Capcom's newest take on Resident Evil 4 has been a big time success for the company. Resident Evil 4 remake has not only received high marks from critics and fans, but it has quickly become a commercial success as well. While the game has seen plenty of ports to different platforms over the years, Resident Evil 4 Remake makes further improvements to gameplay as well as the story, taking the opportunity to flesh out side characters like Luis in more detail.
To help capitalize on new and returning fans, Capcom continues to provide quality of life updates to the experience. Part of this includes the arrival of the Mercenaries game mode in a free update, which lets players take on waves of enemies using different characters who each have different loadouts and abilities. Working alongside limited resources, players will have to survive and defeat as many enemies as possible to increase their score as much as possible before time runs out.
For now, Resident Evil 4's Mercenaries Mode has four characters to play as, each with their own style and loadout. While longtime fans may be disappointed that two Classic Resident Evil characters are missing, it's possible Capcom could opt to add more as DLC down the road, especially if a recent RE4 leak is to be believed. For now, here is information on all four characters as well as how to unlock each one.
How to Unlock Leon Kennedy
Leon is the easiest character to unlock in this game mode as he is the only default option when booting up Resident Evil 4 Mercenaries for the first time.
Leon comes with the following weapons:
- SG-09 R Pistol
- Riot Gun Shotgun
- Stingray Rifle
As a well-balanced character, Leon will likely offer newcomers and veterans a solid choice as he plays pretty similar to his campaign version. As such, he's a great choice considering everyone who made it through the campaign will be used to his play style. In addition, Leon comes with a Knife, and a First Aid Spray to round out his loadout.
Leon's Mayhem Mode: While not the flashiest ability, Leon gains increased power and speed. This should give players ways to escape tough situations while also providing a bit of firepower to take down enemies.
How to Unlock Luis Serra
The next available character is Luis Serra, though players will need to earn an A ranking with Leon on any stage before he is unlocked in full.
Luis comes with the following weapons and gear:
- Red9 Pistol
- SR M1903 Rifle
- 2 First Aid Sprays
- Flash Grenade
- Knife
Unlike Leon, Luis is better served taking down enemies at a distance as he has plenty of gear to help him, but when enemies close the gap, he becomes more vulnerable. As such, players will want to keep moving to create space away from enemies.
Luis' Mayhem Mode: A solid crowd control ability, Luis places dynamite that explodes after a short time. Alternatively, players can shoot the dynamite to set it off sooner, allowing for opportunities to ambush unsuspecting enemies.
How to Unlock Jack Krauser
After earning an A rank on any stage with Luis, the villain and RE4 boss character Jack Krauser becomes available to use in Resident Evil 4 Mercenaries.
Krauser's loadout is as follows:
- EJF-338 Compound Bow
- TMP Submachine Gun
- 3 Flash Grenades
- First Aid Spray
- Knife
Essentially the polar opposite of Luis, Krauser can be a close quarters nightmare for enemies with the SMG and stronger melee attacks. However, Krauser's compound bow also allows him to deal damage at range, especially with access to explosive arrows as well.
Jack's Mayhem Mode: Part of why Krauser is so good up close is his Mayhem Mode ability which lets him temporarily mutate. While in this mode, players have access to new attacks including melee strikes and thrust attacks to dish out major close range damage. Works well when surrounded by enemies.
How to Unlock Hunk
The final launch character in Mercenaries mode is the mysterious and masked Resident Evil soldier named Hunk, who is unlocked once players earn an A rank on any stage with Krauser.
Hunk's loadout is the most limited of the characters with only 1 gun to use, potentially making him the most challenging one to use effectively.
- LE 5 Submachine Gun
- 3 Grenades
- Knife
- First Aid Spray
However, to make up with his more limited options, Capcom gave Hunk a devastating melee attack, essentially breaking the neck of the enemy and killing them instantly.
Hunk's Mayhem Mode: Activating Mayhem Mode with Hunk gives him unlimited ammo, basically letting players hold the trigger without having to reload until the Mayhem gauge depletes fully. Naturally, this makes Hunk perfect for quickly clearing out large groups of enemies.
Resident Evil 4 is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X.