Resident Evil 4 Remake: Ultimate Weapon Guide – Best Firearms & Boss Strategies

Survival in Resident Evil 4 Remake isn’t just about resource management—it’s about wielding the right weapon at the right time. Whether you’re carving through hordes of Ganados or taking down nightmare-inducing bosses, the right firepower makes all the difference. This guide breaks down the most powerful weapons in the game, covering damage output, ammo efficiency, upgrade paths, and best enemy matchups—plus expert boss fight strategies to ensure your survival.

1. Red9 – The King of Handguns

High damage, moderate accuracy, great for precision shots.

  • Damage Output: Highest base damage of all handguns (maxes at 4.05 when fully upgraded).
  • Ammo Efficiency: Eats up more space than other pistols but rewards precise shooting.
  • Upgrade Path: Prioritize Power > Critical Rate > Ammo Capacity to maximize lethality.
  • Best Enemy Matchups: Standard Ganados, Zealots, Plaga-infected enemies.
  • Boss Strategy: Use it for headshots against Salazar and Saddler’s weak points to conserve heavier ammo.

Pro Tip: Equip the Red9 Stock to counter its heavy recoil for improved accuracy.

2. Riot Gun – The Best Mid-Range Shotgun

Balanced spread, powerful stopping power, and superior handling.

  • Damage Output: Stronger than the W-870, topping at 10.5 per shot.
  • Ammo Efficiency: More efficient than the Striker due to its tighter spread.
  • Upgrade Path: Focus on Power > Reload Speed > Rate of Fire for quick follow-ups.
  • Best Enemy Matchups: Close-range Ganados, regenerating enemies, Armaduras.
  • Boss Strategy: Krauser’s final battle—time your shots when he’s vulnerable for stagger opportunities.

Pro Tip: Aim for the legs to drop tougher enemies, then finish with melee attacks.

3. Stingray – The Ultimate Precision Rifle

Perfect balance of fire rate and power for sniping.

  • Damage Output: Starts strong and maxes at 6.5 per shot.
  • Ammo Efficiency: Semi-auto means fewer wasted shots compared to bolt-action rifles.
  • Upgrade Path: Power > Rate of Fire > Exclusive Upgrade (penetration boost).
  • Best Enemy Matchups: Crossbow Zealots, Cultist snipers, weak-spot bosses.
  • Boss Strategy: Use against Verdugo—freeze him with nitrogen and snipe weak spots.

Pro Tip: Use the Thermal Scope to locate Regenerador weak points with ease.

4. LE 5 – The Best Crowd Control SMG

Low recoil, high fire rate, and built-in penetration.

  • Damage Output: Lower per bullet (max 2.1), but makes up with sheer speed.
  • Ammo Efficiency: Surprisingly good—penetration means fewer wasted shots.
  • Upgrade Path: Power > Penetration > Exclusive (Infinite Penetration).
  • Best Enemy Matchups: Shielded Zealots, crowds of Plaga-spawn Ganados.
  • Boss Strategy: Perfect for Salazar’s minions—keep him in sight while thinning out distractions.

Pro Tip: Use with Body Armor equipped to minimize recoil shake when spraying.

5. Killer7 – The Best Magnum for Pure Power

No frills, just devastating one-shot power.

  • Damage Output: 💀 Base damage starts high and caps at 28.0.
  • Ammo Efficiency:  Limited Magnum rounds make every shot count.
  • Upgrade Path: Power > Exclusive (x2 damage boost).
  • Best Enemy Matchups: Garradors, Brutes, Iron Maidens.
  • Boss Strategy: Use against Saddler’s glowing eyes for massive damage.

Pro Tip: Don’t waste Magnum rounds on regular enemies—save it for bosses and mini-bosses.

6. Rocket Launcher – The Instant Boss Killer

One shot, one kill (mostly).

  • Damage Output: ☠️ 100,000 base damage (yes, really).
  • Ammo Efficiency: None—single-use unless you buy the Infinite Rocket Launcher.
  • Best Enemy Matchups: Anything with a health bar.
  • Boss Strategy: One-shot Salazar, Verdugo, or final Saddler phase to skip entire fights.

Pro Tip: If you’re speedrunning, buy one before Krauser’s final fight for an instant win.

Best Loadout for Each Scenario

ScenarioRecommended Weapons
General SurvivalRed9, Riot Gun, Stingray
Boss FightsKiller7, Rocket Launcher, Stingray
Horde ControlRiot Gun, LE 5, Stingray
Stealth & PrecisionRed9, Stingray
SpeedrunningInfinite Rocket Launcher, Killer7

Final Tips for Maximum Damage & Survival

Upgrade Priority: Always prioritize Power > Exclusive Upgrades on main weapons.
Aim for Weak Spots: Headshots and Plaga cores maximize ammo efficiency.
Weapon Switching: Swap between weapons instead of reloading mid-fight.
Sell Old Gear: Fully upgrade a weapon before selling for max resale value.

With the right arsenal, Resident Evil 4 Remake transforms from a survival horror gauntlet into a power fantasy of destruction. Choose wisely, conserve your resources, and let nothing stand in your way.

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