TL;DR
- Nemesis drops exclusive handgun upgrades only at specific scripted encounters
- First battle occurs after Power Substation activation before Kite Bros Office
- Second opportunity triggers after mutated zombie cutscene sequence
- Supply cases contain permanent weapon enhancements unavailable elsewhere
- Missing these encounters locks you out of critical combat upgrades permanently
Successfully incapacitating the Nemesis yields crucial exclusive equipment, though these opportunities manifest only during predetermined narrative moments. Understanding these encounter windows separates tactical mastery from mere survival.
The relentless Nemesis pursuer in Resident Evil 3 Remake presents an overwhelming threat, compelling players toward evasion throughout much of the campaign. Similar to the Tyrant antagonist from Resident Evil 2 Remake, this bio-weapon cannot be permanently eliminated, though concentrated firepower can temporarily disable it. While conservation of ammunition through avoidance represents sound strategy, two specific engagements warrant standing your ground despite the apparent risk. These calculated confrontations deliver substantial rewards that significantly enhance your combat capabilities.
Mirroring mechanics from the original Resident Evil 3, delivering sufficient explosive or ballistic damage while Nemesis pursues through Raccoon City’s streets will temporarily stagger the creature. Achieving this knockdown state causes it to relinquish a specialized Supply Case container. Two essential handgun modifications exist exclusively as Nemesis encounter rewards, and failing to secure them during their availability windows permanently excludes these upgrades from your arsenal. This guide details the necessary tactics, anticipated rewards, and most critically, the precise timing for these engagements.
The Nemesis’s ambush on you after you activate the Power Substation is your first chance to get some unique goodies from him.
The initial Nemesis ambush following Power Substation activation represents your premier opportunity to acquire exclusive combat enhancements through direct confrontation.
Resident Evil 3 Remake introduces the Nemesis threat immediately, though players typically evade it throughout the initial Raccoon City Downtown exploration segment. This dynamic shifts decisively after restoring subway power via the Power Substation. Upon departure, Nemesis initiates aggressive pursuit, maintaining persistent chase behavior throughout the Downtown district thereafter.
This encounter zone provides your inaugural combat opportunity within an expansive area. To achieve knockdown, employ explosives like grenades or detonating environmental barrels, or concentrate fire on the prominent black mechanical heart visible on its chest. Inflicting adequate damage triggers the Nemesis’s pain animation and subsequent supply container drop. Retrieve this item into your inventory, then utilize the Examine function to access its contents.
Critical Timing Alert: You must achieve Nemesis knockdown before progressing to the Kite Bros Subway Office, otherwise this reward opportunity becomes permanently inaccessible.
Reward: Handgun Extended Magazine upgrade
You can get a second handgun upgrade right after the first, after the cutscene in which you see the Nemesis mutating zombies.
The secondary handgun enhancement becomes available immediately following the initial upgrade, specifically after witnessing the Nemesis mutate zombies during a scripted cinematic sequence.
This engagement occurs in a more constrained urban environment, requiring adjusted tactical approaches. The mutated zombie cutscene serves as the definitive trigger for this encounter, creating a narrow but predictable engagement window. Advanced players should prepare ammunition conservation strategies specifically for this confrontation.
Combat Strategy: Utilize the environment’s vertical elements and narrow passages to create firing lanes while limiting the Nemesis’s mobility advantages. Focus sustained fire on the chest-mounted mechanical heart, as this remains the most effective damage location. Environmental explosives may be scarce here, making precision shooting more valuable.
Reward: Handgun Compensator upgrade
This muzzle attachment significantly reduces weapon recoil, enabling faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy during frantic encounters. The compensator proves particularly valuable during later game segments against faster, more aggressive enemies.
Beyond the two primary handgun upgrades, additional supply containers may be secured through Nemesis engagements in other locations, though these typically contain ammunition or healing items rather than permanent equipment upgrades.
Subway System Encounters: While navigating the subway tunnels, brief Nemesis confrontations may yield supplementary resources. These opportunities, while less critical than the handgun upgrades, can provide valuable ammunition reserves for upcoming challenges.
Demolition Site Opportunities: Following the demolition site sequence, additional combat encounters may produce supply drops. These typically contain combat enhancements or resources that complement your growing arsenal.
Risk-Reward Assessment: Each Nemesis engagement consumes valuable resources and carries significant health risk. Evaluate your current ammunition inventory, healing item supply, and overall combat readiness before committing to these optional confrontations. The permanent handgun upgrades justify substantial resource investment, while supplementary ammunition drops may not warrant the expenditure.
Strategic preparation for these encounters includes stocking grenades, maintaining health above danger thresholds, and identifying escape routes should the engagement turn unfavorable. For comprehensive strategic guidance, consult our Complete Guide to maximize your combat efficiency.
Action Checklist
- Stockpile grenades and ammunition before Power Substation activation
- Engage Nemesis after substation, focus fire on chest heart or use explosives
- Secure first supply case before entering Kite Bros Subway Office
- Prepare for second engagement after mutated zombie cutscene
- Examine all supply cases in inventory to access upgrades
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Resident Evil 3 Remake: Here’s Why You Should Fight Nemesis At These Key Moments Master Nemesis encounters to secure exclusive handgun upgrades and maximize combat efficiency in Resident Evil 3 Remake
