The Resident Evil 2 remake (RE2) is a survival horror game that has captivated players with its intricate design, compelling story, and challenging gameplay. One of the primary objectives for many players is to achieve an S Rank in their playthroughs. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the strategies and tips necessary to secure an S Rank in Resident Evil 2, focusing on the key components that contribute to the ranking system, optimal gameplay strategies, and specific character routes.
Understanding the S Rank Criteria
To achieve an S Rank in Resident Evil 2, players must meet several criteria that are closely monitored during gameplay. Here are the essential components that contribute to your overall ranking:
- Completion Time: The faster you complete the game, the higher your score. The S Rank typically requires a completion time of under 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Save Count: The number of times you save your game impacts your ranking. To achieve an S Rank, players should aim to save no more than 3 times throughout their playthrough.
- Deaths: Your character’s survival is crucial. Players should strive for a zero-death playthrough, as each death significantly reduces your overall score.
- Enemy Encounters: While it’s impossible to avoid all enemies, engaging with fewer enemies or defeating them efficiently can help improve your ranking.
By keeping these factors in mind, players can strategize their gameplay to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Preparation for the Run
Before diving into your S Rank run, preparation is key. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
Choosing the Right Character
Resident Evil 2 allows players to choose between two main characters, Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield. Each character has unique weapons and abilities that can influence gameplay. Consider the following:
- Leon S. Kennedy: Has access to stronger weapons, including the powerful shotgun and the powerful flamethrower.
- Claire Redfield: Offers a more versatile inventory with the ability to carry more items, making her a good choice for players who prefer exploring the game’s environments.
Decide which character suits your playstyle better and stick to that character for your S Rank run.
Learning the Layout
Familiarizing yourself with the Raccoon City police station, as well as the sewers and the laboratory, will enhance your efficiency:
- Police Station: Understand the layout, including key item locations, shortcuts, and where the major enemies spawn.
- Sewers and Laboratory: Recognize pathways and major objectives to avoid getting lost, which can waste precious time.
Item Management
Inventory management is crucial in Resident Evil 2. Here are some tips:
- Prioritize Weapons and Healing Items: Carry a mix of offensive and healing items. You won’t have time to look for supplies if you’re in a tight situation.
- Use Storage Boxes Wisely: Know when to store unnecessary items to free up inventory space for critical items.
Optimal Strategies for an S Rank Run
With preparation in place, players can focus on strategies to achieve the S Rank efficiently.
Speedrunning Techniques
Implementing speedrunning techniques can significantly cut down on time:
- Skip Cutscenes: Pressing buttons during cutscenes can skip them, saving valuable time.
- Utilize Quick Turn: Master the quick turn to evade enemies and navigate corners swiftly.
- Learn Enemy Patterns: Understanding enemy movement can help you avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Combat Strategies
Engagements with enemies can be a double-edged sword. Here are strategies to minimize time spent in combat:
- Headshots are Key: Aiming for headshots can take down enemies faster, conserving ammunition.
- Use Environmental Hazards: Lure enemies into areas where they can be easily dispatched using explosive barrels or other hazards.
Efficient Puzzle Solving
Puzzles are an integral part of Resident Evil 2. Here are tips for solving them quickly:
- Memorize Puzzle Solutions: Knowing solutions beforehand can save time. Consider watching tutorials or taking notes during practice runs.
- Stay Organized: Make a checklist of items needed for puzzles to avoid backtracking.
Character-Specific Tips
Both Leon and Claire have unique challenges in their respective campaigns. Here’s how to leverage their strengths:
Leon’s Campaign
- Utilize the Shotgun Early: The shotgun is a game-changer against zombies and can help clear paths quickly.
- Manage the Submachine Gun: Acquiring the submachine gun early allows for rapid enemy dispatching, especially in confined spaces.
Claire’s Campaign
- Use the Grenade Launcher: The grenade launcher can take out multiple enemies in one shot, making it ideal for crowd control.
- Make Use of the Lockpick: Claire’s ability to unlock special doors can lead to valuable items that might provide an edge in your run.
Post-Game Reflection
After completing your run, take time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Here are a few questions to consider:
- What were your major time sinks? Identify areas where you spent excessive time and strategize on how to improve in future runs.
- How effective were your combat strategies? Reflect on your combat efficiency and whether you can make adjustments for better performance.
Final Thoughts
Achieving an S Rank in Resident Evil 2 is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. With an understanding of the ranking criteria, proper preparation, and the implementation of effective strategies, players can significantly enhance their chances of success. Remember, practice makes perfect—each run will provide valuable insights that can be applied to future attempts. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the S Rank requirement in RE2?
To achieve S Rank in Resident Evil 2, players must complete the game within a specific time limit, typically under 2 hours, while also minimizing saves and using fewer healing items.
How can I improve my chances of getting S Rank in RE2?
To improve your chances of earning S Rank, practice efficient routing, learn enemy placements, conserve ammo, and optimize your inventory management to avoid unnecessary backtracking.
Are there specific characters to choose for an S Rank run in RE2?
Choosing Leon or Claire for your S Rank run is a matter of personal preference, but many players find Leon's campaign slightly easier due to the availability of more powerful weapons.
What time is considered optimal for S Rank completion in RE2?
An optimal time for S Rank completion is generally under 2 hours, but the best players often finish in around 1 hour and 30 minutes or less, depending on their skill level.
Does using the Infinite Ammo unlock affect S Rank?
Using Infinite Ammo unlocks will not affect your ability to earn S Rank, but it is recommended to complete the game without them for the challenge and to meet the standard S Rank criteria.
What strategies should I use for boss fights to secure an S Rank?
To secure an S Rank, focus on learning boss patterns, maximizing damage during openings, and using powerful weapons or explosives efficiently. Aim to defeat bosses quickly to save time.
