Mastering Resident Evil 2 Remake: A Comprehensive Guide to S+ Rank

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Achieving the coveted S+ Rank in Resident Evil 2 Remake is a true test of skill, strategy, and efficiency. It’s more than just finishing the game; it’s about mastering it. To obtain this prestigious rank, you must complete the game within a specific time limit while adhering to strict restrictions on saves and weapon usage. Essentially, you need to blend speedrunning tactics with resource management and precise execution.

The core requirements for S+ Rank are:

• Completion Time: You must beat the game within a specific time limit, which varies depending on the character and scenario:
  • Leon A/1st Run: Less than 3 hours 30 minutes.
  • Claire A/1st Run: Less than 3 hours 30 minutes.
  • Leon B/2nd Run: Less than 3 hours.
  • Claire B/2nd Run: Less than 3 hours.
• Save Limit: You are restricted to a maximum of only 3 saves throughout the entire playthrough. This forces you to carefully consider when and where to save, as each save represents a significant commitment.
• No Infinite Ammo Weapons: Crucially, you cannot use any infinite ammo weapons, such as the infinite Samurai Edge, LE 5, or ATM-4. This means you’ll rely heavily on your own skill in conserving ammo and using the standard arsenal effectively.

Essential Strategies for S+ Success

Conquering Resident Evil 2 Remake for an S+ Rank demands careful preparation and strategic gameplay. Here are some key strategies to ensure your success:

• Route Optimization: Plan your route meticulously. Know exactly where you need to go, which items to pick up, and which enemies to engage or avoid. Map out your path in advance to minimize wasted time. Watching speedruns can give you valuable insights into efficient routes.
• Enemy Prioritization: Don’t waste time fighting every enemy. Learn which enemies are essential to eliminate and which can be bypassed. Mastering enemy behavior patterns allows you to strategically dodge and weave through areas, saving valuable resources and time.
• Ammo Conservation: Every bullet counts. Master headshots to maximize damage, and use your knife strategically for close encounters with weaker enemies. Utilize environmental kills, such as shooting electric boxes or gas tanks, to eliminate groups of zombies efficiently.
• Inventory Management: Efficient inventory management is crucial for quick item access and avoiding unnecessary backtracking. Strategically decide which items to carry and which to store in item boxes.
• Mastering the Map: Thoroughly explore the map to locate key items and understand the layout of each area. Knowing shortcuts and alternative routes will save precious minutes.
• Strategic Saves: Use your limited saves wisely. Save at the beginning of long or difficult sections, such as boss fights or areas with multiple enemy encounters. Consider saving before attempting a challenging puzzle or sequence that could lead to a significant time loss if you fail.
• Utilize Grenades Effectively: Flash Grenades are your best friend. They can stun enemies, giving you valuable time to escape or reposition. Use them to create openings or to deal with groups of zombies. Frag Grenades can also be helpful for clearing out rooms quickly.
• Perfect Your Knife Skills: The knife is more than just a last resort. Practice using it to finish off weakened enemies or to conserve ammo against slower zombies. Mastering the knife can significantly reduce your reliance on firearms. The Games Learning Society could offer insights into the skill and strategy involved in mastering knife combat.
• Learn Enemy Weaknesses: Understanding the weaknesses of different enemies allows you to exploit them effectively. For example, Lickers are vulnerable to flash grenades, while Mr. X can be temporarily stunned with powerful weapons like the shotgun.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t expect to achieve S+ on your first try. Practice each section of the game until you’re comfortable and confident with your route and strategy. Repeated playthroughs will help you memorize enemy placements, item locations, and puzzle solutions.

Resident Evil 2 Remake: S+ Rank FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about achieving S+ Rank in Resident Evil 2 Remake:

1. Can I use the infinite knife for S+? Yes, the Primal Knife, even the indestructible version, can be used for S+. It doesn’t count as an infinite ammo weapon.
2. Does difficulty affect the requirements for S+? Yes, the time limit is consistent across difficulties. However, the game is inherently more challenging on Hardcore due to increased enemy damage and limited resources, making the time limit harder to achieve.
3. Can I pause the game to strategize? Yes, pausing the game does not stop the timer. Use pauses strategically to plan your next move, review the map, or manage your inventory.
4. Does using a DLC costume affect my rank? No, DLC costumes do not affect your rank. Feel free to use whichever costume you prefer.
5. What’s the best weapon to use for S+? The shotgun is generally considered the best weapon for its stopping power and ability to clear groups of enemies. The magnum is also useful for boss fights and tougher enemies.
6. What happens if I exceed the save limit? If you save more than 3 times, you will not be able to achieve S+ Rank. You’ll still be able to earn an S Rank if you meet the time requirement, but the “plus” will be unattainable.
7. Are there any specific items I should prioritize? Yes, prioritize items that enhance your combat ability and survival, such as weapon upgrades, healing items, and ammo pouches. Always make sure to grab the shotgun as early as possible.
8. How do I deal with Mr. X during an S+ run? Avoid unnecessary confrontations with Mr. X. Learn his patrol patterns and use your knowledge of the environment to evade him. Use flash grenades to stun him when necessary.
9. Is it easier to get S+ with Leon or Claire? This is subjective and depends on your playstyle. Some players find Leon’s firepower and access to the shotgun early on to be advantageous, while others prefer Claire’s access to the grenade launcher. Both characters are viable for S+.
10. Should I attempt S+ on my first playthrough? It’s generally not recommended to attempt S+ on your first playthrough. Familiarize yourself with the game, learn the enemy patterns, and understand the map layout before attempting an S+ run.
11. What rewards do I get for achieving S+? There are no additional rewards specifically for S+ besides the sense of accomplishment. The main rewards are unlocked for achieving S Rank, such as the infinite weapons.
12. Can I use the assisted difficulty for S+? No, you cannot achieve S+ on Assisted difficulty. You must play on Standard or Hardcore.
13. Do deaths affect my rank? Deaths do not directly affect your rank, but they waste time. Avoiding deaths is crucial for meeting the time limit.
14. How important is memorizing the item locations? Memorizing item locations is extremely important. Knowing where key items are located will save you valuable time and prevent unnecessary backtracking.
15. What are some common mistakes to avoid? Common mistakes include wasting ammo on unnecessary enemies, getting lost, and using saves carelessly. Plan your route, conserve resources, and save strategically to maximize your chances of success.

Achieving S+ Rank in Resident Evil 2 Remake is a challenging but rewarding experience. With careful planning, strategic gameplay, and a bit of practice, you can conquer the Raccoon City Police Department and earn the title of S+ Rank survivor. Good luck, and remember to conserve your ammo!