The Best Pistol in Resident Evil 4 Remake: A Comprehensive Guide
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 Red9 is widely considered the best pistol in the Resident Evil 4 Remake. Its high stopping power, excellent accuracy, and upgrade potential make it a formidable weapon throughout the game, especially when paired with its stock for increased stability. While other pistols have their strengths, the Red9’s overall performance consistently places it at the top.
Analyzing the Contenders: Pistols in RE4 Remake
The Resident Evil 4 Remake boasts a diverse arsenal of pistols, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. Understanding their individual strengths is crucial for determining which best suits your playstyle.
The Starting Handgun: SG-09 R
The SG-09 R is Leon’s starting pistol, a reliable and versatile weapon for the early game. While its damage output isn’t exceptional, its high rate of fire and decent accuracy make it effective against weaker enemies. Upgrading its capacity and firepower will extend its usefulness, but it’s generally outclassed by other options later on. Its strength lies in its availability and being a solid all-rounder.
The Punisher: Penetrating Power
The Punisher pistol stands out for its penetration capabilities. It can pierce through multiple enemies, making it highly effective against tightly packed groups. Its relatively low damage per shot, however, means it’s best used strategically against specific enemy formations. Upgrading its penetration will significantly enhance its crowd control potential. It’s particularly useful in areas with Ganados forming ranks.
The Red9: Powerhouse Performance
The Red9 is a powerful pistol inspired by the Mauser C96. It boasts the highest base damage among all pistols in the game. Its accuracy is slightly lower than other options without the stock attachment, but the stock drastically improves stability and precision. The Red9’s raw power makes it capable of taking down enemies quickly, even on higher difficulties. It really shines once fully upgraded.
The Blacktail: Balanced and Reliable
The Blacktail offers a good balance of power, accuracy, and fire rate. It’s a dependable choice for players who prefer a well-rounded pistol that performs consistently in various situations. Its reload speed is also relatively fast, making it forgiving in heated engagements. It’s a solid alternative if you prefer a more agile weapon than the Red9.
The Matilda: Burst Fire King
The Matilda is a unique pistol that fires in three-round bursts. While its damage per shot is relatively low, the burst fire can quickly dispatch enemies when aimed accurately. It requires precise aiming and careful trigger control to maximize its effectiveness. Its larger magazine size is a definite advantage. It can be purchased in Chapter 8.
Why the Red9 Reigns Supreme
Despite the strengths of other pistols, the Red9 consistently emerges as the top choice for many players. Several factors contribute to its superior performance:
-
Unmatched Damage: The Red9’s high base damage allows it to take down enemies with fewer shots than other pistols, conserving ammunition and saving valuable time.
-
Excellent Upgrade Potential: Upgrading the Red9 significantly boosts its damage output and capacity, making it even more formidable as the game progresses.
-
Synergy with the Stock: The Red9 stock attachment drastically improves the pistol’s accuracy and recoil control, transforming it into a highly accurate and stable weapon. This attachment is absolutely essential to unlock the Red9’s true potential.
-
Effective Against Bosses: The Red9’s high damage makes it particularly effective against bosses, allowing you to deal significant damage with each shot. This is especially useful in the later stages of the game.
Alternatives and Playstyle Considerations
While the Red9 is a strong contender, personal preferences and playstyles also play a role in selecting the best pistol. If you value crowd control, the Punisher might be a better choice. If you prefer a balanced and reliable weapon, the Blacktail could be a good option. And if you prioritize burst damage, the Matilda might be worth considering. Ultimately, the “best” pistol is the one that you feel most comfortable and effective with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I find the Red9 in RE4 Remake?
The Red9 is located in a briefcase on a boat docked at the lake in Chapter 4. You’ll need to navigate the lake to find it.
Q2: How do I get the Red9 stock?
The Red9 stock can be purchased from the Merchant after you acquire the Red9 pistol. It significantly improves the pistol’s accuracy and stability.
Q3: Is the Punisher pistol worth using?
Yes, the Punisher is a viable option, especially for players who prioritize penetration. It’s useful for dealing with groups of enemies and can be effective in certain areas of the game.
Q4: What are the best upgrades for the Red9?
Prioritize upgrading the firepower and capacity of the Red9. The stock is also essential for improving its accuracy.
Q5: Which pistol is best for beginners?
The SG-09 R is a good starting pistol due to its reliability and ease of use. However, transitioning to the Blacktail or Red9 later on is recommended.
Q6: Is the Matilda pistol any good?
The Matilda can be effective in the right hands, but it requires precise aiming and trigger control to maximize its burst fire potential. It’s a unique pistol with a high skill ceiling.
Q7: Which pistol is the most accurate?
With the stock attached, the Red9 becomes very accurate. Without the stock, the Blacktail is generally considered to be the most accurate pistol.
Q8: How much does the Red9 cost?
The Red9 can be found for free in the lake area. However, the Red9 Stock costs around 140,000 pesetas from the merchant.
Q9: Can I sell my starting pistol after getting a better one?
Yes, you can sell the SG-09 R to the Merchant once you have a better pistol. This will free up inventory space and provide some extra pesetas.
Q10: Does the knife count as a “pistol”?
No, the knife is a separate weapon and is not considered a pistol. This guide focuses exclusively on the handgun-type weapons.
Q11: What is the exclusive upgrade for the Red9?
The exclusive upgrade for the Red9 significantly increases its firepower. This makes the Red9 even more powerful, making it easier to dispatch enemies and bosses.
Q12: Is the Red9 good against El Gigante?
Yes, the Red9 is effective against El Gigante due to its high damage output. Aim for its weak spot (the parasite) to deal significant damage.
Q13: Which pistol is the best for conserving ammo?
The Red9, due to its high damage, can help conserve ammo by taking down enemies with fewer shots.
Q14: How does the piercing effect of the Punisher work?
The Punisher’s piercing effect allows it to shoot through multiple enemies in a line. Upgrading the penetration stat increases the number of enemies it can pierce.
Q15: Does the pistol choice matter on Professional difficulty?
Yes, the pistol choice matters significantly on Professional difficulty. The Red9’s high damage and upgrade potential make it a valuable asset for surviving the challenging encounters. It drastically impacts your efficiency and resource management.