Everything you need to know to tackle Hardcore Mode and improve your chances of surviving this nightmare. Brace yourself—it’s going to be a rough ride.
Among its difficulty levels, Resident Evil 2 Remake lets players choose Hardcore, its highest difficulty setting.
This mode changes several aspects of the game rather than simply making enemies tougher. Before going into detail, here is why you might want to play on Hardcore.
Differences
- You die in two hits: regardless of the type of attack, the first hit leaves you in critical condition and the second kills you. Try to carry at least one healing item at all times.
- There is no autosave.
- You need Ink Ribbons to save: you must find these items if you want to save your game. This means that the number of times you can save is limited, so use them wisely.
- There are fewer Hip Pouches: you will not find the one in the Main Hall/West Storage Room, the one after the first fight against Birkin, or the one in the Sewers.
- The Tyrant is more dangerous. Besides being seemingly faster and naturally more resilient, he can now perform lunging attacks that cover a short distance toward your character. Fortunately, he does not use them very often. He can also unleash combinations of several punches, so do not let your guard down after dodging the first one, as the follow-up attack may still hit you.
Tips for Beating Hardcore Mode
- First things first: achieve an S rank on Standard. This will unlock the Samurai Edge with infinite ammo, reducing your need to search for ammunition beyond what you require for your special weapon during boss fights.
- Regarding your special weapons: with Leon, you should only combine two containers of High-Grade Gunpowder to craft MAG Ammo. With Claire, combine High-Grade Gunpowder with regular Gunpowder or Gunpowder (Large) to craft Acid Rounds. They do not deal as much damage as Flame Rounds, but a single hit will stun a boss long enough for you to move into a better position.
- With Leon, stockpile Hand Grenades and Flash Grenades from the beginning for the final battle. Remember that you do not need to deal damage during this fight—you only need to survive and dodge attacks—and you will require around 10 or 12 grenades.
- Destroy the Mr. Raccoon figures: unlocking the Infinite Combat Knife can be extremely useful for escaping a dangerous situation alive. However, if you use it as an emergency measure, always remember to retrieve it after killing the enemy, and never use it against bosses or you will lose it until your next playthrough.
- Clear each area: your handgun can help ensure that an area is safe. Remember that the only way to know for certain that a zombie is dead is if its head has exploded. If you keep shooting it and it does not move, however, then it is definitely deader than dead.
- Delay the Tyrant’s appearance in the Police Station: during the first part of the game, the Tyrant will only appear if you reach the end of the hallway beyond the S.T.A.R.S. Office or collect the Maiden Medallion on the third floor.
- Take advantage of doors and safe rooms: as always, remember that you can open a door and take a step back—or even gently push it—to leave it slightly ajar and shoot any enemies waiting on the other side. You can also use safe rooms to temporarily shake off the Tyrant by moving in and out, luring him toward you, and neutralizing him.
- Lickers are still blind: do not panic when you see them. It is still entirely possible to walk past them undetected, provided you move slowly and do not bump into them.
- Prepare for what lies ahead: this is particularly important in the Police Station. Board up windows in areas you will need to cross—if you are playing as Leon, doing so in the west hallway is especially important before returning with the Club Key—and move the two bookcases on the left side of the Library before the Tyrant appears to save yourself the trouble later.
- There is no need to rush: unless you are trying to achieve an S or S+ rank, take your time. Honestly, we are not entirely sure why you would want to play with infinite-ammo weapons after already earning the highest rank on the highest difficulty...
