Submachine Guns Guide & Upgrades
Submachine guns (SMGs) in Resident Evil 4 Remake offer a unique blend of rapid-fire capability and portability, making them excellent secondary weapons for close-to-medium range engagements. While they may not boast the raw power of shotguns or the precision of rifles, their high rate of fire and manageable recoil can be devastating when used effectively, especially against groups of enemies or when needing to quickly suppress a threat.
There are two primary SMGs available to Leon: the TMP and the LE 5. Each has its own characteristics and upgrade paths that can significantly enhance their effectiveness in combat.
TMP: This is the first SMG you'll acquire. It's a compact and versatile weapon that excels in close-quarters combat. Its high rate of fire allows you to quickly chew through enemy health bars, and with the right attachments, it can become a surprisingly accurate weapon. The TMP is particularly useful for staggering enemies and creating openings for melee attacks or follow-up shots with other weapons.
LE 5: This SMG is acquired later in the game and offers improved stats over the TMP, including higher damage and better accuracy. It's a more refined weapon that can hold its own in a wider variety of combat scenarios. The LE 5 is a solid choice for players who want a reliable SMG that can contribute significantly to their arsenal.
Upgrade Paths and Exclusives:
| SMG | Key Upgrades | Exclusive Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| TMP | Power, Rate of Fire, Accuracy, Reload Speed, Magazine Capacity | Infantry Stock (Significantly increases stability and accuracy, allowing for controlled bursts) |
| LE 5 | Power, Rate of Fire, Accuracy, Reload Speed, Magazine Capacity | Ballistic Mask (Increases damage against enemies with Plaga) |
Strategic Use of SMGs:
- Close-Quarters Combat: SMGs shine in tight spaces where you can unleash a torrent of bullets on enemies before they can effectively retaliate.
- Staggering Enemies: Their rapid fire can quickly stagger enemies, allowing you to follow up with a powerful melee attack or a headshot with another weapon.
- Suppressing Fire: When facing a large group, an SMG can provide suppressing fire, keeping enemies pinned down while you reposition or deal with more immediate threats.
- Ammo Conservation (with care): While they fire quickly, SMGs can be ammo-efficient if used in controlled bursts, especially against weaker enemies. However, indiscriminate spraying will drain your ammo reserves rapidly.
- Against Specific Enemies: The LE 5's exclusive upgrade makes it particularly effective against Plaga-infected enemies, allowing you to deal with them more efficiently.
When considering which SMG to invest in, the TMP is a solid early-game choice that can be upgraded to be quite effective. The LE 5 is a more powerful late-game option. The exclusive upgrades for both are highly recommended, as they significantly enhance the weapon's utility. The TMP's stock makes it a more stable, controllable weapon, while the LE 5's ballistic mask offers crucial damage against Plagas.