The core 'side activity' is mastering every mission with every character to achieve the highest ranks. S-Ranks and SS-Ranks are awarded for exceptionally high scores, which are a combination of enemy kills, combo multiplier, time bonus, and accuracy.
- Master Combo Maintenance: This is the single most important factor. Never let your combo timer expire. Learn enemy spawn points and plan your route to ensure continuous engagement.
- Utilize Melee Attacks: Melee attacks save ammo, grant bonus points, and extend your combo. Practice stunning enemies with headshots/leg shots and following up with a melee.
- Prioritize High-Value Targets: Mini-bosses (Chainsaw Majini, Garrador) and special infected (Cephalo, Duvalia) grant significantly more points. Eliminate them efficiently.
- Time Management: Finish missions with as much time remaining as possible for a substantial time bonus. This often means moving quickly and efficiently.
- Accuracy: Aim for 90%+ accuracy. Every missed shot reduces your accuracy bonus.
- Character Synergy: Choose characters whose loadouts and special abilities complement the mission's enemy types and layout.
- Skill Customization: Equip skills that boost your damage, health, or combo duration to maximize your score potential.
Replay missions multiple times. Each run will teach you more about enemy patterns and optimal routes. Don't be afraid to experiment with different characters and skill sets.
While Resident Evil 6 later refined the combo system, these elite ranks still require the same aggressive melee finishers used to extend the timer in The Mercenaries 3D.