Mastering Resident Evil 3: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving S Rank
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So, you want to conquer Resident Evil 3 (2020) and claim that coveted S rank? It’s not just about speed; it’s about precision, resource management, and knowing the game inside and out. The core requirements are straightforward: finish the game in under 2 hours and save no more than 5 times. Let’s break down how to achieve this goal and become a true RE3 master.
Achieving S Rank: A Step-by-Step Strategy
Getting that S rank in Resident Evil 3 requires more than just running and gunning. Here’s a detailed strategy to maximize your efficiency:
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Difficulty Selection: The good news is that the difficulty setting doesn’t affect your ability to get an S Rank – only the time and save limits matter. So, choose a difficulty you’re comfortable with that allows you to move quickly and efficiently. Assisted difficulty, for example, is a great option.
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Route Optimization: Learn the optimal routes through each area. Practice makes perfect. Watch speedruns to identify the fastest paths and key item locations. Knowing where to go and what to do next eliminates wasted time.
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Enemy Engagement Strategy: Don’t engage every enemy. Running past most enemies is crucial for saving time. Only eliminate enemies that actively block your path or pose a significant threat. Conserve ammo whenever possible.
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Mastering the Dodge: The dodge mechanic is your best friend. Perfect dodging not only avoids damage but also provides a brief slowdown effect, giving you an advantage. Practice the timing until it becomes second nature. Remember, tap the dodge button and press in the direction you wish to move in to evade danger and initiate the slowdown when you see an enemy begin its lunge.
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Resource Management: Ammunition, healing items, and grenades are precious. Use them strategically. Prioritize headshots to maximize damage and conserve ammo. Utilize environmental hazards, like exploding barrels, to take out groups of zombies.
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Save Points: With only 5 saves allowed, planning is essential. Save at strategic points before challenging boss fights or after completing a particularly difficult section. Consider saving after acquiring essential key items or completing major objectives.
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Boss Battles: Know your enemy. Understand the attack patterns of each boss and develop effective strategies for defeating them quickly. Utilizing heavy weaponry, such as grenades and the Magnum, can significantly reduce boss fight times.
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Item Box Management: Minimize time spent in the item box. Plan what you need before opening it and quickly grab the necessary items. Avoid unnecessary trips to the item box by managing your inventory efficiently.
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Weapon Choice: Utilize weapons that offer high damage output. The shotgun is effective at close range, while the Magnum is excellent for taking down tougher enemies and bosses. Consider investing in the infinite Rocket Launcher after your first playthrough to significantly reduce subsequent run times.
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Practice, Practice, Practice: The more familiar you are with the game, the faster you’ll become. Run through the game multiple times, focusing on improving your speed and efficiency with each playthrough.
Achieving an S rank in Resident Evil 3 is a testament to your skill and knowledge of the game. With careful planning, precise execution, and a little practice, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the game and earning that well-deserved reward. Furthermore, understanding games and how players learn and master them is an area of study explored by organizations like the Games Learning Society and more information can be found on GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs to help you further refine your strategy for achieving S rank in Resident Evil 3:
1. What are the exact requirements for S rank in RE3?
The exact requirements are to beat the game in under 2 hours and save no more than 5 times. Autosaves do not count against your save limit.
2. Does the difficulty level affect my ability to get S rank?
No, the difficulty level does not impact your ability to achieve S rank. The only factors that matter are playtime and save count.
3. What is the reward for getting S rank in RE3?
The reward for achieving S rank is 5,000 RE Points, which can be used to purchase items and weapons in the game’s shop.
4. Can I use infinite weapons and still get S rank?
Yes, you can use infinite weapons, such as the infinite Rocket Launcher or infinite Assault Rifle, and still achieve S rank, as long as you meet the time and save requirements.
5. How important is dodging in RE3?
Dodging is crucial. Mastering the dodge mechanic allows you to avoid damage, conserve healing items, and create opportunities to attack enemies. Perfect dodging initiates a slowdown effect that is invaluable.
6. Should I fight every enemy I encounter?
No, it’s generally best to avoid unnecessary encounters. Only engage enemies that block your path or pose a significant threat.
7. How should I manage my saves?
Save strategically at key points, such as before challenging boss fights or after completing difficult sections. Plan your save locations carefully to make the most of your limited saves.
8. Are headshots important in RE3?
Yes, headshots are essential for conserving ammo. They deal more damage and can trigger critical hits, instantly killing zombies.
9. What is the best weapon for achieving S rank?
The infinite Rocket Launcher is arguably the best weapon for achieving S rank due to its high damage output and ability to quickly eliminate enemies and bosses.
10. What is the safe code in RE3?
There are two safes. One is in Downtown Raccoon City, with the combination being: Left 9 > Right 3 > Left 7. The second is in the Police Station West Office, with the combination being: Left 9 > Right 15 > Left 7.
11. Where is the Dimitrescu key?
The Dimitrescu key is found on the wall closest to the window, looking back to where Lady Dimitrescu lit a smoking pipe during the cutscene in the back corner of the room.
12. Is Claire or Leon better for S rank?
For S rank, Leon and Claire both have strengths. Clair has stronger weapons for the majority of the game. Leon’s weapons tend to be a bit weaker. It largely depends on player preference.
13. How long does RE3 take to finish?
The game’s story takes approximately 6 hours to complete on a standard playthrough, but for S rank, you need to complete it in under 2 hours.
14. Can I use the primal knife for S+?
Yes, the primal knife can be used for S+.
15. What do you get when you beat S+ in Resident Evil?
They do not penalize you for using special weapons, costumes or accessories, you can get S+ even with the tommy gun, primal knife or handcannon, Ashley’s armor or using the cat ears.