Resident Evil 2 Remake (RE2 Remake) is a modern retelling of the classic survival horror game, and achieving an S Rank is a significant challenge that many players aspire to complete. This rank is awarded for completing the game under specific conditions, and while it may seem daunting, understanding the game mechanics and effective strategies can make it achievable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps, tips, and tricks to earn that coveted S Rank.
Understanding S Rank Requirements
To obtain an S Rank in RE2 Remake, you must meet certain criteria during your playthrough. The following conditions typically apply:
1. Time Limit: Complete the game in under 2 hours and 30 minutes.
2. Saves: Limit your saves to 3 or fewer.
3. Deaths: Avoid dying during your playthrough.
Game Modes and Character Choices
Before diving into strategies, it’s essential to select the right character and game mode, as these choices can significantly affect your run.
- Character Selection: You can choose between Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield. Both characters have unique storylines and item placements, but for S Rank runs, Leon is often considered easier due to his weaponry and the layout of his campaign.
- Game Modes: While the primary mode for S Rank runs is the standard campaign, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the game mechanics in the “Standard” or “Hardcore” difficulty settings. Starting on “Standard” difficulty can allow you to learn the basic mechanics without overwhelming difficulty.
Preparation for the Run
Preparation is key to achieving an S Rank. Start your game with these preparatory steps:
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Map
Understanding the layout of Raccoon City’s Police Department and the surrounding areas is vital. Key locations include:
- The Main Hall: The starting point where you’ll find the typewriter and save your game.
- The West Office: Contains supplies and important items.
- The Safety Deposit Room: A treasure trove of useful items.
Make a mental note of key item locations and shortcuts to save time during your run.
2. Item Management
Efficient item management can save you time and resources. Here are some tips:
- Prioritize Weapons: Focus on collecting and upgrading your most effective weapons, such as the Handgun and Shotgun.
- Health Items: Limit your health item collection to just a few essentials. You can use healing items strategically to save inventory space.
- Combine Items: Learn to combine items, such as gunpowder for ammunition, to maximize your inventory efficiency.
3. Practice and Learn Enemy Patterns
Familiarize yourself with the various enemies, including zombies and bosses. Each enemy has unique behavior patterns that you can exploit:
- Zombies: Aim for headshots to conserve ammo and eliminate threats quickly.
- Lickers: Use stealth to avoid them or take them out with a powerful weapon when necessary.
- Mr. X: Learn his patrol routes and how to evade him effectively to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Executing the Run
Now that you are prepared, it’s time to execute your S Rank run. Here are some strategies to keep in mind:
1. Speed Through the Game
Time is of the essence in your S Rank run. Here are speed strategies:
- Skip Cutscenes: Press the button to skip cutscenes to save precious seconds.
- Use the Map: Constantly check your map to find the fastest route to your objectives.
- Avoid Unnecessary Combat: Only engage enemies when necessary. Sometimes it’s quicker to run past them.
2. Efficient Saving and Managing Inventory
To achieve an S Rank, you need to limit your saves. Here’s how:
- Plan Your Saves: Save strategically, ideally after completing significant segments or before challenging sections.
- Use Typewriters Wisely: Remember, you can only save three times. Make those saves count.
3. Boss Battles and Key Events
Key events and boss battles can significantly impact your run. Here’s how to handle them:
- First Encounter with Mr. X: Use your knowledge of his route to evade him. Don’t waste ammo unless necessary.
- G1 and G2 Boss Fights: For the first G mutation fight, utilize grenades and heavy weaponry. In the second fight, keep moving and aim for weak points.
Post-Game Strategies
Once you complete the game, you can utilize some strategies to improve your S Rank attempts in future runs.
1. Unlock New Game Plus Features
Completing the game allows you to unlock New Game Plus (NG+), where you can carry over weapons and upgrades. Use this to your advantage for quicker runs:
- Start with Powerful Weapons: Carry over your best weapons and ammunition to make subsequent runs easier.
- Experiment with Different Strategies: Use NG+ to test out different routes and strategies without the pressure of a lower rank.
2. Analyze Your Performance
After each run, take time to analyze what went well and what didn’t. Keep track of:
- Time Taken: Aim to identify where you can improve your timing.
- Items Collected: Assess if you collected too many or too few items.
Conclusion
Achieving an S Rank in Resident Evil 2 Remake is no easy feat, but with the right preparation, knowledge of the game, and effective strategies, it is definitely attainable. By understanding the requirements, mastering the map, managing your items, and executing your run with speed and efficiency, you will be well on your way to obtaining that coveted rank. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t achieve an S Rank on your first attempt. Keep refining your skills, and soon enough, you will be a master of Raccoon City. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the S rank criteria for the RE2 Remake?
To achieve an S rank in the RE2 Remake, you typically need to complete the game in under 2 hours and with a limited number of saves (usually 3) while also obtaining a high number of points.
How can I improve my speedrun time in RE2 Remake?
Improving your speedrun time can be achieved by memorizing enemy locations, optimizing your route, utilizing shortcuts, and managing your inventory effectively to avoid unnecessary backtracking.
Are there any specific weapons that help in getting an S rank?
Yes, using powerful weapons like the Magnum or the Shotgun can help you dispatch enemies quickly, saving time and resources, which is crucial for achieving an S rank.
Is it better to play as Leon or Claire for an S rank run?
Both characters have their advantages, but many players find Leon's campaign slightly easier due to access to more powerful weapons earlier in the game, which can streamline the S rank process.
What is the best strategy for managing saves in RE2 Remake?
To maximize your chances of achieving an S rank, it's best to save only when absolutely necessary. Try to complete sections of the game without saving to stay within the save limit.
How important is item management for S rank runs?
Item management is crucial for S rank runs. Keeping your inventory organized and only carrying essential items can help you move faster and deal with threats more efficiently.
What role does enemy avoidance play in getting an S rank?
Avoiding unnecessary combat with enemies can save time and resources. Learning when to run past enemies instead of engaging can significantly improve your overall speed.
How can I practice for my S rank run effectively?
You can practice by running through the game multiple times to familiarize yourself with enemy patterns, map layouts, and optimal routes. Using the practice mode can also help you refine your strategy.
Are there any glitches or tricks to help achieve an S rank?
While not recommended for all players, some speedrunners use specific glitches, such as clipping through walls or skipping certain sections, to save time. However, these techniques can vary in reliability.
