Should I Save Richard as Chris in Resident Evil? A Deep Dive
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Absolutely! Saving Richard Aiken as Chris Redfield in the Resident Evil remake is almost always the superior choice. While Richard’s fate ultimately doesn’t impact the ending you receive, preserving his life unlocks a significant advantage: the Assault Shotgun. This powerful weapon greatly eases your journey through the mansion, especially against later threats. Furthermore, seeing Richard survive can be emotionally rewarding for some players.
The Value of a Saved Richard
While Richard’s survival is not essential for achieving specific endings or unlocking crucial story elements relating to Chris/Jill/Barry/Rebecca, dismissing him outright is a strategic misstep for most players. His survival opens tactical options that make the game a little easier. Let’s break down exactly what you gain.
- The Assault Shotgun: This is the main draw. The Assault Shotgun provides significantly more firepower than the standard shotgun, making dispatching Hunters and other formidable enemies considerably faster and safer. This translates to fewer resources consumed and a reduced risk of taking damage.
- Richard’s Sacrifice (Delayed): If you save Richard from the Yawn encounter, he’ll later sacrifice himself to save Chris from Neptune, the shark. This seemingly removes him from the equation, but in reality, it simply shifts the timing of his demise.
The Consequences of Letting Richard Die
While it is a viable choice to let Richard meet his demise, there are consequences to such a decision. Knowing what those consequences are should help any player make the correct decision for their unique gaming styles.
- Missed Opportunity: Letting Richard die early means foregoing the Assault Shotgun altogether. You’ll be reliant on the standard shotgun, which while effective, requires more shots and careful aiming, especially against stronger enemies.
- No Neptune Rescue: If Richard dies from Yawn’s poison, he won’t be around to sacrifice himself against Neptune. While some might see this as a positive (avoiding the emotional impact), it removes a scripted safety net from that encounter.
- No significant change to endings: While endings aren’t directly impacted by Richard’s choices, having the superior equipment might indirectly contribute to a smoother playthrough, potentially increasing the chances of other survivors.
How to Save Richard as Chris: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Find Richard: Immediately after obtaining the Armor Key, head directly to the room where you find Richard suffering from Yawn’s poison. This triggers the quest to find the serum.
- Retrieve the Serum: The serum is located in the Medical Storage Room (often referred to as the Save Room) in the West Wing of the mansion, which you can now access using the Armor Key.
- Return Quickly: Time is of the essence. A source said you have approximately 6 minutes to get the serum to Richard, but it’s better to not delay if you want the Assault Shotgun and the help with Neptune as well.
- Administer the Serum: Once you have the serum, immediately return to Richard and administer it. He will be saved!
The Intricacies of Time and Choice
The Resident Evil remake is designed to create tension through resource management and time constraints. While saving Richard requires a detour and careful navigation, the reward of the Assault Shotgun is generally worth the effort. You’ll also be able to get an additional scene with Richard later in the game, with a memorable conclusion.
Remember, the game isn’t just about reaching an ending; it’s about how you get there. Saving Richard, using the Assault Shotgun, and efficiently clearing rooms are all integral parts of mastering the Resident Evil experience.
This all builds into a unique gaming experience that has caused the game to be a classic for many gamers. A well-designed video game experience can even be used as a method for educators to use in teaching students how to navigate complex situations and make choices, according to the Games Learning Society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Richard Aiken
1. What happens if I fail to save Richard?
If you fail to return with the serum in time, Richard will succumb to the poison. You will find his body when you return to his room. You will miss out on the Assault Shotgun and his later sacrifice against Neptune.
2. Does saving Richard affect the ending of the game?
No, Richard’s survival or death does not directly affect the ending you receive as Chris. The endings are primarily determined by the fates of Jill and Rebecca.
3. Is there a “best” way for Richard to die?
From a purely strategic standpoint, saving him initially to obtain the Assault Shotgun and then letting him sacrifice himself against Neptune is the most advantageous scenario. This provides both the weapon and a safety net in the shark encounter.
4. Can I save Richard from Neptune?
No, Richard’s sacrifice to save Chris from Neptune is a scripted event. There is no way to prevent his death in this instance.
5. What is the Assault Shotgun, and why is it good?
The Assault Shotgun is a powerful weapon that fires multiple shots at once, dealing significant damage. It’s especially effective against groups of enemies or stronger individual foes like Hunters.
6. How long do I have to save Richard?
While it is a common misconception that there is only 6 minutes to save him, you will want to act very quickly, nonetheless.
7. Does saving Richard impact my resource management?
Yes. The Assault Shotgun reduces the number of shots required to eliminate enemies, conserving ammunition. This is particularly valuable on higher difficulty settings where resources are scarce.
8. Is it possible to save both Jill and Rebecca in a single playthrough?
Yes, it is possible to save both Jill and Rebecca as Chris. This unlocks one of the best endings for Chris.
9. If I save Richard, does he stay with me throughout the game?
No, after his encounter with Neptune, Richard is permanently removed from the game. He does not become a companion character.
10. Can Jill save Richard differently than Chris?
Yes. While both characters obtain the serum in the medical room, Jill can also have Richard sacrifice himself to the Yawn, so long as she grabs the mask and leaves Richard in the room to face Yawn by himself.
11. What happens if I don’t explore the mansion before trying to save Richard?
You can still save him. Exploring every nook and cranny may be better for resources and knowing locations, but as long as you go straight to the Armor Key and then to Richard, you’ll be alright!
12. Are there any speedrunning strategies related to saving or not saving Richard?
Speedrunning strategies vary. Some speedrunners may opt to skip saving Richard to save time, especially on lower difficulty settings. However, the Assault Shotgun can significantly speed up encounters later in the game, so the choice depends on the individual runner’s strategy and skill.
13. Is Richard in other Resident Evil games?
Richard appears only in the original Resident Evil and its remake. He is not a major character in other entries in the series.
14. How does Richard’s death affect the other characters?
While Richard’s death doesn’t directly impact the game’s mechanics, it can influence the player’s emotional connection to the story and the other characters. It serves as a reminder of the constant danger and high stakes within the Spencer Mansion.
15. Is Chris Redfield really Chris Redfield in Resident Evil 7?
Yes, Capcom has confirmed that the character appearing as Chris Redfield in Resident Evil 7 is indeed the authentic Chris Redfield, despite fan theories suggesting otherwise. The design changes were simply artistic choices.
Saving Richard may only open a few doors in the game, but it’s worth it to do, even if you choose to have him sacrifice himself to Yawn or Neptune later on.