Resident Evil Games With The Best Weapon Variety

While most survival horror games will only give players a handgun to help them fend off enemies during the nightmarish adventure, or sometimes no weapons at all, the Resident Evil games don’t tend to follow this trend. While this series is still firmly rooted in the horror genre, many fans will know that ever since the fourth game, Resident Evil has become a little more action-heavy, and as a result, weapon variety has become a much more important aspect for the developers.

Related

10 Oldest Resident Evil Characters, Ranked

As the Resident Evil franchise descends into the horror of the supernatural, older veterans will have to face even older foes.

However, even some of the slower and more methodical games still give players a significant pool of weapons to toy around with, while others will keep these guns locked as bonus content after the player’s completed certain challenges. Anyone who simply wants to dive into a Resident Evil game to pop off some heads with a large array of weapons doesn’t have to look much further than these entries below.

1

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D

Each Character Comes With Their Mini Arsenal As Preparation For This Mercenaries Spin-Off

Systems

Released

June 28, 2011

ESRB

M

Since The Mercenaries 3D is based on the core gameplay of Resident Evil 5, many of the weapons have been carried over, but there are also a few new additions thrown into the mix. Mercenaries 3D has a total of eight characters for players to choose from, all of whom have unique weapons that they bring onto the battlefield.

Since the game takes an FPS view when the player aims, it makes it extremely satisfying to pull off laser-accurate shots with such a wild assortment of weapons. From the legendary Samurai Edge to the fast-firing AK-47, all the way to the devastating Desert Eagle, the gun variety in this chaotic spin-off title makes it so much fun to dive back into again and again for another session.

2

Resident Evil CODE:Veronica

Players Can Get Their Hands On Some Pretty Lethal Weapons Early On In CODE:Veronica

Released

February 29, 2000

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Animated Blood and Gore, Animated Violence

Compared to the original trilogy, CODE:Veronica offers a greater, and frankly, more interesting assortment of weapons for players to acquire, some of which are made available near the very beginning. It doesn’t take long for players to get their hands on the bowgun, which can help save some ammo for when Claire picks up the Dual SMGs not long after.

Related

Resident Evil: 8 Games With Unexpected Endings

These Resident Evil games took every fan by surprise upon reaching the ending because of how unexpected and surprising their finales are.

Later in the story, Claire will stumble across plenty of other guns that will prove vital in keeping her alive as she navigates her way through Rockfort Island and Antarctica, including a grenade launcher, which is a must-have when facing off against the dreaded Tyrant. Chris also gets a few weapons of his own, giving players plenty of options overall.

3

Umbrella Corps

Umbrella Agents Are Given Some Pretty Fancy Weapons To Carry Out Their Missions

Systems

Released

June 21, 2016

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Game Experience May Change During Online Play, Intense Violence, Strong Language

Umbrella Corps may not be one of the better-received Resident Evil games out there, but one area where it does shine is the weapon diversity. Since players assume control of an Umbrella Agent, they are equipped with all sorts of powerful guns when jumping into a mission, with more than 15 weapons that can be unlocked by scoring enough points in each match.

While the bulk of these weapons are different forms of handguns, there are also a few revolvers, SMGs, and rifles that players can equip to take down as many enemies as possible. There’s also the combat axe, which is extremely fun to use, and can also act as a handy last resort when running low on ammunition.

4

Resident Evil: Village

Many Of Village’s Most Interesting Weapons Are Available For New Game + Playthroughs

Survival Horror

Survival

Horror

Released

May 7, 2021

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language

While Ethan can find plenty of weapons scattered across the village on the first run, it’s really in subsequent playthroughs that players can enjoy some of the game’s most outlandish and unique weapons. While the first playthrough will gift players a range of different guns, from automatic rifles to high-powered magnums, players can then unlock a Handcannon, a Rocket Pistol, and even a Lightsaber after the game is completed.

