces a significant source of stress and allows you to focus on other elements, such as enemy placements, parrying, and resource management.
Pure, Unadulterated Fun: Let’s face it, mowing down hordes of Ganados with unlimited ammo is incredibly satisfying! It adds a layer of enjoyment to what would otherwise be a tense and challenging experience.

How to Unlock and Utilize the Cat Ears

Before you can use the Cat Ears to unlock the Handcannon, you need to unlock the Cat Ears themselves. This requires completing Professional Mode with an S+ rank on a new save file. This means clearing the game with limited saves and in a strict time limit. The time limits vary depending on your platform.

Tips for Acquiring the Cat Ears

Plan your route: Knowing the locations of key items and enemy encounters can save valuable time.
Master parrying: Parrying is crucial for conserving ammo and dealing with tough enemies.
Optimize your inventory: Efficient inventory management prevents backtracking and wasted time.
Utilize bonus weapons for the S+ run: Paradoxical as it sounds, you’re allowed to use bonus weapons for the S+ run to unlock the Cat Ears as long as you don’t use them for the Handcannon unlock itself.
Watch speedruns: Observe how experienced players tackle the game to learn advanced techniques and strategies. Consider watching gameplay footage and reading guides created by members of the Games Learning Society.

Setting Up Your Handcannon Run with Cat Ears

Once you have the Cat Ears, the Handcannon unlock is within reach. Remember the core rule: NO BONUS WEAPONS!

Recommended Loadout

Sentinel Nine/Skull Shaker (or any other non-bonus pistol): A reliable sidearm for dealing with weaker enemies.
Shotgun (Pump-Action or Riot Gun): Essential for crowd control and dealing with armored enemies.
Bolt Thrower: Provides access to powerful mines for crowd control and dealing with bosses.
Rifle (SRM1903 or CQBR Assault Rifle): For long-range engagements and taking down tougher foes.
Combat Knife (Upgraded): Crucial for parrying and stealth kills.

Essential Tips for the Professional Handcannon Run

Master enemy weaknesses: Exploiting enemy vulnerabilities is vital for conserving ammo (even with Cat Ears).
Prioritize targets: Focus on the most dangerous enemies first.
Conserve resources (other than ammo): Healing items and grenades are still limited.
Learn enemy attack patterns: Understanding enemy behaviors allows you to anticipate their moves and avoid damage.
Use the environment to your advantage: Lure enemies into traps or use environmental hazards to your benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use DLC weapons like the Sentinel Nine to unlock the Handcannon?

Yes, absolutely. The Sentinel Nine, Skull Shaker, and other pre-order or DLC weapons that aren’t classified as “bonus weapons” are perfectly legal to use.
Does the Primal Knife void the Handcannon unlock?

Yes. The Primal Knife is classified as a bonus weapon and using it will void the Handcannon unlock. This includes even equipping it.
What happens if I accidentally use a bonus weapon during my Handcannon run?

Unfortunately, the game tracks bonus weapon usage. If you use one even accidentally, you will need to restart your Professional Mode run from a new save file.
Can I use Ashley’s Armor to make the Handcannon run easier?

Yes! The Ashley’s Armor is completely permissible and highly recommended as it makes her virtually invulnerable.
Is it better to unlock the Handcannon through Mercenaries mode?

Unlocking via Mercenaries is an alternative. You need to achieve an S-rank on all three stages with any character. Which is easier depends on your skill and preference. Some players find Mercenaries faster, while others prefer the more structured approach of the main campaign.
Can I use the infinite Rocket Launcher to get the Cat Ears?

Yes! Using the Infinite Rocket Launcher is permissible and is a popular method for unlocking the Cat Ears, as it makes achieving an S+ rank on Professional significantly easier.
How much does it cost to fully upgrade the Handcannon?

Fully upgrading the Handcannon can cost approximately 500,000 Pesetas. However, the cost may fluctuate slightly depending on discounts and other factors.
Does the Handcannon have infinite ammo by default?

No, the Handcannon does not have infinite ammo by default. You need to unlock its exclusive upgrade for that, which requires a certain number of upgrade tickets.
Can I use the Handcannon to get the Chicago Sweeper or Cat Ears?

Yes! Once you have the Handcannon, you can use it to unlock the Chicago Sweeper or the Cat Ears. The restrictions only apply to unlocking the Handcannon itself.
Is the Red9 better than the Sentinel Nine?

The Red9 and Sentinel Nine are both excellent pistols. The Red9 generally does more damage at base, however, the Sentinel Nine has the benefit of a laser sight, making it easier to aim. Your preference will depend on your playstyle.
Can I use costumes during the Handcannon run?

Yes! Costumes are purely cosmetic and do not affect the unlock requirements for the Handcannon. Feel free to dress up as much as you like!
Is there a new game plus mode in RE4 remake?

Yes, there is a New Game Plus mode in Resident Evil 4 Remake. New Game Plus allows you to start a new playthrough of the game while carrying over weapons, upgrades, and other items from your previous run. However, you cannot use this mode to unlock the Handcannon.
What is the fastest way to get the Handcannon?

The “fastest” way depends on your skill and strategy. Using the Cat Ears will greatly reduce the difficulty of the Professional Mode run, making it, for many players, the fastest and most efficient method.
Does difficulty affect unlocks in Resident Evil 4 remake?

Yes, the difficulty setting directly affects which weapons and items you can unlock. For example, the Handcannon specifically requires completing the game on Professional difficulty, not lower difficulty settings.
Are there any organizations devoted to creating a learning environment based around gaming?

Yes! There are several organizations and academic groups dedicated to exploring the educational and learning aspects of video games. One such organization is the Games Learning Society, which researches and promotes the use of games in educational settings. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: Cat Ears and the Handcannon – A Winning Combination

The Cat Ears are your best friend when tackling the Handcannon unlock in the Resident Evil 4 Remake. By granting unlimited ammo, they transform a grueling challenge into a manageable and even enjoyable experience. Remember the key rules, strategize your loadout, and prepare for a thrilling run to claim one of the game’s most powerful weapons! Now go forth, equip your Cat Ears, and conquer Professional Mode!