Resident Evil 4: How to Get S+ Rank: Condition and Strategy

Preparing for the Professional S+ Challenge

How to Unlock the Chicago Sweeper

Achieve a Professional Rank A to unlock the Chicago Sweeper. This weapon, which has unlimited ammo in its limited edition, is crucial for reaching Professional S+ rank. Aim for this rank only after you've unlocked this weapon.

How to Unlock Ashley's Armor

To unlock Ashley's "Armor" costume, you need to clear the game with a Hardcore Rank A. Ashley's part in Chapter 9 is tricky; a single enemy attack will kill her instantly. Unlocking her armor is critical to avoid potential accidents.

How to Unlock the Chicken Hat

Obtain a Hardcore S+ rank to unlock the Chicken Hat. This accessory reduces the damage you take and also diminishes the risk of dying and armor degradation. It's essential for Professional S+ gameplay.

Tips for Achieving Professional S+ Rank

If You Fail, Retry from the Title Screen

If you're aiming for a Professional S+ rank and fail, don't continue. Instead, return to the title screen and retry, so the time from your failed attempt isn't added to your overall playtime.

Complete Requests Until Chapter 7

Fulfill in-game requests until Chapter 7 to collect 30 Spinel. At this point, you can exchange these for a "Special Modification Ticket," allowing you to use the Chicago Sweeper infinitely, making gameplay much easier.

Ignore Non-Essential Enemies

In your quest for a Professional S+ rank, bypass enemies that don't need to be engaged. Otherwise, you'll deplete your ammo and recovery items.

Additional Tip: Use Environmental Hazards

Leverage environmental hazards like dynamite and catapults to deal damage to multiple enemies simultaneously, saving ammo.

Actively Collect Treasures

As you go, be sure to pick up any treasures you find. These will enable you to use the Rocket Launcher against bosses, ultimately saving time.

Village S+ Professional Walkthrough

During Group Battles: Run and Endure

For the initial group battle in Chapter 1, focus on avoiding direct combat. Running around and lasting for 5 minutes is recommended.

Collect Windmill Gears, Ignore the Minotaur

In Chapter 1, when you collect windmill gears, a Brute will appear. It's best to ignore it due to its high health and attack power.

Use Dynamite in Lakeside Settlement

In Chapter 1, defeat enemies at the Lakeside Settlement using dynamite. It's easier to do this by taking high ground.

Use Dynamite to Thin Out Enemies in the Valley

In Chapter 2, you can reduce enemy numbers by enticing them to throw dynamite into a hut that you're defending.

Village Chief's Manor: Navigating Past the Chainsaw Man

In Chapter 2, as you approach the Village Chief's Manor, you'll encounter the Chainsaw Man. It's best to swiftly move past him. Stay close as you run by him for an easy bypass. If you're having trouble, utilize the nearby bear trap to ensnare him.

Speed Past Enemies to Retrieve Boat Fuel

In Chapter 3, at the Fish Farm, you'll have the chance to get boat fuel. Given the considerable number of adversaries, including the formidable Minotaur, it's advisable to avoid combat. Monitor their movements and, when necessary, use the Shotgun or Hand Grenade Ammo to create an escape route.

Battle Strategy: Del Lago's Movement Patterns

During your battle with Del Lago, understanding its limited range of movements is crucial. By identifying and anticipating its attack patterns, it's easier to dodge. For instance, when it dives and attempts a jump attack, steer the boat right to evade it.

The Red9: A Must-Have in the Lake's Center

Location of acquisition	Map

By Chapter 4, once you have access to the boat, make it a point to retrieve the Red9. Located inside a treasure chest within a shipwreck at the lake's center, it's a powerful weapon. Compared to the initial handgun, the Red9 is superior, ensuring ammo conservation and more efficient progress.

Tackling the Heretic's Head Challenge: One Enemy at a Time

In the challenging segment of Chapter 4, to secure the Heretic's Head, it's wise to methodically eliminate enemies. Given the cramped spaces and enemies that can mutate post-defeat, rushing is not recommended. Instead, take your time.

