Resident Evil 4 – How To Get The Red9 Weapon

TL;DR

  • The Red9 becomes accessible after defeating Del Lago and gaining boat access to the lake
  • Navigate to the central shipwreck marked on your map to find the weapon in a chest
  • High damage output makes it excellent for stunning enemies but requires accuracy management
  • Purchase the Red9 Stock attachment for 9 Spinels to significantly improve weapon stability
  • Full upgrade investment is recoverable through weapon selling with cost retention

Mastering the Red9 handgun acquisition represents a pivotal moment in your Resident Evil 4 campaign progression. This powerful sidearm delivers exceptional stopping power that can dramatically alter your combat effectiveness throughout the lake and subsequent regions.

The Red9 stands out among Resident Evil 4’s arsenal due to its impressive damage profile and ammunition efficiency. As a handgun class weapon, it benefits from abundant ammunition drops while requiring minimal crafting resources. This combination makes it an ideal primary weapon for players seeking reliable firepower without excessive resource investment.

Accessing the Red9 requires specific campaign progression milestones. You must first overcome the formidable Del Lago boss encounter, which unlocks the mural cave puzzle sequence. Successfully navigating this area leads to discovering a functional boat that enables full exploration of the lake environment.

Timing Tip: Plan your Del Lago fight carefully—conserving healing items here ensures you’re better prepared for the upcoming exploration phase. The boat becomes available immediately after completing the mural cave objectives, typically requiring 20-30 minutes of gameplay post-boss fight.

Many players mistakenly rush through this section without proper preparation. Ensure you have adequate healing resources and consider revisiting the merchant for supplies before embarking on your lake journey.

The Red9 is found in the middle of the lake.

The Red9 is found in the middle of the lake.

Once boat navigation becomes available, set your course for the central lake area where a distinctive shipwreck icon appears on your map. Approach the derelict vessel carefully, as this location may contain minor environmental hazards.

Upon boarding the wreck, conduct a thorough search of the area. You’ll discover several valuable items including an Alexandrite gem—a worthwhile treasure for future upgrades. The critical discovery point is the ship’s prow, where a sealed chest contains your prize.

Navigation Strategy: Plot a direct course to avoid unnecessary encounters with aquatic threats. The shipwreck’s position remains fixed, making it easily navigable once identified.

The Red9’s combat effectiveness stems from its exceptional damage output. A single well-placed headshot typically stuns standard enemies, creating perfect opportunities for follow-up melee attacks like the devastating roundhouse kick.

However, the weapon presents significant accuracy challenges that require adaptation. Its wide crosshair spread and poor shot grouping make long-range engagements particularly difficult, even with aim assist enabled. This characteristic demands adjusted engagement distances and targeting strategies.

Combat Optimization: Engage enemies at medium range (5-10 meters) for optimal effectiveness. Beyond this distance, accuracy diminishes rapidly, while closer ranges may not leverage the weapon’s full potential.

In spite of some flaws, the Red9 is still worth upgrading. Even if you plan on replacing it with another handgun, you can sell the weapon for the full price which includes all upgrade costs.

In spite of some flaws, the Red9 is still worth upgrading. Even if you plan on replacing it with another handgun, you can sell the weapon for the full price which includes all upgrade costs.

Addressing the Red9’s accuracy limitations becomes possible through the Red9 Stock attachment, available from the Merchant for 9 Spinels. This accessory dramatically improves weapon stability and should be considered essential for serious players.

The weapon’s exclusive upgrade provides a massive 1.5x damage multiplier, transforming it into one of the most powerful handguns available. This enhancement makes the investment particularly valuable for players committed to mastering the weapon.

Economic Advantage: Unlike many weapons, the Red9 maintains full resale value including all upgrade expenditures. This risk-free investment model allows experimentation without permanent resource loss.

The Red9 represents one of the few non-merchant acquired weapons in Resident Evil 4, with the CBQR Assault Rifle becoming available later in the campaign. Understanding this progression helps plan your long-term arsenal development.

Advanced Tactics: Combine the Red9 with strategic positioning to maximize its strengths. Use environmental cover to control engagement distances while leveraging its stopping power against tougher enemies.

For players seeking comprehensive weapon strategies, our Weapons Unlock guide provides detailed analysis of optimal loadout combinations across different gameplay styles.

Resource Management: The Red9’s ammunition efficiency makes it ideal for conserving resources during extended exploration sequences. Its crafting requirements remain minimal compared to other weapons.

Action Checklist

  • Defeat Del Lago boss and complete mural cave puzzle
  • Navigate to central lake shipwreck using boat
  • Search ship prow and open chest to claim Red9
  • Purchase Red9 Stock attachment for 9 Spinels
  • Practice medium-range engagement techniques (5-10 meters)
  • Upgrade to exclusive level for 1.5x damage boost

No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Resident Evil 4 – How To Get The Red9 Weapon Complete guide to locating and optimizing the powerful Red9 handgun in Resident Evil 4's lake region