Chapter 5: Resolution

Welcome to "Resolution," the intense finale of Hotline Miami's main story. This chapter is a brutal gauntlet, testing everything you've learned. Precision, speed, and strategic use of the environment are key to survival. We recommend using the Tony mask for its lethal bare-handed attacks, or Don Juan for its door-knockdown ability, which can be invaluable for crowd control.

Floor 1: The Gauntlet

You begin in a narrow hallway. Immediately to your left, a guard patrols. Equip a fast-swinging weapon like the Katana or Baseball Bat if you have one, or rely on Tony's fists. Your primary goal is to clear the initial hallway and secure the first room.

Initial Encounter: As soon as you start, move left. A single guard with a Shotgun will be patrolling. Wait for him to turn his back, then rush in for a quick takedown. Grab his Shotgun.
First Room Clear: The door to the north leads to a small room with two more guards. One will likely be armed with a Pipe, the other with a Knife. Use the Shotgun to quickly dispatch them. Be mindful of the tight space; avoid getting cornered.
Hallway Ambush: Proceeding east down the hallway, you'll encounter two more guards. One will have a Machine Gun, the other a Pistol. Use the corners for cover. Peek out, fire a shot from your Shotgun, and retreat. Repeat until they're down. Conserve Shotgun ammo if possible.
Kitchen Carnage: The next room is a kitchen area. Expect at least three enemies here: one with a Frying Pan, another with a Bottle, and a third with a Shotgun. The Frying Pan guard is often the most aggressive. Use the Shotgun to take out the immediate threats, then switch to a melee weapon for the remaining enemies. The counter provides some cover.

Floor 2: The Ascent

The second floor introduces more complex room layouts and tougher enemy compositions. Stealth and precise timing become even more critical here.

Stairwell Surprise: As you ascend the stairs, a guard with a Baton will be waiting at the top. Be ready to strike immediately as you reach the landing.
Central Corridor: This floor features a long central corridor with multiple rooms branching off. Two guards patrol this area, one with a Machine Gun and another with a Shotgun. Use the doors as choke points. Open a door, fire, and quickly close it to avoid incoming fire.
Side Rooms:
- North Room (Left): Contains two guards, often one with a Knife and another with a Pistol. Kick open the door to stun the closest enemy, then quickly eliminate both.
- South Room (Right): Houses a single guard with a Lead Pipe. This room is a good place to grab a reliable melee weapon if you're running low on ammo.
The Final Push: At the end of the central corridor, you'll find the exit to the next floor. Before proceeding, ensure you have a powerful weapon like a Shotgun or Machine Gun, as the next section is a boss encounter.

Floor 3: The Confrontation

This floor is a direct confrontation with the chapter's boss. There are no regular enemies, only the main target.

The Boss: The boss is heavily armored and wields a powerful Machine Gun. He moves slowly but his shots are devastating. The room is relatively open with some pillars for cover.
Strategy:
1. Hit and Run: The most effective strategy is to use a hit-and-run approach. Fire a few shots from your Machine Gun or Shotgun, then immediately duck behind cover.
2. Pillar Play: Utilize the pillars to break line of sight. The boss will slowly advance. As he rounds a pillar, quickly pop out and unleash a burst of fire.
3. Melee Option (Risky): If you're out of ammo, you can attempt to close the distance for a melee takedown, but this is extremely risky due to his high damage output. Only attempt this if you have no other choice and are confident in your dodging abilities.
4. Patience is Key: Do not rush. Wait for openings, conserve your health, and slowly chip away at his health.

Once the boss is defeated, the chapter concludes, and you'll be treated to the aftermath. Congratulations on completing "Resolution"!