Resident Evil games have always been known for their replayability, and Village is no exception thanks to its extensive weapon variety. After venturing through Dimitrescu’s Castle and Heisenberg’s Factory while trembling in fear, there’s nothing more satisfying than returning with a Jedi weapon in hand to show the enemies whose boss.

5

Resident Evil 6

Resident Evil 6 Amplifies Its Action-Packed Gameplay By Giving Players Tons Of Weapons

Released

October 2, 2012

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes

Because each of Resident Evil 6‘s four campaigns is designed to feed into different genres, the protagonists of each one will come equipped with their own set of unique weapons to suit the intended gameplay style. For example, Leon is only given a handgun and shotgun for much of his campaign, since it’s designed to be rooted in the classic survival horror genre, while Chris comes equipped with a machine gun right off the bat to complement his more action-packed gameplay.

Related

Resident Evil: The 8 Most Terrifying Bosses In The Series, Ranked By How Scary They Look

Resident Evil is a survival horror franchise known for its grotesque bosses, and here we take a look at the ten most terrifying ones.

Then there’s Jake, who can use his fists to take down a swarm of enemies if they get a little too close for comfort. Resident Evil 6 has more than enough weapons in the main campaigns and the Mercenaries mode to keep the experience from ever feeling stale.

6

Resident Evil: Outbreak File 2

Outbreak File 2 Allows Players To Use Anything They Find Lying Around As A Weapon

Systems

Released

September 9, 2004

ESRB

m // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language

It’s pretty rare that a Resident Evil game will allow players to make use of melee weapons. While the first Outbreak game already made this a possibility, File 2 expanded the selection even more, letting players pick up pretty much anything they find lying around, including bats, hammers, and pipes.

Luckily, there’s also a nice variety of guns for any players who prefer keeping their distance when spotting a zombie from afar. The game even includes throwable weapons too, meaning even a small chemical bottle can be used to keep enemies at bay while traveling through the zombie-infested Raccoon City.

7

Resident Evil 4

The Introduction Of The Merchant Means Players Are Spoiled For Choice When It Comes To Weapons

Released

January 11, 2005

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language

Resident Evil 4 changed up the series in many ways, but one specific addition that fed into the game’s more action-orientated gameplay was the Merchant. Thanks to this guy popping around every corner, players can purchase, sell, and upgrade a plethora of weapons during their mission to save Ashley from the terrifying Los Illumindaos. No longer are weapons confined to just one type, such as handgun or shotgun, as the Merchant instead offers various types of each to give players more variety.

For example, while the Punisher handgun is capable of shooting through multiple targets at once, the Red-9 packs much more of a punch, and these are just two examples of the staggering number of weapons that the Merchant has to offer. Players can also unlock the Chicago Typewriter and devastating PRL guns by completing specific objectives after completing the game for the first time. Most of Resident Evil 4‘s weapons would be carried forward into the remake, with a few being left absent, but others introduced to fill their place.

8

Resident Evil 5

Players Might Start With Only A Pistol, But Will Quickly Amass An Entire Arsenal Of Weaponry

Released

March 5, 2009

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language

When Chris and Sheva meet up with their contact in the first few minutes of Resident Evil 5, they are given a measly pistol and a knife to keep them protected. As the duo soon come to find out though, this is nowhere near enough to take on the swarms of Majini that are out to kill them, so it’s a good thing that weapons are scattered around each level for players to seek out as they go.

Additionally, while the merchant system is back from Resident Evil 4, this game also has a unique upgrade mechanic. If players fully upgrade a basic weapon, they will then unlock an entirely different gun. For example, sprucing up the VZ61 SMG will turn it into an infinite-ammo gatling gun while the S75 turns into a bow and arrow. This isn’t even mentioning the Mercenaries, where certain characters bring their unique weapons to the fray, including Wesker with his Samurai Edge and Barry with his iconic magnum.

More

Every Resident Evil Movie, Ranked

Resident Evil is one of the most successful video game to movie adaptations ever, spawning an entire series. Using IMDb ratings, we find the best one.