<em>Resident Evil</em> stands as the most renowned survival horror game franchise in gaming history. Since its inception with the 1996 launch of the original title, the series has expanded to include numerous mainline games and spin-offs that have captured the imagination of players around the globe. However, this illustrious status also translates to a significant challenge: completing every aspect of this franchise is an arduous endeavor. Titles such as Resident Evil 7 are packed with content, making full completion a demanding task that requires a great deal of dedication and skill.

Achieving 100% completion in the context of these games encompasses two primary definitions. For those titles that feature an achievement or trophy system, 100% completion signifies the attainment of all achievements, including those from downloadable content (DLC) packs. In contrast, for older entries that lack such accolades, traditional completion entails unlocking and defeating every possible challenge within the game. This discussion applies equally to both mainline games and spin-off titles, including relatively obscure entries like Umbrella Chronicles and Darkside Chronicles.

10

Mastering Resident Evil 2 Classic Demands Repeated Playthroughs

Achieve Six A Ranks in a Row for Ultimate Challenge

While not every classic Resident Evil game is more challenging than its modern remake counterparts, RE2 Classic holds a distinct reputation for its level of difficulty. Although the remake introduces the Ghost Survivors DLC, which significantly increases the game’s challenge, the original game presents an even more daunting task. To unlock the infamous Tofu Survivor mode, players must complete the game six consecutive times, each time achieving an A rank. Given that there are only four main story campaigns, this requirement means players must endure two additional playthroughs solely to access this unique game mode.

The challenges of completing the 4th Survivor and Tofu Survivor modes in the original game are considerably more intense. Navigating through hordes of zombies with the clunky tank controls adds an extra layer of complexity that can frustrate even the most seasoned players. Despite utilizing the infinite ammo cheat, I have personally struggled to conquer either challenge. In contrast, the 4th Survivor mode in the remake remains difficult, yet it feels more achievable due to refined third-person controls that enhance gameplay fluidity.

9

Resident Evil – Code: Veronica X: A Game of Precision and Skill

The Ultimate Challenge in Classic Resident Evil Games

Resident Evil – Code: Veronica celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and despite being an older title, it was granted an achievement/trophy list when it received a remaster for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2011. This achievement list is notoriously arduous, featuring only 12 achievements, two of which pose significant hurdles for players.

The first major challenge is the Weapon Crazy achievement, which entails obtaining the infinite ammo Rocket Launcher from the story mode. Code: Veronica is undoubtedly the most challenging classic RE title for achieving an A rank, requiring players to execute a flawless run without saving or retrying, which significantly heightens the pressure and excitement of gameplay.

Fortunately, players have access to an unlimited herb glitch that assists in navigating through tough sections, such as the infamous Nosferatu battle. Another formidable achievement is the Battle Master, which necessitates A-ranking every character in the Battle Game, including the difficult knife-only run with Wesker. Mastering the A-rank with Wesker involves a blend of skill and luck, particularly when trying to secure the magnum from the Casino instead of the less desirable diary.

8

Resident Evil 1 Remake Challenges Players with High Stakes

Resident Evil 1 Remake is already a formidable challenge in its own right, but striving for 100% completion elevates that difficulty to new heights. Players must navigate the game without saving and undertake a knife-only run, which is inherently challenging on its own. This becomes increasingly complex with the introduction of Real Survival mode, a test of skill and endurance. In this mode, the game defaults to Hard difficulty, disables auto-aiming, and separates item boxes, fundamentally altering gameplay dynamics and requiring players to adapt their strategies for success. In contrast, the Invisible Enemy mode offers a somewhat easier experience by allowing players to select Very Easy difficulty.

Interestingly, one of the most frustrating achievements in this game is titled Every Nook and Cranny. This particular achievement requires players to collect every single item in every room throughout the game. In a survival horror context where inventory management is crucial, this task can feel laborious, forcing players to make repeated trips to item boxes. For instance, it’s essential to retrieve the shotgun ammunition in the lab prisoner room before proceeding to the helipad, as it can be easily overlooked during a frantic escape.

7

Resident Evil 0 Presents Challenging Tasks for Completionists

While Resident Evil 0 may not surpass Code: Veronica in terms of difficulty, it still poses a greater challenge than the RE1 Remake. The overall challenge level is heightened, and completing the game on Hard mode often feels like a battle of survival with the scant resources provided. In addition to this, players face immense tasks such as completing the game without saving, achieving an S rank, and finishing without utilizing any healing items. These objectives can be accomplished across multiple playthroughs, but each is still quite challenging, although access to the infinite ammo Rocket Launcher can ease the burden somewhat.

Another notable feature is the Leech Hunter mode, an additional gameplay option that tasks players with collecting up to 100 leeches scattered throughout the training facility. This mode is fraught with enemies eager to thwart your efforts, and players must not only collect all 100 leeches but also defeat all enemies while ensuring to gather only one color of leech. Completing a full run in this mode can take nearly two hours, making Leech Hunter one of the longest and most challenging extra game modes in Resident Evil history.

