Resident Evil
Resident Evil

New Game+ & Unlockables

Access New Game+ and find unlockables in Resident Evil. Learn how to carry over items and face new challenges after surviving the Arklay Mansion.

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New Game+ & Unlockables

Congratulations, S.T.A.R.S. operative! Surviving the horrors of the Arklay Mansion is an achievement in itself, but the nightmare isn't truly over. Resident Evil offers compelling reasons to revisit its chilling corridors, with New Game+ features and a suite of unlockables designed to reward dedicated players and offer fresh challenges. This section will guide you through maximizing your subsequent playthroughs and earning every secret the game holds.

Unlocking New Game+

Upon successfully completing the game for the first time with either Jill Valentine or Chris Redfield, you will automatically unlock New Game+. This isn't a traditional New Game+ where you carry over all your inventory; instead, it provides access to new difficulty modes and, crucially, the opportunity to unlock powerful bonus weapons and character costumes.

  • First Completion: Finishing the game on any difficulty (Training, Standard, or Advanced) with either character will unlock the "One Dangerous Zombie" mode (see below) and begin tracking your completion times for other unlocks.
  • Character Specific Unlocks: Certain unlockables are tied to completing the game with specific characters. To experience everything, you'll need to complete the game at least once with Jill and once with Chris.

Bonus Weapons & Their Acquisition

These powerful tools will significantly alter your subsequent playthroughs, making speedruns and higher difficulties more manageable, or simply more fun.

Rocket Launcher (Unlimited Ammo)

This iconic weapon makes short work of even the toughest enemies, including bosses. It's the ultimate reward for mastering the game's mechanics and knowing the mansion like the back of your hand.

  • Requirement: Complete the game in under 3 hours on Standard or Advanced difficulty.
  • Strategy:
    • Character Choice: Jill Valentine is generally recommended for speedruns due to her larger inventory (8 slots vs. Chris's 6) and the ability to pick locks with the Lock Pick (found early in her scenario), bypassing the need for certain keys.
    • Route Optimization: Plan your route meticulously. Avoid unnecessary detours and combat encounters. Only engage enemies that are absolutely blocking your path or are essential for progression.
    • Item Management: Be ruthless with inventory space. Only carry essential items (weapon, ammo, healing, key items). Utilize Item Boxes frequently.
    • Door Glitch (Advanced): For experienced players, learning the "door glitch" (where opening a door and immediately pausing can sometimes skip the door animation) can shave precious seconds off your time.
    • Boss Fights: Know the fastest strategies for each boss. For example, using the Grenade Launcher with Acid Rounds on the Plant 42 boss or the Magnum on the Tyrant.
  • Availability: Once unlocked, the Rocket Launcher will be found in the first Item Box you encounter in any subsequent playthrough on the same save file, provided you start a New Game.

Colt Python (Unlimited Ammo)

While not as devastating as the Rocket Launcher, the unlimited Python offers immense firepower and makes dealing with Hunters, Cerberus, and even the Tyrant a breeze without worrying about scarce .357 Magnum rounds.

  • Requirement: Complete the game in under 5 hours on Standard or Advanced difficulty.
  • Strategy: This is a more forgiving time limit than the Rocket Launcher. Focus on efficient routing and minimizing backtracking. You can afford to clear out a few more enemies if it makes your path safer.
  • Availability: Similar to the Rocket Launcher, the unlimited Colt Python will appear in the first Item Box of any subsequent New Game once unlocked.

Unlockable Costumes

Beyond powerful weaponry, completing the game under specific conditions will also grant you access to alternate outfits for Jill and Chris, adding a touch of visual flair to your repeat playthroughs.

Jill's Alternate Costume

Jill can swap her S.T.A.R.S. uniform for a stylish, more casual ensemble.

  • Requirement: Complete the game once with Jill Valentine on any difficulty.
  • How to Access: After meeting the requirement, start a New Game with Jill. When prompted to select your costume, her alternate outfit will be available.

Chris's Alternate Costume

Chris can trade his tactical gear for a more relaxed, but equally iconic, look.

  • Requirement: Complete the game once with Chris Redfield on any difficulty.
  • How to Access: After meeting the requirement, start a New Game with Chris. When prompted to select your costume, his alternate outfit will be available.

"One Dangerous Zombie" Mode

This unique and challenging mode is designed for players who truly want to test their skills and resourcefulness. It significantly ramps up the difficulty by introducing a persistent, unkillable threat.

  • Requirement: Complete the game once with either Jill or Chris on any difficulty.
  • Activation: After meeting the requirement, start a New Game. You will be prompted to choose whether to activate "One Dangerous Zombie" mode.
  • Gameplay Changes:
    • Forest Speyer: The deceased S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team member, Forest Speyer, will appear as a highly aggressive, explosive zombie. He is invulnerable to all damage.
    • Explosive Nature: Forest is rigged with grenades. If he gets too close or you attempt to "kill" him, he will explode, resulting in an instant Game Over for the player.
    • Persistence: Forest will relentlessly pursue you throughout the mansion, appearing in various locations. He cannot be permanently dispatched, only temporarily evaded.
    • Increased Difficulty: This mode often coincides with other difficulty increases, such as fewer ammo drops and tougher standard enemies, further challenging your survival skills.
  • Strategy:
    • Evasion is Key: Your primary goal when encountering Forest is to escape. Do not waste precious ammo or healing items trying to fight him.
    • Sound Cues: Listen carefully for his distinctive groans and the rattling of grenades, which indicate his proximity.
    • Door Management: Use doors to your advantage to create distance. Sometimes, simply entering and exiting a room can reset his position or give you a moment to breathe.
    • Route Planning: Anticipate his appearances and plan your routes to avoid choke points or dead ends where he might corner you.