Resident Evil 4 Remake: 10 Pro Tips for Surviving the Ganados

1. Master the Parry Mechanic

The knife is your best friend. Press the parry button just before an enemy strike to deflect attacks, stagger foes, and even counter Vicinity enemies. This saves ammo and opens them up for a follow-up kick.

2. Shoot Knees, Then Kick

Aim for the legs to drop enemies, then use the roundhouse kick to clear space. This combo is cheap, effective, and works on most Ganados, conserving precious handgun bullets.

3. Upgrade Your Case Early

Don't hoard money—invest in weapon cases at the Merchant. More capacity means more loot and fewer trips back to the typewriter. Prioritize the case that fits your favorite weapon type.

4. Use the Bolt Thrower for Stealth

In areas with unaware enemies, the Bolt Thrower lets you pick them off silently. Retrieve bolts from corpses to reuse them. Perfect for thinning herds before alarms are raised.

5. Learn Enemy Weaknesses

Ganados take extra damage from headshots, but Plagas emerging from heads are vulnerable to flash grenades. Similarly, dogs and crows die in one flashbang. Know your tools.

6. Manage Resources Relentlessly

Never sell all your gunpowder. Craft ammo as needed, but keep a mix of types. Shotgun shells for crowds, rifle rounds for distant threats. The Attaché Case is your inventory lifeline—organize it.

7. Explore Every Nook

Yellow paint marks lootable items, but not always. Smash crates, check behind locked doors, and revisit areas after progressing. Many treasures require keys or later tools.

8. Use the Environment

Explosive barrels, hanging chandeliers, and ledges are tools. Shoot a red barrel near a group to clear them. Kick enemies off cliffs for instant kills.

9. Save Healing for Emergencies

Green herbs are abundant, but don't heal until your health is in the danger zone (red). Mix herbs for better effects—use a green+red for full heal. Sell yellow herbs for cash unless you want health upgrades.

10. Never Waste the Merchant's Discount

The Merchant offers a free weapon case upgrade after a certain point? No—but he does sell exclusive upgrades once a weapon is fully modded. Buy the exclusive for your main weapon (e.g., infinite ammo for the Chicago Sweeper in NG+). In a first playthrough, focus on power and fire rate.

With these tips, you'll survive the nightmare village, the castle, and the island. Remember: save often, aim for the face, and always be prepared to run.