Do I Have to Play Both Leon and Claire in Resident Evil 2? A Definitive Guide
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Unequivocally, yes, you absolutely should play both Leon and Claire’s campaigns in Resident Evil 2 (RE2). While not strictly required to “beat” the game, experiencing both storylines is essential for understanding the full narrative, uncovering all the secrets of Raccoon City, and appreciating the intricate design of this survival horror masterpiece. You’re missing out on half the story, unique character interactions, and a different flavor of gameplay if you stick to only one character.
Why Play Both Campaigns?
The brilliance of the original Resident Evil 2 (and the excellent remake) lies in its interweaving narratives. Leon Kennedy, a rookie cop on his first day, and Claire Redfield, a college student searching for her brother Chris, arrive in Raccoon City amidst a zombie outbreak. Their paths intersect and diverge, each facing unique challenges and encountering different supporting characters.
Playing only one campaign leaves gaps in your understanding of the overall picture. You’ll miss crucial plot points, character development, and insights into the motivations of key figures like Ada Wong (Leon’s storyline) and Sherry Birkin (Claire’s storyline). Each character has their own unique weapons and scenarios.
The “Second Run” (or “B Scenario”) unlocks after completing the first playthrough and offers a slightly different perspective, rearranged puzzles, and a different final boss fight depending on which character you play first.
Is There a “Correct” Order to Play?
While there’s no objectively “correct” order, the general consensus is that playing Leon’s campaign first is often recommended for newcomers. Capcom’s official stats confirm that Leon is typically picked for the first playthrough around 79% of the time. Leon’s story arguably has a more traditional action-horror feel, making it a good entry point. Claire’s story, with its focus on family and protection, offers a slightly more emotional and challenging experience.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Experiment and enjoy your time exploring Raccoon City.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of RE2’s Dual Campaigns
To further clarify the intricacies of playing both Leon and Claire’s campaigns, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions.
1. Is Claire’s Gameplay Different From Leon’s?
The gameplay differences between Leon and Claire, especially in the remake, are subtle but present. Initially, Claire’s starting pistol is considered less effective than Leon’s. However, Claire gains access to weapons like the grenade launcher and a unique revolver, which some players find superior in the long run. They have different weapon upgrades to find. While the core mechanics are the same, the weapon variety does create a slightly different play style. The gameplay is largely similar, and so different weapons, areas, and enemies keep the game interesting.
2. Is it Harder to Play as Leon or Claire?
Many players find that Claire has a slightly harder time in the beginning due to her starting weapon. However, once Claire gains access to her specialized weapons (like the grenade launcher), her campaign can become easier than Leon’s. Leon often faces stronger enemies in his specific sections.
3. Is it Worth Doing a Second Playthrough of RE2?
Absolutely! Resident Evil 2’s Second Run doesn’t live up to the original’s four playthroughs, but it does make replaying the game a fresh experience nonetheless. It isn’t just a replay, but it gives you a fresh perspective. It offers a rearranged story, different enemy placements, and a final boss variation, making it a worthwhile experience. The original Resident Evil 2 featured four unique campaigns: Leon A into Claire B, and Claire A into Leon B.
4. Does Leon Fall in Love with Claire?
The relationship between Leon and Claire is complex. Claire has a little sweet on Leon, and Leon is definitely happy that Claire is surviving, but it’s not anything I’d call a romance. There’s a mutual respect and admiration born from shared trauma and survival, but the game doesn’t explicitly depict a romantic relationship. There’s attraction at the gate scene, but nothing wildly over the top.
5. Are You Supposed to Play Claire or Leon First?
As mentioned earlier, Leon is often recommended for the first playthrough, but it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference.
6. Is it Worth Playing Claire’s Story After Leon’s?
Definitely! For a more action-filled, thrilling mystery, players should pick Leon first. For a slightly more challenging survival horror and emotional experience, Claire may be the better choice. Both stories are strong, scary and exciting, with the overall plot ending up the same regardless of which campaign is played first.
7. Is Claire’s Story Shorter Than Leon’s?
Leon A and Claire A are the same length. So are Leon B and Claire B. (The difference is around 3-5 minutes between characters.)
8. How Long is Claire’s Campaign in RE2?
Expect each character’s scenarios running at 6-7 hours each on your first playthrough. Subsequent runs will likely be shorter as you become more familiar with the game.
9. Is RE4 Scarier Than RE2?
While both games have their moments, RE2 leans more heavily into survival horror, focusing on resource management and claustrophobic environments. RE4 is more action-oriented, although it maintains a tense atmosphere.
10. Is Claire’s Story Different Than Leon’s?
Yes! It’s the same zombie apocalypse in the same town, and they even bump into one another periodically, but the story beats aren’t the same. Leon’s story has a more criminal investigation feel to it, which fits with his background. Claire’s is more a story of family and protection.
11. Is Claire or Leon Better for S Rank?
Clair has stronger weapons for the majority of the game. Leon’s weapons tend to be a bit weaker.
12. Should I Start with Leon or Claire?
No wrong choices, go with your gut. Clair had (slightly) more lore reveals if I remember but Leon’s story is (slightly) more climactic.
13. Is Claire Weaker Than Leon?
Claire Redfield was designed to be the Chris to Leon Kennedy’s Jill: She gets weaker (but still useful) weapons, takes a bit less damage than Leon, and she’s best used for hit-and-run tactics.
14. Is Claire or Leon Canon?
Both of them occur at the same time but from two different perspectives. Claire A/Leon B is the canon scenario, it was confirmed in later games, Darkside Chronicles to name one.
15. What Age are Leon and Claire in RE2?
Claire Redfield first appears in Resident Evil 2 as a 19-year-old motorcycle-riding college student. Leon was born in 1977, making him only 21 when he debuted in the 1998 PlayStation game Resident Evil 2.
Learning Through Games
Resident Evil 2, like many well-designed games, provides valuable learning experiences. It teaches problem-solving, resource management, strategic thinking, and even narrative comprehension. You must learn to adapt to limited resources and make smart choices. For more information on the educational value of games, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website. The Games Learning Society promotes research and understanding of how games can be used for educational purposes.
Conclusion: Embrace the Dual Experience
In conclusion, while you technically can play only one campaign in Resident Evil 2, you’d be doing yourself a disservice. Experiencing both Leon and Claire’s stories unlocks the game’s full potential, revealing a richer narrative, deeper character development, and a more complete understanding of the Raccoon City incident. So, grab your controller, choose your character, and prepare to face the horrors that await in this iconic survival horror masterpiece. After all, what better way to understand a story than by experiencing it from multiple perspectives? Enjoy the adventure!