Achieving an S rank in Resident Evil 4 (RE4) on Professional mode is a true test of skill, strategy, and efficiency. This guide will provide you with the essential tips and strategies needed to conquer the game under these challenging conditions. With meticulous planning, mastery of game mechanics, and an understanding of enemy behavior, you can achieve the coveted S rank.
Understanding the S Rank Criteria
Before diving into strategies, it's essential to understand what constitutes an S rank in RE4 on Professional difficulty:
- Completion Time: The faster you finish the game, the better your rank. Aim to complete the game in under 5 hours.
- Saves: The number of times you save your progress directly impacts your rank. You can only save a limited number of times—ideally, no more than 15.
- Deaths: Minimize the number of times you die. Ideally, you should strive for a zero-death run.
- Items Used: The items you use, including healing items and grenades, also factor into your score.
Preparation Before You Start
To maximize your chances of achieving an S rank, preparation is key. Here’s what to consider:
Choose the Right Difficulty
- Professional Mode: Confirm that you are playing on Professional difficulty. This mode increases enemy health, damage, and introduces new challenges.
Familiarize Yourself with the Game
- Play Through the Game: If you haven’t played RE4 before or are unfamiliar with its mechanics, consider a normal mode run to get accustomed to the controls, enemy placements, and level design.
- Know Enemy Patterns: Understanding enemy movements and attacks can help you plan your approach effectively.
Weapon Selection
- Upgrade Weapons: Before starting a Professional run, fully upgrade your weapons from a previous playthrough. The Infinite Rocket Launcher is particularly useful if you want an easier time.
- Prioritize Weapons: Focus on upgrading the following weapons:
- Red9: High damage and good rate of fire.
- Shotgun: Effective for crowd control.
- Rifle: Perfect for long-range engagements.
Game Walkthrough and Strategies
A successful run involves meticulous planning and execution through every chapter of the game.
Chapter 1: The Village
- Start with a Stealth Approach: Avoid unnecessary confrontations with enemies in the village. Use stealth to take out isolated enemies.
- Use Environment: Use the terrain to your advantage. Climb on roofs to get a better vantage point and pick off enemies.
Chapter 2: The Castle
- Resource Management: Conserve ammunition by using melee attacks whenever possible.
- Avoid Traps: Be aware of traps in the castle. Some can inflict significant damage and waste healing items.
Chapter 3: The Island
- Utilize Cover: During the island section, take advantage of cover to avoid incoming fire from enemies.
- Focus on Chainsaw Ganados: These enemies can be lethal. Use grenades or powerful weapons to eliminate them quickly.
Combat Tactics
Combat is a major aspect of RE4, especially on Professional mode. Proper tactics can make or break your run.
Effective Weapon Usage
- Headshots: Always aim for headshots to conserve ammo and take down enemies quickly.
- Use Grenades Wisely: Save grenades for challenging encounters or groups of enemies.
- Melee Attacks: Don’t forget about melee attacks after stunning enemies. They can save ammo and help you maintain your resources.
Enemy Management
- Crowd Control: When faced with multiple enemies, try to control the crowd. Use explosives or shotguns to deal damage to groups.
- Prioritize Threats: Identify and eliminate the most dangerous enemies first, such as those with firearms or chainsaws.
Resource Management
Efficient resource management is crucial for S rank runs. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Item Collection
- Collect Everything: Always collect ammunition, herbs, and other resources. You never know when you might need them.
- Combine Herbs: Maximize the effectiveness of healing items by combining herbs.
Saves and Checkpoints
- Limit Saves: Stick to a maximum of 15 saves throughout your run. Plan your saves around critical points in the game.
- Use Checkpoints: If you die, reload from a checkpoint rather than using a save if you want to save your total save count.
Final Boss Strategies
The final boss encounters can be daunting. Here’s how to approach them effectively:
Salazar and Saddler Encounters
- Stay Mobile: Both bosses have powerful attacks. Keep moving to avoid damage.
- Use the Environment: Utilize the arena and obstacles to your advantage, creating distance when needed.
- Focus Fire: Use high-damage weapons to deal with them quickly.
Post-Game Tips
Once you complete the game, consider these strategies for future runs:
- Learn from Mistakes: Review what went wrong in your run. Identify areas where you can improve timing and resource management.
- Experiment with Different Weapons: Different weapons can yield different results. Experimenting can help you find what works best for your play style.
Conclusion
Achieving an S rank in RE4 on Professional mode is challenging but rewarding. By understanding the rank criteria, preparing effectively, mastering combat tactics, and managing resources wisely, you can enhance your chances of success. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t achieve your goal on the first try. With persistence and the right strategies, the S rank will be within your grasp. Good luck, and happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of obtaining an S rank in Resident Evil 4?
An S rank in Resident Evil 4 signifies that you have completed the game efficiently, meeting specific criteria such as time taken, number of saves, and items used. It also unlocks special items and rewards.
What is the ideal time to achieve an S rank in Resident Evil 4?
To achieve an S rank, players typically need to complete the game in under 5 hours on Professional mode.
How many saves are allowed for an S rank in RE4?
To earn an S rank, players are usually limited to a maximum of 3 saves throughout the game.
What strategies can help in achieving S rank on Professional difficulty?
Key strategies include mastering enemy patterns, utilizing powerful weapons like the Infinite Rocket Launcher, and optimizing inventory management to reduce unnecessary item usage.
Is it necessary to complete Resident Evil 4 multiple times to get an S rank?
Yes, many players find it beneficial to complete the game multiple times to familiarize themselves with enemy locations, optimal routes, and effective strategies for S rank.
What weapons are recommended for an S rank run?
For an S rank run, the Infinite Rocket Launcher or the Chicago Typewriter are highly recommended due to their high damage and ability to clear enemies quickly.
Are there specific chapters where players should focus on saving time?
Chapters 2, 4, and 5 are crucial for saving time, as they contain numerous enemies and challenges that can be optimized with practice.
What role does enemy placement play in achieving S rank?
Understanding enemy placement is vital, as it allows players to avoid unnecessary confrontations and navigate through levels more quickly.
How can players improve their chances of survival on Professional mode while aiming for S rank?
Players can improve their survival chances by learning enemy attack patterns, using environmental advantages, and conserving health items until absolutely necessary.
Are there any glitches or shortcuts that can be utilized for S rank in RE4?
Yes, experienced players often utilize specific glitches and shortcuts to skip sections or defeat bosses more quickly, but these techniques require practice and knowledge of the game.