Answers to the Head Obtaining Puzzle

Answer in the bottom left of the map	Answer in the top right of the map

Exploring the Fish Farm: Post-Disc Key Acquisition

After successfully obtaining the Disc Key from the Church, you'll notice that the Fish Farm is void of enemies. Use this opportunity to gather items. Valuables like blue coins, small keys, and hexagonal pieces await, so ensure you collect them all.

Battling El Gigante: A Strategic Positioning Tip

Interestingly, positioning yourself at El Gigante's feet makes most of its attacks futile. Although it might attempt stomping, its feet lack hit detection. Thus, attacking from this position, especially its rear, can ensure a quick victory.

Savage Mutt Showdown: The Road to Infinite Chicago Sweeper

In Chapter 5, defeating the menacing Savage Mutt allows you to accumulate 30 Spinels, paving the way for an infinite Chicago Sweeper by Chapter 7. However, if you've already collected 2 Spinels, you might opt to bypass the mad dog. By destroying 3 blue medallions in Chapter 7, you can earn 5 more Spinels, ensuring the infinite Chicago Sweeper without the mad dog battle.

Stun the Garrador in the siege with a Flash Grenade

In the siege in Chapter 5, the Garrador that appears can be defeated by using a Flash Grenade and alternating with Knife attacks. Defeating the Garrador is the condition to clear the siege, so stun it with a Flash Grenade to prevent accidents and defeat it quickly.

Run through the first gate

In Chapter 6, the area where stealth is required, you can run through even if you are spotted. The enemies will not approach once you pass through the door, so just be cautious of the bear traps and proceed without any problems.

Defeat Chainsaw Sisters while shooting back

In Chapter 6, Chainsaw Sisters appear and must be defeated while shooting back to avoid being taken down in one hit. Use hand grenade ammo to blow them away at their spawn location, then hit them with a close-range shotgun. After that, circle around the square and continue dealing damage.

Learn the attack patterns and challenge the Village Chief battle

The Village Chief battle, which is the difficult part at the end of Chapter 6, requires memorizing the enemy's attack patterns. Since their attacks are powerful and continuous, depleting your healing resources, it's important to learn how to avoid their attacks in advance.

Professional S+ Castle Siege Walkthrough

Use the Cannon to Eliminate the Catapults

In Chapter 7, shoot a weight through the grid to lift the cannon into position. Use this elevated cannon to destroy both the catapults and the cultists. This strategy will help you save ammunition and enter the area safely.

Quietly Take Down Garrador

Order of catapult destruction
1
2
3
4

Defeat Garrador without making noise

During your fight with Garrador in Chapter 7, be cautious not to strike the chains hanging from the ceiling. You can easily defeat him by targeting his weak spot on his back using a close-range shotgun.

Navigate the Water Area While Avoiding Crossbows

In Chapter 7's water area, be vigilant for enemies wielding crossbows. With the Chicago Sweeper at your disposal, take out all enemies but stay alert to long-range crossbow attacks.

Complete Chapter 8 Without Saving

In Chapter 8, despite facing numerous enemies, you'll manage fine if you have an infinite Chicago Sweeper. Your primary objective should be to acquire the red lantern and proceed through the various areas. Be mindful of El Gigante's rock-throwing attacks as you go.

Use the Shortcut in Castle Battlements

In Chapter 8, you can destroy the first grid in the Castle Battlements to bypass El Gigante's rock-throwing attacks. A hand grenade or Rocket Launcher can make quick work of the grid, allowing for an expedient route that also lets you avoid subterranean cultist encounters.

Solution for the Stone Tablet Puzzle in Chapter 8

Proceed Through Chapter 9 Without Saving

In Chapter 9, like in Chapter 8, you can comfortably proceed if you have an infinite Chicago Sweeper. Watch out for surprise attacks from dogs and assaults from Armadura. If Ashley is dressed in her "Armor" costume, her section becomes significantly easier.