6

Resident Evil Outbreak: File 2 Features Brutal Bonus Scenarios

Experience Wildly Difficult Boss Rushes

Outbreak: File 2, the last classic title to lack an achievement or trophy list, is significantly more challenging than its predecessor, File 1. Achieving 100% completion in this game requires a massive investment of time, as players must complete each scenario’s completion list, finish them with every character, and conquer them on the highest difficulty settings. Yet, the real hurdle that elevates this game to one of the hardest in the series lies in its collection of bonus scenarios.

Elimination 1 through 3 features standard enemies, while Showdown 1 through 3 presents players with intense boss rushes that are exceedingly difficult. I spent approximately two hours attempting to conquer Showdown 1 before conceding defeat, which speaks to the level of challenge it presents. Even after acquiring all the hidden weapons, I struggled against the final boss of Outbreak: File 1. Showdown 3 is particularly daunting, requiring players to face all bosses from both games, plus additional formidable foes.

5

Resident Evil Revelations Challenges Players with Tough Raid Mode

Raid Mode Is an Excruciating Challenge

Both Revelations 1 and 2 present significant challenges, yet the original game edges out in terms of time investment. The campaign can be manageable, barring the Infernal difficulty setting, where overcoming enemies becomes a Herculean task, forcing players to evade many confrontations due to severely limited ammunition. However, the true grind occurs in Raid Mode, where players will spend the bulk of their time.

In Raid Mode, players must clear every stage across all difficulty levels while achieving an S rank, making it a time-consuming and arduous grind that can feel tedious. Ammunition scarcity also poses a significant challenge during this mode, particularly when it comes to clearing the Ghost Ship, which demands a high level of skill and strategy. According to TrueAchievements, this game boasts the longest completion time in the series, averaging between 100 to 120 hours for dedicated players.

4

Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City Is Not to Be Overlooked

Achieving Brutal S Ranks in Operation Raccoon City

Although Operation Raccoon City might not be the first game that comes to mind when discussing difficulty, it is undeniably one of the most challenging titles in the Resident Evil series to achieve 100% completion. This cooperative squad-based shooter is laden with multiplayer achievements, necessitating players to engage in several boosting sessions to attain completion. The primary challenge lies in attaining an S+ rank on all missions, specifically on either Veteran or Professional difficulty. Given that the game is already tough on Normal mode, this task becomes increasingly daunting.

Certain missions are best approached with a cooperative team, while others can be tackled solo. Since playing on Professional grants a score boost, some missions are more efficiently completed at this level. Utilizing guides becomes essential, as players may find themselves struggling to advance to new checkpoints without effective strategies. On a positive note, the DLC achievements are generally more manageable, and players do not need to achieve S+ ranks for the Echo Six campaign missions.

3

Resident Evil 6 Involves Significant Grinding

An Intense Grind for Single-Player and Multiplayer Achievements

Resident Evil 6 is a game that is more time-intensive than it is outright difficult. However, for achievement hunters, the time investment is crucial. To obtain all multiplayer achievements, players must set up numerous boosting sessions to achieve 100 agent and creature kills. The single-player campaign is equally grind-heavy, as players are required to max out every available skill.

While there are ways to simplify the process, players can still expect to undertake over 135 retries in certain areas to acquire the skill points necessary for completion, which can be disheartening. Fortunately, Professional mode isn’t excessively punishing; players can simply load the last sub-chapter of a level on Pro difficulty, and completing it counts as finishing the entire level, which helps expedite the completion journey.

2

The Intense DLC of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Experience the Pain of Extensive DLC Challenges

Even without its DLC, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard ranks among the hardest RE games available. The brutal Madhouse difficulty transforms the game into a challenging nightmare, and unlike the Resident Evil 2 Remake, there is no easy fix such as a $5 rocket launcher DLC to ease the burden. Players face a series of tough challenge-run achievements, including completing the game without accessing the item box or using more than three heals. What elevates this title into the top three hardest RE games, however, is the wealth of challenging DLC content.

Many of the DLC challenges are incredibly demanding, requiring completion of modes such as Ethan Must Die, surviving Night Terror, achieving S-ranks in every stage of Jack’s 55th Birthday, or conquering Survival+ mode in 21. Furthermore, the two narrative DLC packs must also be completed at their highest difficulty settings. In terms of raw single-player challenges, RE7 stands out as the most difficult game in the entire series.

1

Resident Evil 4 Remake Features the Most Daunting Achievement

One Challenging Achievement Sets This Game Apart

Resident Evil 4 Remake narrowly qualifies as one of the hardest RE titles to fully complete, primarily due to a singular achievement. At launch, players faced considerable challenges, as unlocking the Handcannon (essential for the Gun Fanatic achievement) meant beating Professional difficulty without any bonus weapons from a fresh save. However, following the Mercenaries update, the Handcannon can now be unlocked through that mode, making it significantly easier. The real challenge arises from the Separate Ways DLC achievement, known as Ada the “S+”py.

Unlike the primary campaign, this DLC mandates that players achieve an S+ rank on Professional difficulty, requiring them to finish Separate Ways from a fresh save within two and a half hours while limiting themselves to just ten saves. There are absolutely no shortcuts available. Success hinges on players mastering the game mechanics, particularly the parry system. Additionally, unlocking the Chicago Typewriter can ease the S+ run during the latter half of the game. Without this achievement, Resident Evil would otherwise be a much simpler endeavor.

Source: TrueAchievements

Expand