How Long to Beat Resident Evil 2 Remake? A Comprehensive Guide
The burning question for any survival horror enthusiast diving into the chilling world of Raccoon City is: How long does it take to beat Resident Evil 2 Remake (RE2R)? The answer, like the game itself, is nuanced and depends heavily on your playstyle and goals. However, a typical single playthrough, focusing mainly on the main story objectives, can take around 8.5 hours. This time drastically changes if you decide to explore the game thoroughly, which often extends to around 14.5 hours for a more complete experience. Furthermore, tackling both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ scenarios can easily push your total playtime to 12-15 hours, and even longer for those aiming for completionist runs. Let’s break down the specifics.
Single Playthrough Length
Main Story Focus
If you’re laser-focused on progressing through the story, avoiding unnecessary exploration, and not getting bogged down by side areas, you can expect to clock in around 8.5 hours for your first run of Resident Evil 2 Remake. This assumes a straightforward path, a reasonable level of familiarity with the game mechanics, and minimal backtracking. This timeframe will likely be shorter on subsequent playthroughs as you become more familiar with the layout and puzzle solutions.
Exploration and Collectibles
On the other hand, if you’re someone who loves to soak in the atmosphere, meticulously search every corner for hidden items, and solve every optional puzzle, you will likely spend closer to 14.5 hours on your initial playthrough. The world of Raccoon City is dense with secrets, making exploration highly rewarding, although time-consuming. Collecting all of the game’s hidden files, weapons upgrades, and other secrets significantly extends the playtime.
Second Run & Combined Playtime
The Second Run Scenario
Resident Evil 2 Remake offers a unique second-run mechanic where after completing the game with one character, you can play through the “2nd Run” scenario (also known as the ‘B’ scenario) as the other character. This second run, although it takes place in the same setting, offers different challenges, item locations, and boss encounters. While it generally feels a bit shorter than the initial run since you have knowledge of the main objectives, it often takes around 6 hours to complete.
Total Playtime
Considering both the initial and the second playthroughs, many players will clock in between 12-15 hours for a complete run of Resident Evil 2 Remake. This can fluctuate based on factors such as skill level, chosen difficulty (Assisted, Standard, or Hardcore), and whether or not you seek out additional content or achievements. Those who want to unlock all of the game’s achievements or try speedrunning the title will inevitably spend much more time with the game.
Speedrunning
For the most dedicated players, speedrunning Resident Evil 2 Remake offers a significant challenge. Skilled speedrunners can beat the game in under one hour. This involves utilizing highly efficient routes, exploiting game mechanics, and utilizing glitches. However, this requires intense practice and meticulous planning, and is far from a typical playthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About RE2 Remake Playtime
1. Is Resident Evil 2 Remake harder than Resident Evil 7?
Yes, many players find Resident Evil 2 Remake to be significantly harder than Resident Evil 7. This is primarily due to the greater number of enemies, the inability to consistently headshot zombies (requiring more ammo), and a heavier emphasis on resource management. You often find yourself needing to run and evade enemies rather than engaging.
2. Is the Second Run shorter in RE2R?
The 2nd Run in Resident Evil 2 Remake is generally slightly shorter than the first run, but the overall gameplay experience is similar. You’ll already have an understanding of the map and main objectives, which can speed things up.
3. Why did RE2 Remake take so long to develop?
The development of Resident Evil 2 Remake was delayed because the original producer, Shinji Mikami, didn’t want resources diverted from the development of Resident Evil 4 (2005).
4. How long is one full run of RE2R?
A full run of Resident Evil 2 Remake, including both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ scenarios, typically takes between 12-15 hours, depending on the player’s skill level and how thorough they are in their exploration.
5. How long does a Leon speedrun take?
A Leon speedrun of Resident Evil 2 Remake can be completed in under 1 hour by highly skilled players.
6. Should I play Leon or Claire first?
According to Capcom’s official stats, most players choose Leon for their first playthrough, with around 79% choosing him. It’s often advised to play as Leon first due to his more straightforward starting gear. However, the choice is ultimately up to personal preference.
7. Is Leon or Claire harder?
Claire typically has a slightly harder start due to her pistol being less effective. However, after getting into the garage, many feel that Claire’s campaign becomes a bit easier than Leon’s.
8. How old is Leon in RE2?
Leon was 21 years old during the events of Resident Evil 2. He was just starting his career as a police officer.
9. What is the longest Resident Evil game?
Resident Evil 6 is the longest game in the series, with a playtime of approximately 21 hours due to its multiple interwoven storylines.
10. How old is Claire in RE2?
Claire Redfield is 19 years old in Resident Evil 2. She is a college student searching for her missing brother, Chris Redfield.
11. Is Claire’s story shorter than Leon’s?
The ‘A’ scenarios for Leon and Claire have roughly the same length, and their respective ‘B’ scenarios also have similar lengths, with differences between characters being only a few minutes. The difference in perceived length often comes from playing style and how meticulously you explore each area.
12. Is it worth doing a second playthrough of RE2R?
Yes, absolutely! Playing both scenarios is highly recommended. Not only does it change certain game elements and story beats, but it also unlocks the “4th Survivor” game mode which is a challenging extra.
13. How many times should you play RE2 Remake?
You should ideally play Resident Evil 2 Remake at least twice, once with each character, to experience the full narrative and additional gameplay changes between scenarios.
14. Is RE4 scarier than RE2 Remake?
While the perception of scariness is subjective, Resident Evil 2 Remake is generally considered to be more of a traditional survival horror experience with stronger elements of tension and fear, while Resident Evil 4 leans more into action horror.
15. What is the best Resident Evil game to start with?
Resident Evil 2 Remake is often recommended as a fantastic starting point due to its polished gameplay, modern controls, and overall accessibility. It serves as an excellent introduction to the world and style of the series.