Stay Alert for Novistadors

In Chapter 10, be vigilant for Novistadors, especially in Professional mode. Their attacks are frequent and powerful, so it's advised to eliminate them all before proceeding.

Defeat Both Garradors While They Are Still Human

Prioritize defeating the human-form Garradors in the anteroom. After defeating them, focus on the armored Garrador, using the bell to draw its attention before attacking.

Freeze Verdugo Before Attacking

In Chapter 10, freeze Verdugo and then use a Chicago Sweeper to eliminate him swiftly. If the Chicago Sweeper is fully upgraded, you can defeat Verdugo in just a few shots.

Trap Both El Gigantes in the Sanctuary Room

At the beginning of the Sanctuary Room section, use a Flash Grenade to immobilize the human El Gigante. Dodge the attacks from the armored El Gigante until Lewis delivers dynamite. Use the dynamite to further incapacitate the El Gigantes and proceed.

Master the Mine Cart Sequence

The patterns for enemy appearances in the mine cart section remain consistent across all difficulty levels. Memorize these patterns, and don't panic if you get hit; you won't be instantly killed.

Deciding Between Parrying and Dodging in the Krauser Fight

In your battle against Krauser, your success hinges on your ability to either parry his attacks or dodge them effectively. The recommended strategy is to primarily focus on parrying, but also be attentive to the dodge prompts that appear on the screen. By doing so, you'll be able to minimize damage taken during the fight.

Navigating the Clock Tower

Even though this area is rife with enemies, having an infinite Chicago Sweeper at your disposal will ensure that you can progress without finding yourself in dangerous situations. Be cautious to avoid damage and keep moving forward until you're right before the Salazar battle.

Neutralizing the Fire-Breathing Salazar Statue

The mobile Salazar statue in this area can be taken down by throwing Hand Grenades at its head. Once you've destroyed the statue, it will no longer spew fire, making it safer for you to navigate through the Clock Tower.

Engaging Salazar Near the Right-side Debris

Fighting Salazar near the debris on the right side of the square offers better visibility and tactical advantages. Just make sure to be alert to Salazar's lethal bite attack. As long as you keep an eye out for that, there's minimal risk of defeat. Continue to fire your Chicago Sweeper to prevail in this battle.

Professional S+ Island Strategy Walkthrough

Target and Eliminate Regenerators

For this section, use your Chicago Sweeper to clear all enemies until you encounter the Regenerator. Although numerous enemies will confront you, they shouldn't pose a problem if you have the infinite Chicago Sweeper.

Target and Eliminate Regenerators

Focus your fire on the Regenerators to defeat them. While it might take some time, it is recommended to eliminate them as they could cause considerable damage if not dealt with.

Unlocking the Dissection Room's Electronic Lock

Electronic lock in the Freezer

Defeat the Regenerador in the Incubation Lab First

While upgrading your level 3 card key, you may encounter enemies armed with dynamite who can break the glass in the Incubation Lab. These enemies are made more dangerous when accompanied by multiple Regeneradors. It's advisable to eliminate the Regeneradors first to make the situation more manageable.

Eliminate the Iron Maiden After Powering On

When you reach Chapter 14's electronic lock room, wait until Leon turns on the power before taking out the Iron Maiden. Though enemies will flock to Ashley, she's safe in her armor. Your priority should be to defeat the Iron Maiden, then focus on supporting Ashley.

Solve the Electronic Lock in the Processing Room

Shoot the Walls in the Iron Ball Area using the Chicago Sweeper

In the area where Ashley controls the crane, aim your Chicago Sweeper at the weakened walls. Damage dealt by Leon will hasten the walls' collapse, helping you advance more quickly.

Challenge Krauser with a Rocket Launcher

It's recommended to use a Rocket Launcher against Krauser, as he is a formidable opponent with high attack capabilities and evasive maneuvers. To defeat his final form, employ the Chicago Sweeper.

An Alternative Strategy for Krauser

If you can't afford a Chicago Sweeper, consider luring Krauser to a higher elevation. Get him to follow you up a ladder and aim for his feet while he slowly advances with his shield raised.

