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Mastering Mayhem: Which Gun Should You Upgrade First in Resident Evil 4?

Choosing the right weapon to upgrade in the Resident Evil 4 remake is crucial for survival, especially on higher difficulties. The most versatile and impactful early-game upgrade is undoubtedly the Red9 handgun. Its high base damage, coupled with its upgrade potential and the exclusive upgrade, makes it a powerhouse against the hordes of Ganados and more formidable foes. Furthermore, investing in the W-870 shotgun early on also pays dividends in crowd control and close-quarters combat, a staple of the game’s tight environments. Upgrading the Combat Knife early is a good idea since knife durability is vital for close-quarters defense and stealth attacks.

Prioritizing Your Arsenal: A Deeper Dive

While the Red9 and W-870 are excellent choices, the best weapon to upgrade depends heavily on your playstyle, resource management, and the difficulty you’re playing on. Let’s break down several factors:

Playstyle: Are you a headshot connoisseur? Do you prefer up-close and personal encounters, or do you like to keep your distance?
Resource Management: Pesetas are precious. Can you afford to fully upgrade multiple weapons, or do you need to focus your funds?
Difficulty: On higher difficulties, raw damage and efficiency are paramount.

With that in mind, here’s a tiered approach to upgrading your weapons:

Tier 1: Must-Upgrade Weapons

Red9 (Handgun): As previously mentioned, the Red9’s damage output is unparalleled for a handgun. Its exclusive upgrade turns it into a mini-magnum, capable of dispatching enemies with ease. Prioritize power, firing speed, and capacity upgrades.
W-870 (Shotgun): The W-870 is your lifeline in the early game. Upgrading its power, reload speed, and capacity significantly improves its effectiveness against groups of Ganados. Its exclusive perk doubles its damage, too.
Combat Knife: While not a gun, upgrading your knife is paramount for conserving ammo by using stealth, and also allows you to fend off attacks. Durability should be your primary focus.

Tier 2: Worthwhile Investments

Riot Gun (Shotgun): The Riot Gun hits the sweet spot between power and spread, making it a solid mid-to-late game option. Upgrade its power and reload speed to maximize its utility.
SR M1903 (Rifle): The SR M1903 is one of the best Sniping Weapons in the game for one-shot kills, especially with its damage-increasing exclusive upgrade. Focus on its power for maximum impact. This is also the rifle the article suggests using an Exclusive Upgrade Ticket on because of the cost to upgrade.
Blacktail (Handgun): If you prefer a faster-handling handgun, the Blacktail is an excellent choice. It’s weaker than the Red9 but boasts a higher rate of fire and faster reload speed.

Tier 3: Situational Upgrades

Bolt Thrower: While not a damage dealer, the Bolt Thrower offers unique utility with its retrievable bolts and explosive capabilities. However, it requires a more specialized playstyle.
TMP/LE 5 (Submachine Guns): Submachine guns are great for crowd control, but they consume ammo rapidly. Upgrade their power and capacity if you rely on them.
Punisher (Handgun): The Punisher is an excellent choice when crowd control is your primary concern. It has slightly lower power than the SG-09 R handgun, but its other stats are all slightly better.

Exclusive Upgrades: Game Changers

Each weapon in Resident Evil 4 remake can be upgraded from Level 1 to Level 5, which eventually unlocks the Exclusive Perk, a unique feature for that specific gun.

Exclusive upgrades are the pinnacle of weapon customization, and choosing wisely can drastically alter your gameplay. Here are some of the best exclusive upgrades:

SR M1903: Increases damage significantly, making it the most powerful rifle.
Riot Gun: Increases the damage output. The Max upgraded Striker has like 16 damage. The Riot shotgun has close to 13, but if you get its exclusive upgrade, it goes up to about 19.
Red9: Enhances its already impressive damage.
Blacktail: Multiplies the weapon’s overall Power by 1.5.

The Importance of Adaptation

Ultimately, the best weapon to upgrade in Resident Evil 4 depends on your individual preferences and the challenges you face. Experiment with different weapons, adapt your playstyle, and don’t be afraid to switch things up. After all, the key to survival is staying one step ahead of the Las Plagas.

And as you hone your gaming skills, consider how these interactive experiences can enrich learning. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are actively exploring the intersection of games and education. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions players ask about weapon upgrades in Resident Evil 4:

1. What is the best handgun in Resident Evil 4?

In terms of raw power, the Red9 is widely considered the best handgun. Its high damage output, especially when fully upgraded and equipped with the stock, makes it a formidable weapon.

2. What is the best handgun to upgrade in RE4 remake?

Again, the Red9 is a top contender. However, the Blacktail and SG-09R are also excellent choices, offering a good balance of power and precision.

3. Should I upgrade the Riot Gun RE4?

Yes, the Riot Gun is definitely worth upgrading. It provides a balanced approach to shotgun combat, offering a tighter spread and better range than the Striker.

4. What is the best weapon to use the exclusive upgrade ticket on RE4 remake?

The SR M1903 is a great choice for the Exclusive Upgrade Ticket. The exclusive upgrade is one of the most expensive in the game, clocking in at 100,000 pesetas.

5. What is the most expensive gun to upgrade in RE4 remake?

The Chicago Sweeper is the most expensive gun to fully upgrade, requiring a staggering 660,000 Pesetas.

6. What should I upgrade first in Resident Evil 4?

Prioritize the Red9 handgun, the W-870 shotgun, and your Combat Knife.

7. Is the Striker better than the Riot Gun RE4 remake?

The Striker excels at crowd control due to its wider spread, but the Riot Gun offers better precision and range. Both are very solid choices for gamers.

8. Is the Riot Gun worth upgrading?

Yes, the Riot Gun is absolutely worth upgrading. It strikes a balance between power, speed, and accuracy.

9. What happens when you fully upgrade a gun in RE4?

Fully upgrading a gun unlocks its Exclusive Perk, a unique bonus that significantly enhances the weapon’s performance.

10. Is the Punisher the best handgun in RE4?

The Punisher is a decent handgun, but it doesn’t quite match the overall power of the Red9 or the balanced performance of the Blacktail.

11. Is the handgun or Punisher better in RE4?

The Punisher boasts slightly better handling stats than the SG-09 R, but the SG-09 R has higher base power.

12. Which handgun to keep RE4?

This depends on your playstyle. The Red9 is the powerhouse, the Blacktail is the all-rounder, and the SG-09R is a reliable starting option.

13. Is the Blacktail better than the handgun RE4?

The Blacktail is more balanced than the starting SG-09R, offering better handling and ammo capacity.

14. Is the bolt gun worth it Resident Evil 4 remake?

The Bolt Thrower can be useful for stealthy players who enjoy using the crossbow. But the handling is frustrating for others.

15. Should I sell Riot Gun for Striker RE4 remake?

This depends on your preference. The Striker has a larger ammo capacity, but the Riot Gun offers better precision and potentially higher damage with its exclusive upgrade. Keep the Riot Gun.

Investing wisely in your arsenal is the key to surviving the horrors of Resident Evil 4. Choose your weapons carefully, prioritize your upgrades, and adapt to the challenges that lie ahead. Good luck, and happy hunting!

What gun should I upgrade in RE4?