Leon vs. Claire: Which Resident Evil 2 Remake Story is Harder?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of whether Leon’s or Claire’s story is harder in the Resident Evil 2 Remake is a common one among players, and the answer is nuanced rather than straightforward. There’s no single character that universally presents a more difficult experience; instead, the difficulty fluctuates based on several factors, including gameplay style, weapon preferences, and the specific scenarios being compared.
Generally, it’s safe to say that Claire’s first run (Claire A) can feel initially more challenging due to her less powerful starting pistol. However, once players reach the garage area, her story tends to become easier than Leon’s. Claire’s second run (Claire B) is generally regarded as harder than Leon’s first run (Leon A), but easier than his second run (Leon B). This dynamic creates an interesting balance, offering different peaks in difficulty for each character. Ultimately, both stories are designed to be challenging, but in distinct ways, catering to different player preferences and strengths.
Leon’s Story: A Criminal Investigation with a Punch
Leon’s campaign is often described as having a more action-oriented and thrilling pace. It feels like a classic criminal investigation, befitting his background as a police officer. This approach is largely due to Leon’s arsenal, which favors power and control. His shotgun, for instance, offers excellent staggering capability, making it more manageable to deal with groups of enemies, especially early in the game. This is where Leon has an edge, as the early game can feel tougher for Claire. While his handgun damage is lower, he’s given the Matilda pistol, which can be upgraded, becoming a formidable weapon throughout the game. The Lightning Hawk magnum provides serious stopping power in the late game, solidifying his strength.
Strengths and Challenges in Leon’s Campaign
- Strengths: Powerful starting weapons, like the shotgun, which is effective against multiple enemies and staggering enemies; access to the Lightning Hawk magnum, making bosses and tougher enemies easier; a narrative that focuses on action and a criminal investigation.
- Challenges: Can be more difficult during the late game, especially the clocktower run; may have less ammo to start with, requiring careful aiming and resource management; his weapons can require upgrades to feel more powerful, creating a temporary disadvantage.
Claire’s Story: Family, Protection, and Survival
Claire’s campaign takes on a more emotional and survival horror-focused tone. Her narrative revolves around family and the need to protect Sherry Birkin, creating a different dynamic from Leon’s experience. Claire’s initial weapon is weaker than Leon’s, making the beginning a bit more of a struggle as enemies can require more shots to take down. However, Claire shines in mid-game when she starts using her grenade launcher. Her weapons tend to be more powerful than Leon’s, especially later in the game, including her grenade launcher with various types of ammunition like fire rounds and acid rounds. However, the scarcity of these ammunition types encourages her to play carefully and conserve.
Strengths and Challenges in Claire’s Campaign
- Strengths: More powerful weapons, particularly the grenade launcher, later in the game, offering solutions for different enemy types; focus on survival and resource management.
- Challenges: Weaker starting pistol making the early game more difficult; more lickers to deal with than Leon; greater inventory management due to ammo taking up more space and having two handguns; difficulty fighting Ivies in the labs.
A Tale of Two Scenarios: A vs. B
The “A” and “B” scenarios in the Resident Evil 2 Remake further complicate the question of difficulty. Leon A and Claire A are the standard first playthrough for each character and are roughly the same length. Claire’s A scenario initially feels more challenging, but becomes easier as she gets access to more powerful weapons. On the other hand, Leon’s A scenario starts with a solid setup but can become more difficult in the later stages. When comparing their “B” scenarios, the difficulty shifts again. Claire B is often considered more difficult than Leon A but can be easier than Leon B because Leon’s B scenario does not provide all his weapons, giving him an additional disadvantage. Leon B includes a final boss fight against G5, which adds to its difficulty. The lengths are very similar, with only a 3-5 minute difference between characters.
The Interwoven Story: Different Perspectives
It’s important to note that both campaigns are not entirely isolated. They often overlap, with the two characters even crossing paths. Despite this overlap, each has its distinct story beats. Leon’s story often feels more like a crime investigation, while Claire’s storyline focuses on her relationships, and survival, adding to the different experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Claire get more ammo than Leon?
No, not in the sense of finding more overall. She might find more different types of ammo because of the variety of weapons she uses. However, Leon tends to have fewer types of ammunition, but more damage per shot. Claire’s ammo takes up more inventory space and her TMP (submachine gun) is less effective than Leon’s shotgun for staggering enemies.
2. Is the Tyrant in Claire’s Story?
Yes, but with a limited presence. He appears in the Parking Garage after inserting the key card and chases you until you pass through the gate. He also appears briefly in the Orphanage basement, but then he does not appear at all.
3. Is Claire or Leon better for S rank?
This is subjective but both characters can achieve an S rank. Claire has stronger weapons for the majority of the game, making her runs feel easier overall. Leon’s weapons tend to be weaker overall, and he faces a more challenging sequence near the end. But again, both characters can achieve an S-rank.
4. Is Leon A or B Easier?
Leon B is generally considered slightly easier as it requires less time to complete. However, the trickier beginning might cause players to take more time. Leon A is considered the best for unlocking items, and it is recommended to run Leon A to unlock the infinite rocket launcher.
5. Is Claire’s playthrough shorter than Leon’s?
No, Claire’s A and Leon’s A playthroughs are the same length, and Claire’s B and Leon’s B are also the same length with a variance of only about 3-5 minutes. The difference in perceived time often comes down to the player’s efficiency in exploration and navigation.
6. Which Resident Evil has the best Leon?
Many fans consider Resident Evil 4’s Leon Kennedy to be the best version of the character.
7. How old is Claire in RE2?
Claire is 19 years old in Resident Evil 2.
8. Should I play Claire A or B first?
It is generally recommended to play Claire B after Leon A to complement the narrative flow. However, you can start with either scenario as both are independent. Playing Claire B after Leon A enhances the overall storytelling.
9. Who has better weapons, Claire or Leon?
Claire objectively has better and more versatile weapons, like the grenade launcher, and its various ammunition types. But, she encounters more enemies, especially lickers, than Leon.
10. Why is Leon’s gun called Matilda?
Matilda is a reference to the film The Professional and is also the name of Leon’s upgraded pistol from Resident Evil 2.
11. Is Leon married to Claire?
No, despite some of the character’s connection in the game, Leon and Claire are not married.
12. Is Leon mentioned in RE7?
No, Leon does not appear or is not mentioned in Resident Evil 7.
13. Is Leon B shorter than Leon A?
Leon B is slightly shorter than Leon A, but the G5 fight can add to playtime.
14. How old is Leon in RE3?
Leon is 21 years old in RE3 when he makes a cameo in the epilogue.
15. How old is Leon in RE6?
Leon is 36 years old in Resident Evil 6.
Conclusion
The question of whether Leon’s or Claire’s story is harder is not about choosing a singular, definitive answer. Each campaign offers a unique and challenging experience, with fluctuating difficulty peaks, and an engaging story. The key is to understand the differences in their arsenals, their stories, and the overall pace of each character’s journey. Both protagonists deliver a thrilling and scary experience, making the Resident Evil 2 Remake an excellent game to play and replay. Your preference and playstyle will ultimately determine which character presents a greater challenge for you.