Unpacking Ethan Winters’ Pistols: A Deep Dive into Resident Evil 7’s Handgun Arsenal

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Ethan Winters, the everyman thrust into the horrifying world of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, relies on a variety of firearms to survive the Baker family’s twisted hospitality. While his arsenal expands as the game progresses, his primary, go-to sidearm for much of the game is the Glock 17. He acquires it early on, taking it from a deceased sheriff’s deputy shortly before his brutal encounter with Jack Baker. The Glock 17’s common ammunition and reliability make it a practical and essential weapon for Ethan’s initial struggles. Later in the game, you can also obtain the M19 Handgun and Albert-01R pistol.

The Pistols of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

While the Glock 17 is crucial, understanding the other pistol options available to Ethan provides a richer appreciation for the game’s strategic firearm choices. Let’s explore Ethan’s handgun options and how they fit into his survival.

G17 Handgun: The Reliable Workhorse

The Glock 17 is the bread and butter pistol in Resident Evil 7. Acquired relatively early, it uses readily available 9mm ammunition. This makes it extremely practical, especially during the resource-scarce early hours of the game. While not the most powerful handgun available, its accuracy, manageable recoil, and generous magazine size make it a dependable choice against the Molded and other threats. It doesn’t require special ammo and offers a nice magazine size for quick disposal of threats. The fact that you get this pistol very early in the game makes it one of the best in the game.

M19 Handgun: Precision and Power

The M19 Handgun is a significant step up in terms of raw stopping power. It deals significantly more damage than the G17, making it effective against tougher enemies. However, this comes at a price: the M19 has a smaller magazine capacity and more noticeable recoil. Players who prioritize accuracy and controlled shots will find the M19 a valuable addition to their arsenal, especially when facing bosses or heavily armored foes. To obtain the M19, you must combine the Broken Handgun with a Repair Kit. The Broken Handgun can be found in the trailer in the yard after escaping the Main House.

Albert-01R (Wesker’s Handgun): The Endgame Powerhouse

The Albert-01R, also known as Wesker’s Handgun, is the ultimate pistol in Resident Evil 7. This weapon is unlocked after completing the game and obtaining the “Albert-01R” item. It boasts impressive damage output and excellent accuracy. With enhanced ammunition, it rivals the .44 Magnum in sheer destructive force, making it capable of taking down even the most formidable enemies with relative ease. Its primary drawbacks are its high recoil and limited magazine capacity. Handling this beast effectively requires a steady hand and precise aiming. Players who complete Madhouse Mode can acquire the infinite ammo version of this pistol.

Honorable Mention: The Broken Handgun

While not a usable weapon on its own, the Broken Handgun deserves mention. Finding it is the first step toward obtaining the M19. Keep an eye out for the Broken Handgun.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Resident Evil 7 Pistols

Here are some frequently asked questions about the pistols available in Resident Evil 7, offering further insights into their use and effectiveness:

1. Is the G17 a good pistol in Resident Evil 7? Absolutely. The G17 is a reliable, accurate, and ammo-efficient pistol that serves as Ethan’s primary weapon for a significant portion of the game. Its common ammunition and manageable recoil make it a practical choice against the numerous Molded enemies.

2. Where can I find the M19 Handgun in Resident Evil 7? The M19 Handgun is obtained by combining the Broken Handgun with a Repair Kit. The Broken Handgun is located in the trailer in the yard after escaping the Main House.

3. What are the advantages of using the M19 over the G17? The M19 offers significantly higher damage output than the G17. This makes it effective against tougher enemies and bosses. However, it has a smaller magazine capacity and more noticeable recoil.

4. What makes the Albert-01R the best pistol in Resident Evil 7? The Albert-01R boasts exceptional damage output and excellent accuracy. With enhanced ammunition, it rivals the .44 Magnum in sheer destructive force, making it a powerhouse weapon.

5. How do I unlock the Albert-01R? The Albert-01R is unlocked after completing the game.

6. What are the drawbacks of the Albert-01R? The Albert-01R’s primary drawbacks are its high recoil and limited magazine capacity.

7. What is the best pistol to use against Jack Baker? The M19 or Albert-01R, if available, are excellent choices due to their higher damage output. However, the G17 is a viable option if resources are scarce.

8. Should I upgrade my pistol in Resident Evil 7? Upgrading the pistols for ammo capacity, reload speed, and damage output will drastically increase your overall effectiveness during the game, especially if you’re playing on harder difficulties. Prioritize the G17 early on, then consider upgrading the M19 or Albert-01R as you acquire them.

9. Is there infinite ammo for pistols in Resident Evil 7? Yes, after completing Madhouse difficulty, you can unlock the Albert-01R with infinite ammo.

10. Can the knife be useful against enemies, or just for breaking boxes? The knife is useful for damaging enemies, especially the Molded. While the damage output is low, it is a resource-free method of attack.

11. How do I know which pistol to use in a given situation? Consider the type of enemy you’re facing and the resources you have available. The G17 is a reliable all-around choice. The M19 is better for tougher enemies, and the Albert-01R is a powerhouse for boss fights and high-threat situations.

12. What kind of ammo do the pistols in Resident Evil 7 use? The G17 and M19 use 9mm handgun ammo, while the Albert-01R can use both regular and enhanced handgun ammo.

13. Is Resident Evil 7 considered a survival horror game? Yes, Resident Evil 7 is a survival horror game that involves elements of exploration, combat, puzzles, and resource management. The game focuses on making the player feel vulnerable and emphasizing strategic resource use.

14. Are there other pistols in the game, like the LEMI? The LEMI is a slightly altered CZ 2075 RAMI that is used in Resident Evil Village, but it is not found in Resident Evil 7.

15. What is the best gun to use on regular Molded enemies in Resident Evil 7? The best gun for regular Molded is the G17.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each pistol in Ethan Winters’ arsenal, players can make informed decisions that increase their chances of survival in the terrifying world of Resident Evil 7. Mastering the use of these firearms is critical to overcoming the challenges that lie ahead. To further understand the complexities of video game design and the player experience, consider exploring resources available through organizations like the Games Learning Society, found online at GamesLearningSociety.org.