Unlocking the Secrets of Antique Coins in Resident Evil 7: A Collector’s Guide

The Antique Coins in Resident Evil 7: Biohazard are more than just shiny collectibles; they are your key to unlocking powerful upgrades and weapons that significantly enhance your chances of survival against the Baker family and the horrors lurking in their dilapidated mansion. They serve as a form of in-game currency, allowing you to purchase essential items from birdcages scattered throughout the game’s environment. Collecting them all is not only rewarding but also strategically vital, especially on higher difficulty settings.

Where and How to Use Antique Coins

The Antique Coins are primarily used at special birdcages found in specific locations. These cages function as vending machines, dispensing valuable items in exchange for the coins. The items available are game-changers, making the hunt for these coins well worth the effort. Let’s break down what you can purchase:

• 3 Coins: Steroids – A permanent health boost, increasing your maximum health and allowing you to take more punishment before succumbing to enemy attacks. This is incredibly valuable, especially early on.

• 5 Coins: Stabilizer – Reduces weapon recoil and improves reload speed. This is a substantial upgrade for your arsenal, allowing you to fire more accurately and get back into the fight quicker.

• 9 Coins: .44 MAG (Magnum) – The most powerful handgun in the game. While ammo is scarce, the Magnum deals massive damage, making it ideal for taking down tough enemies and bosses.

The strategic placement of these birdcages encourages exploration and rewards thorough searching. Locating the birdcages themselves is crucial for making use of the Antique Coins you find.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Antique Coins

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the purpose, acquisition, and usage of Antique Coins in Resident Evil 7.

1. Where can I find all the Antique Coin locations in Resident Evil 7?

The Antique Coins are hidden throughout the game’s various locations, including the Main House, the Yard, the Testing Area, and the Wrecked Ship. Detailed guides and videos are available online that provide specific locations for each coin. Remember that the number of Antique Coins and their locations can vary slightly depending on the difficulty level you’re playing on. Refer to comprehensive guides to ensure you don’t miss any.

2. Does the difficulty level affect the number of Antique Coins available?

Yes, the number of Antique Coins available differs based on the difficulty setting. Easy and Normal modes feature more coins overall, making it easier to acquire the upgrades. On Madhouse difficulty, fewer coins are available, requiring more strategic spending and thorough exploration.

3. What’s the deal with the Dirty Coin in Resident Evil 7?

The Dirty Coin is a unique item obtained during the main campaign. It functions as an extra Antique Coin, effectively giving you one more coin to spend on upgrades. It’s a valuable find and should be considered when planning your purchases.

4. Should I prioritize buying the Steroids, Stabilizer, or Magnum first?

The order in which you purchase the items depends on your play style and difficulty level. For newer players or those on higher difficulties, the Steroids are often the best first purchase, as the increased health provides a significant survivability boost. The Stabilizer is a solid second choice, improving your combat effectiveness. Save the Magnum for last unless you’re confident in your ammo management.

5. Are Antique Coins required to beat Resident Evil 7?

No, Antique Coins are not required to complete the game. However, the upgrades they unlock significantly ease the difficulty, especially during boss fights and challenging encounters. Playing without them is a self-imposed challenge for experienced players.

6. Can I get all the upgrades in a single playthrough?

On Easy and Normal difficulties, it’s possible to collect enough Antique Coins to purchase all three upgrades. However, on Madhouse difficulty, the fewer number of coins means you’ll likely have to choose which upgrades are most important to you. Careful planning and thorough exploration are crucial.

7. Do Antique Coins carry over to New Game Plus?

Yes, any Antique Coins you collect in a playthrough will carry over to a New Game Plus. This allows you to start a new game with access to the upgrades from the beginning, making subsequent playthroughs easier and more enjoyable. This also affects the Walking Shoes and Essence of Defense earned from collecting Mr. Everywhere bobbleheads.

8. What’s the best strategy for finding hidden Antique Coins?

The best strategy involves thorough exploration, checking every nook and cranny. Pay attention to visual cues, such as glinting objects or unusual placements. Use online guides or videos to supplement your search, especially for coins that are particularly well-hidden. Listen closely! Sometimes the sound of rats (which lead you to coins in crates) is the first indication of one nearby.

9. How do the Madhouse difficulty Antique Coin locations differ?

On Madhouse difficulty, some Antique Coin locations are changed, and fewer coins are available overall. Some coins that are readily accessible on Easy and Normal are hidden behind puzzles or require more effort to obtain on Madhouse. Be prepared for a more challenging scavenger hunt.

10. What other collectibles should I be aware of in Resident Evil 7?

Besides Antique Coins, Resident Evil 7 features other collectibles, including:

• Mr. Everywhere Statues: Destroying these bobbleheads unlocks the Walking Shoes and Essence of Defense upon full completion.
• Files: Providing lore and backstory.
• Treasure Photos: Leading to hidden items.

Collecting these adds depth to the experience and unlocks achievements/trophies.

11. What are the achievements related to Antique Coins?

There are achievements/trophies related to finding and using Antique Coins. “Pelicans in Your Pocket” requires finding all the Antique Coins in the game. Completing the game on different difficulties also unlocks achievements.

12. How does the choice between Mia and Zoe affect the Antique Coins?

The choice between Mia and Zoe at the end of the game does not directly affect the Antique Coins or their availability. However, it impacts the ending you receive and sets up the story for the End of Zoe DLC.

13. What are the best weapons to use alongside the upgrades purchased with Antique Coins?

The Magnum, purchased with Antique Coins, is a powerhouse weapon. Pair it with the Shotgun for close-range encounters and the Grenade Launcher for dealing with groups of enemies. The enhanced reload speed from the Stabilizer upgrade further improves the effectiveness of these weapons.

14. How does the Instinct Coin work, and is it worth getting?

The Instinct Coin increases Ethan’s knockback rate. It is a passive item that occupies inventory space. Whether it’s worth getting depends on your play style. Some players find the increased knockback helpful, while others prefer to use the inventory space for other items. This coin can be stacked with the Universal Coin.

15. Where can I learn more about the game design and learning principles behind Resident Evil 7?

You can explore the design elements and educational principles embedded in Resident Evil 7 by visiting the Games Learning Society website. This platform provides valuable insights into how games can be used as learning tools, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to delve deeper into the world of game-based learning.

Mastering the Coin Collection

Collecting Antique Coins in Resident Evil 7 isn’t just about finding hidden objects; it’s about enhancing your survival capabilities in a terrifying environment. By strategically using these coins to purchase vital upgrades, you significantly increase your chances of overcoming the challenges presented by the Baker family and the horrors within their mansion. So, explore every corner, check every shadow, and claim every Antique Coin to unlock the full potential of Ethan Winters and emerge victorious from the nightmare.