Resident Evil 2 Remake features two playable characters. Should you start with Leon or Claire? Here are the key differences, explained without spoilers.
When starting the game, regardless of whether you are playing a 1st Run or 2nd Run, you will need to choose both a difficulty level and a character. Are there any differences between Claire and Leon? Yes, there are.
To explain them without spoiling anything, we will list the elements that differ between the two characters and those they have in common:
Different Content
- Weapons: Leon can obtain the Matilda, W-870, Lightning Hawk, Chemical Flamethrower, Anti-Tank Rocket, and M19—the latter is only available in the 2nd Run. Claire can obtain the SLS 60, JMB Hp3, GM 79 Grenade Launcher, MQ 11, Spark Shot, Minigun, and Quickdraw Army—the latter is only available in the 2nd Run. Naturally, the weapon upgrades and ammunition you find will also differ.
- Exclusive sections: several parts of the game differ between the two characters. The final section of the Police Station, the journey from the Police Station to the next area, and the final stretch of the game will all be different. Of course, this also means that some puzzles can only be completed by one character.
- Exclusive scenes: as you might expect, every character-exclusive section contains events and scenes that can only be experienced while playing as that character. This also includes certain Files and even some Mr. Raccoon figures.
Shared Content
- Item locations: Many shared supplies occupy the same spots, but character-exclusive weapons, ammo, keys, key items and areas differ.. This includes healing items, weapons, ammunition, weapon upgrades—naturally, you will receive those corresponding to your chosen character—key items, and keys.
- All puzzle solutions: with the obvious exception of character-exclusive puzzles, the solutions to puzzles, lockers, and safes are the same for both characters.
- Shared scenes: Some shared story beats overlap, but Leon and Claire have different character scenes, final-boss sequences and conclusions. The only difference is that when playing as Claire, you will see Leon on the other side of a gate, and vice versa.
