Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Resident Evil 2 (1998)

Licker Strategies

Resident Evil 2 (1998) Licker strategies. Learn to counter their acute hearing and powerful tongues with stealth or precise attacks in the RPD.

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Licker Strategies

The Licker is one of the most iconic and dangerous enemies you'll encounter in the Raccoon City Police Department. These mutated creatures are blind but possess an incredibly acute sense of hearing, making stealth your best friend (or worst enemy). Their long tongues and sharp claws can inflict significant damage, and they're surprisingly agile. Understanding their behavior and weaknesses is crucial for survival.

General Licker Tactics

  • Silence is Golden: Lickers rely entirely on sound to detect you. Walking (holding down the "run" button without moving the directional pad) is your primary method of avoiding detection. If you walk, you can often pass right by them without incident, even in close quarters.
  • Avoid Running: Running, even for a short burst, will immediately alert any Licker in the vicinity. Only run if you are absolutely committed to engaging them or need to escape quickly.
  • Listen Carefully: Pay attention to the distinct clicking and slithering sounds they make. This will give you an early warning of their presence, even if you can't see them.
  • Prioritize Targets: In rooms with multiple Lickers, try to isolate and eliminate them one by one if combat is unavoidable. Engaging several at once is extremely risky.
  • Conserve Ammo: Lickers are tough. While tempting to unload on them, consider if avoiding them entirely is a better use of your precious ammunition, especially early in the game.

Weapon Specific Strategies

Claire Redfield

  • Grenade Launcher (Flame Rounds): This is arguably Claire's most effective weapon against Lickers. A single Flame Round can often down a Licker, and two will almost certainly finish it. The area-of-effect can also hit multiple Lickers if they are grouped together.
  • Grenade Launcher (Acid Rounds): While not as potent as Flame Rounds, Acid Rounds are still effective. They deal good damage and can stun Lickers, giving you a chance to follow up.
  • Bowgun: The Bowgun can be used, but it requires multiple bolts and precise aiming. It's generally not recommended unless you are very low on other ammunition. Aim for the head if possible.
  • Handgun: Your starting Handgun is a last resort. It takes many shots to kill a Licker, and you'll likely take damage in the process. Only use if you have no other options or are trying to finish off a weakened Licker.

Leon S. Kennedy

  • Shotgun: The Shotgun is excellent for Lickers, especially at close range. A well-placed shot from the Shotgun can knock a Licker down or even kill it outright. Wait for them to get close, then fire.
  • Magnum: The Magnum is overkill for a single Licker, but it will certainly put one down with one or two shots. Save this for tougher encounters or if you're in a pinch.
  • Grenade Launcher (Explosive Rounds): While Leon's Grenade Launcher doesn't have the elemental rounds Claire's does, the Explosive Rounds are still powerful. They can deal significant damage and are good for clearing groups.
  • Handgun: Similar to Claire's, the Handgun is not ideal. Use it only if absolutely necessary.

Key Licker Encounters and Walkthrough

R.P.D. 2F West Corridor (First Encounter)

This is likely your first encounter with a Licker. After solving the Unicorn Medal puzzle and heading towards the S.T.A.R.S. Office, you'll enter a long corridor. A Licker will drop from the ceiling.

  • Strategy: As soon as you hear the Licker, stop moving. If you walk slowly, you can often bypass it entirely and enter the S.T.A.R.S. Office without engaging. If you choose to fight, be prepared. Claire should use a Flame Round, Leon a Shotgun blast.

R.P.D. 2F East Corridor (Library Area)

After acquiring the Spade Key and heading towards the Library, you'll encounter more Lickers in the corridor leading to the Library and the Main Hall balcony.

  • Strategy: This area can have multiple Lickers depending on your scenario. Again, walking is your safest bet. If you need to fight, try to lure them one by one into an open space where you have room to maneuver.

R.P.D. 1F Main Hall (After returning from the Sewers)

Later in the game, after returning from the Sewers, you may find Lickers have infested the Main Hall.

  • Strategy: These Lickers often patrol the upper balcony. Use the main stairs to your advantage. If you need to cross the Main Hall, consider a quick dash followed by a weapon switch if you get detected.

Remember, Lickers are a test of your resource management and spatial awareness. Master the art of silent movement, and you'll save yourself a lot of grief (and ammunition).