Resident Evil 4 Remake Hardcore S Plus Rank Complete Guide
Achieving the coveted S Plus rank on Hardcore difficulty in the Resident Evil 4 remake is one of the ultimate tests of speed and resource management for survival horror enthusiasts. Unlike standard playthroughs, this challenge forces players to maintain a blistering pace while dealing with aggressive enemies and limited ammunition. Securing this rank requires a deep understanding of the game's routing, optimal weapon upgrades, and strict time limits.
Understanding the Hardcore S Plus Requirements
To earn the S Plus rank on Hardcore difficulty, players must complete the entire campaign in under five hours and thirty minutes. Crucially, this feat can only be achieved on a completely New Game file, meaning you cannot bring upgraded gear from a previous New Game Plus run. However, bonus weapons unlocked from other challenges are permitted, providing a vital mechanical advantage for prepared runners.
Time management is the single most important factor throughout this grueling run. Every second counts, so players should avoid unnecessary combat encounters and focus on running past standard enemies whenever possible. Pausing the game or accessing the inventory screen stops the internal timer, giving you a chance to plan your next movement strategy safely.
Essential Pre Run Preparations and Unlockables
Before attempting this speedrun, unlocking specific bonus items can drastically reduce the overall difficulty. The Chicago Sweeper submachine gun and the Primal Knife are invaluable tools that can be accessed from the typewriter storage at the start of the game. Additionally, equipping Ashley with the Armor costume makes her completely immune to enemy damage and prevents enemies from carrying her away.
Completing early merchant requests is another excellent strategy to build a solid financial foundation. Gathering enough Spinels allows you to purchase an Exclusive Upgrade Ticket as early as Chapter 7 in the Castle region. This ticket can be immediately used to unlock infinite ammo for the Chicago Sweeper, shifting the balance of power in your favor.
Strategic Chapter Routing and Resource Management
The campaign is broadly divided into three major zones, each requiring a distinct approach to maximize efficiency. In the Village section, prioritizing flash grenades allows you to bypass large crowds of Ganados without wasting precious handgun ammunition. Conserving gunpowder ensures you can craft high-tier explosives for mandatory boss fights later in the journey.
Once you transition into the Castle and Island zones, the difficulty spikes significantly due to heavily armored zealots and commandos. Utilizing heavy weapons like the Rocket Launcher for bosses like Salazar or Saddler saves a massive amount of time and reduces the risk of death. Strategic saving at typewriters is also recommended before entering notoriously dangerous segments like the double Garrador room.
Optimizing Combat Choices and Final Encounters
Knowing when to fight and when to flee separates successful runners from those who fail to meet the time requirement. Engaging every opponent wastes ammunition and drains your health pool, which can lead to frequent resets. Focus on blinding aggressive groups with flashbangs to open up brief windows for sprinting past physical blockades.
As you approach the final chapters on the Island, maintaining a steady supply of health items is paramount. The final jet ski escape sequence must be executed perfectly, as hitting obstacles can instantly destroy your vehicle and ruin a successful run. With patience and execution, conquering this mode unlocks the coveted Chicken Hat accessory to reduce incoming damage in future playthroughs.