Special Weapons Case: Does It Affect Rank or Trophies?
Opening the special weapons case in Resident Evil does not affect your rank or trophies. It only unlocks bonus weapons for use in the main game; your rank and trophy progress are determined by other factors like clear time, saves, and healing items used.
What the Special Weapons Case Actually Does
The special weapons case is a bonus feature in several Resident Evil titles (notably the remakes of RE2 and RE3). It contains infinite-ammo or high-powered weapons that you can equip after meeting certain conditions. These weapons are meant to make replays easier or more fun, not to change how the game scores you.
When you open the case, you receive the weapon immediately in your inventory. It does not trigger any cutscene, change the story, or alter the game’s internal tracking of your performance. The case is purely a reward system for players who have completed the game or purchased the deluxe edition.
How Rank Is Calculated in Resident Evil
Your rank (S, A, B, C, etc.) at the end of a playthrough is based on a set of performance metrics. These typically include:
- Clear time – the faster you finish, the higher the rank.
- Number of saves – fewer saves earn a better rank.
- Healing items used – using fewer herbs or sprays improves rank.
- Enemies defeated – some games count kills, but not all.
Opening the special weapons case does not add to or subtract from any of these metrics. It simply gives you a weapon. Even if you use that weapon to kill enemies, the kill count is treated the same as any other weapon.
How Trophies and Achievements Are Affected
Trophies and achievements in Resident Evil are tied to specific actions, like beating the game on Hardcore, collecting all files, or completing a no-heal run. Opening the special weapons case is not a trophy condition. It also does not disable trophies.
Some players worry that using bonus weapons might lock them out of trophies, but that is not the case. The only time a weapon might matter is if a trophy requires you to use a specific weapon or complete a section without using a certain item. The special weapons case is never a disqualifier.
Common Misconceptions About the Case
A frequent misconception is that the special weapons case is a cheat that invalidates your run. In reality, the game still tracks your performance normally. Another myth is that opening the case resets your save file or forces a New Game Plus. It does not – you can open it at any point in a playthrough without losing progress.
Some players also believe that the case is only available in New Game Plus. That is not true. In RE2 and RE3 remakes, the case is available from the start if you have the DLC or have unlocked it. You can open it in a fresh playthrough, and it will not affect your rank or trophies.
How to Choose Which Weapon to Take
When you open the case, you usually get a choice between a few weapons. The best pick depends on your playstyle:
- Infinite ammo pistol – good for conserving ammo and dealing with regular zombies.
- Shotgun – powerful but slower, useful for tougher enemies.
- Magnum – high damage, but limited use if ammo is not infinite.
There is no wrong choice for rank or trophies. Pick the weapon that makes the game most enjoyable for you. If you are aiming for a high rank, a weapon that helps you finish faster is a good idea, but the case itself does not give you any advantage in scoring.
Does Using Special Weapons Affect Difficulty or Score?
No. The game does not adjust difficulty or score based on which weapon you carry. Whether you use a standard pistol or a special weapon, the same rules apply. Your rank is calculated identically.
Some players think that using infinite ammo might lower their rank because it feels like a cheat. The game does not see it that way. It treats all weapons equally in the scoring system. The only thing that matters is your performance in the categories listed earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will opening the special weapons case void my S-rank?
No. Opening the case does not affect your rank. You can still earn an S-rank even if you use a special weapon from the case.
Can I get trophies if I use the special weapons?
Yes. Trophies are not disabled by using special weapons. You can earn all trophies while using them, as long as you meet the trophy’s specific conditions.
Does the special weapons case work in a new game or only New Game Plus?
It works in both. In RE2 and RE3 remakes, the case is available from the start if you have the DLC. In other games, you may need to unlock it by completing the game once.
Is the special weapons case considered a cheat?
No. It is an official feature included by the developers. Using it is not cheating, and it does not affect your rank or trophies.
Does the case affect the story or ending?
No. The case only gives you weapons. It does not change any dialogue, cutscenes, or endings.
Can I open the case multiple times in one playthrough?
Usually you can only open it once per playthrough. Once you take a weapon, the case is empty. You can open it again in a new playthrough.
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