Destroy Anti-Aircraft Guns with Hand Grenades

You can disable the anti-aircraft guns you encounter by throwing Hand Grenades at them from below. If you have these grenades in your inventory, use them to quickly neutralize these threats.

Destroy the anti-aircraft guns with Hand Grenade Ammo

The anti-aircraft guns that appear along the way can be destroyed by throwing Hand Grenade Ammo from directly below. If you have Hand Grenade Ammo, you can take a significant shortcut, so use it to destroy the anti-aircraft guns if you have it.

Dodge Regenerators in the Specimen Storage Area

In the Specimen Storage Area, steer clear of sacks containing Regenerators. Using the Biosensor Scope can help you detect and avoid them, ensuring a safer passage.

Prepare for Saddler with a Pre-Purchased Rocket Launcher

For the final boss fight against Saddler, it's wise to arm yourself with a Rocket Launcher in advance. At this stage, you'll only need the Chicago Sweeper and the Rocket Launcher, so consider selling any other weapons and items you may have.

Complete the Game on the Jet Ski

To complete the game, simply navigate through the Jet Ski section. The path remains consistent, so memorizing the dodging route can help you achieve a Professional S+ rank.

Recommended Weapons for Professional Strategy

To Simply Clear the Game, Use the Infinite Rocket Launcher

An Infinite Rocket Launcher will suffice if your sole objective is to complete the game. Note that this weapon is only available in your second playthrough.

To Aim for S+, Stick with the Regular Chicago Sweeper

If you're shooting for an S+ rank in Professional mode, a regular Chicago Sweeper is a must. You'll unlock it as a bonus for achieving an A rank in the same mode.

Professional Clear Rewards

Trophy: Peerless Agent

By completing the game on the Professional setting, you'll earn the "Peerless Agent" trophy. Your rank and choice of weapons don't affect this achievement.

Clear Gas Mask

By completing the game on the Professional difficulty level, you can unlock the Gas Mask. This is a reward for achieving the "Peerless Agent" achievement. This custom item is exclusively for Leon and comes with a special feature that enables aim assist across all difficulty levels. It is highly recommended to acquire this item before attempting to complete the game with an S+ ranking on Professional difficulty.

Rank A Chicago Sweeper

If you finish the game on Professional difficulty with a Rank A, you'll be rewarded with a Chicago Sweeper. This Chicago Sweeper falls under the machine gun category and offers unlimited ammo when set to its limited edition mode. This makes it a valuable weapon for players aiming to complete the game with an S+ ranking on Professional difficulty.

No Bonus Weapons Handcannon

By finishing the game on Professional difficulty without using any bonus weapons, you can unlock the Handcannon. This becomes a powerful Magnum gun. For this reason, it's suggested that players attempt to complete the game on Professional difficulty without using other bonus weapons like the Primal Knife or Chicago Sweeper.

S+ Rank Cat Ears

Achieving an S+ rank on Professional difficulty will reward you with a custom item for Leon called "Cat Ears". When equipped, all weapons except the Rocket Launcher will have unlimited ammo. This makes it substantially easier to earn S+ rankings on other difficulty levels.

Unlocking Professional Difficulty

Clear the game once on any difficulty

To unlock the Professional difficulty level, you'll need to complete the game once on any difficulty level. For players new to the game, it's recommended to start with Assisted difficulty, as enemies are weaker and easier to defeat in this mode. Opting for Assisted difficulty will not create any problems if you wish to challenge yourself with Professional difficulty later on.

Village
Chapter 1	Chapter 2
Chapter 3	Chapter 4
Chapter 5	Chapter 6

Castle
Chapter 7	Chapter 8
Chapter 9	Chapter 10
Chapter 11	Chapter 12

Island
Chapter 13	Chapter 14
Chapter 15	Chapter 16

Post Game
Resident Evil 4 Remake Game Length	Clear Rewards and Replay Value
Replayable Features After Clearing

Difficulty Level
Tips and Conditions for Achieving an S+ Rank	How to Get S+ Rank: Condition and Strategy