5.2. Shotguns Guide & Upgrades — Resident Evil 4 (Remake) Guide
Shotguns are the kings of close-quarters combat in Resident Evil 4 (Remake), delivering devastating power that can stagger, dismember, or outright obliterate enemies at short to medium range. Their versatility makes them indispensable for crowd control and dealing with tougher foes. This guide details the shotguns available and the upgrades that maximize their brutal effectiveness.
Leon can acquire two primary shotguns: the W-870 and the Riot Gun. The W-870 is typically found earlier in the game and offers a good balance of power and capacity. It's a reliable workhorse for most of the game's encounters. The Riot Gun, acquired later, boasts a faster firing speed and tighter spread, making it excellent for rapid follow-up shots and more precise targeting.
Upgrading shotguns is crucial for maximizing their potential. The key stats to focus on are Firepower (damage), Firing Speed (rate of fire), Reload Speed, and Capacity (magazine size). The ultimate goal for any shotgun enthusiast is to unlock the Exclusive upgrade, which often grants a significant bonus, such as infinite ammo or increased critical hit chance.
Shotgun Comparison & Upgrade Focus:
| Shotgun | Strengths | Weaknesses | Upgrade Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| W-870 | High base firepower, good capacity | Slower firing speed | Firepower, Capacity, Reload Speed |
| Riot Gun | Faster firing speed, tighter spread | Lower base firepower than W-870 | Firepower, Firing Speed, Capacity |
| Striker | Massive capacity, very fast firing speed | Lower firepower per shot, wide spread | Firepower, Capacity, Firing Speed |
The Striker, a unique shotgun, is unlocked after completing the game on Professional difficulty. It boasts an enormous magazine capacity and a very rapid firing rate, making it ideal for sustained barrages of buckshot. However, its base firepower per shot is lower, and its spread is wider, requiring you to be closer to your targets.
When upgrading, prioritize firepower first. A shotgun with high firepower can stagger even the toughest enemies, opening them up for melee attacks or critical shots. Following that, increasing capacity and reload speed will allow you to deal with multiple enemies more effectively. The Exclusive upgrade for the W-870 increases its critical hit rate, making it a potent weapon for headshots and dismemberment.
The Riot Gun's Exclusive upgrade grants infinite ammo if fully upgraded, a phenomenal benefit for any playthrough, especially on higher difficulties. The Striker's Exclusive increases its firing speed to an almost comical degree, allowing for a continuous stream of buckshot. Choosing which shotgun to invest in depends on your playstyle: the W-870 for raw power, the Riot Gun for speed and precision, and the Striker for overwhelming firepower.