Resident Evil Survivor – All Weapons

Originally releasing January 2000 for the PS1, Resident Evil Survivor is one of the earliest Resident Evil series spin-offs. Additionally, the title is the first game in the franchise to utilize a first-person perspective that later mainline Resident Evil games would adopt. While the Japanese and European versions of the title are compatible with Namco’s GunCon light gun peripheral, the American version utilizes a standard control scheme on the PlayStation’s controller. As a result, the Western release of Survivor would come under fire for its awkward controls and stiff presentation in comparison to its JP and PAL releases. Still, Survivor would prove to be enough of a hit that the title would spawn several sequels. Part of the game’s success comes down to how well Resident Evil Survivor adapts iconic series weapons and enemies into an off-rails light gun game.

In addition to the standard handgun and shotgun that players would expect in a Resident Evil game, Survivor also provides players with some high-caliber firepower. Late-game weapons include a devastatingly powerful Magnum (with very rare ammo pick-ups) and a grenade launcher. And, in classic Resident Evil fashion, players who finish Survivor with an S Rank unlock a Rocket Launcher with infinite ammo. The list of Resident Evil Survivor weapons notes the weapon’s ammo type, bullet power (out of 100), fire rate, and reload speed. Considering the close-quarters and tense combat that Survivor provides, players will need to regularly switch weapons to fit the situation. While weapons with more damage are always ideal, players will find that Survivor can be very sparing with ammo drops.

Handgun A

• Ammunition Type — Handgun Bullets
• Bullet Power — 27
• Capacity — 17 rounds
• Fire Rate — Average
• Reload Speed — Fast
• Where to Find? — Begin with it in Inventory

The default weapon that players start with, Handgun A is a capable firearm that will serve players well. It has one of the better reload speeds of any Handgun and fairly average capacity, fire rate, and damage. As the default weapon, it’s great for taking out zombies. However, once stronger enemies like Hunters start to show up, Survivor provides players with more suitable weapons. As a plus, Handgun Ammo is infinite in Survivor, meaning players don’t have to hold back when it comes to taking out weaker enemies with any of their sidearms.

Handgun B

• Ammunition Type — Handgun Bullets
• Bullet Power — 20
• Capacity — 15 rounds
• Fire Rate — Fast
• Reload Speed — Slow
• Where to Find? — Hospital 2F, inside the Nurse’s Station

The first handgun upgrade that players get in Survivor comes courtesy of Handgun B. What this weapon lacks in power it more than makes up for by having an incredibly fast fire rate. Handgun B is slightly less powerful than Ark’s starting handgun, but its average capacity and ultra-fast firing rate compensate for its slow reload speed and weaker stopping power. Like Handgun A, Handgun B is great for taking out numerous weaker foes but not suitable for more challenging enemies.

Handgun C

• Ammunition Type — Handgun Bullets
• Bullet Power — 30
• Capacity — 15 rounds
• Fire Rate — Below Average
• Reload Speed — Fast
• Where to Find? — Amusement Arcade B1F, inside the Warehouse

Handgun C presents a comfortable middle ground between the first two handguns Ark gets in terms of its power and reload speed. While this weapon has the second-slowest fire rate of all Survivor‘s handguns, it boasts the second-highest shot power. In other words, Handgun C packs a punch at the expense of doling out damage slowly. However, this weapon’s incredibly fast reload speed and fairly standard capacity mean players can comfortably rely on Handgun C as their de facto sidearm once they obtain it. This weapon’s balance between speed and power makes it great for taking on enemies other than standard zombies, too.

Handgun D

• Ammunition Type — Handgun Bullets
• Bullet Power — 35
• Capacity — 8 rounds
• Fire Rate — Slow
• Reload Speed — Above Average
• Where to Find? — Library 2F, inside the actual Library room

The final handgun that players acquire in Survivor, Handgun D is a bit of an interesting weapon. It has the highest power of any handgun in the game, but that power comes at a cost. Not only does Handgun D sport the slowest fire rate of any handgun, but it also only holds 8 rounds, meaning it has the lowest capacity. On the flip side, Handgun D makes up for these shortcomings by having a reload speed comparable to Handgun A’s. While it’s not anywhere near as powerful, Handgun D is more of an acceptable substitute for the Magnum (with its incredibly rare ammo) than it is an ideal handgun choice.

Magnum

• Ammunition Type — Magnum Rounds
• Bullet Power — 90
• Capacity — 6 rounds
• Fire Rate — Slow
• Reload Speed — Slow
• Where to Find? — Tyrant Plant, inside the Security Station

The only weapon to come close to comparing to the Rocket Launcher, the Magnum is the most powerful standard firearm in Survivor. That said, the ammo for the gun is so rare that it’s really only usable in very specific scenarios. There are only two (yes, two) ammo pick-ups for the
Magnum in all of Survivor. While these ammo drops contain 20 rounds each on Normal mode, Hard mode reduces the total to 6 for each pick-up, making it the rarest weapon in the game on either mode. It also happens to fire incredibly slow and have a slow reload speed. But with the kind of power the Magnum has, chances are you won’t be needing more than a single shot for most enemies.

Shotgun

• Ammunition Type — Shotgun Shells
• Bullet Power — 65
• Capacity — 8 rounds
• Fire Rate — Average
• Reload Speed — Average
• Where to Find? — Prison 1F, inside the Bathroom

Like in most Resident Evil games, the Shotgun in Survivor is the first dependable upgrade players get over the starting handgun. While the Shotgun doesn’t boast infinite ammo like Survivor‘s handguns, ammo pick-ups are plentiful enough that the Shotgun will become most players’ standard choice for taking on anything other than groups of zombies. With impressive firepower and a respectable fire rate and reload speed, the Shotgun is also one of the more balanced options players have. Unlike the more powerful handguns, the Shotgun does not sacrifice reload speed and fire rate for improved damage.

Grenade Gun

• Ammunition Type — Grenade Rounds, Acid Rounds, Flame Rounds
• Bullet Power — 77
• Capacity — 1 round
• Fire Rate — Fast
• Reload Speed — Fast
• Where to Find? — Umbrella Building B1, on top of a car in the Car Park

Taking the place of the Bazooka from the original Resident Evil, Survivor‘s Grenade Gun is a great heavy option with three different ammo types. Players can use standard explosive/grenade rounds, acid rounds, or incendiary/flame rounds, each of which have varying degrees of effectiveness against certain enemy types. Beyond the Grenade Gun’s power and versatility, though, is its speed. The ultra-fast fire rate and reload speed immediately elevate the Grenade Gun to being the best standard heavy weapon for taking out quick enemies. And, in comparison to the Magnum, ammo is far more plentiful for the Grenade Gun, meaning it’s practically an essential (but missable) pickup.

Rocket Launcher

• Ammunition Type — Rocket Launcher Rounds
• Bullet Power — 100
• Capacity — 1 round (Infinite)
• Fire Rate — 1
• Reload Speed — Above Average
• Where to Find? — Reward for beating Resident Evil Survivor with an S Rank

The Rocket Launcher is not one of the standard weapons in Resident Evil Survivor. Instead, players get this unique weapon as a reward for completing Survivor with an S Rank. Getting an S Rank is easier said than done, of course, with players needing to finish the game in under 90 minutes and without using First-Aid Sprays. However, the reward is well worth the effort, with the Rocket Launcher far and away the most powerful weapon in Survivor. As you might expect, almost all enemies fall to the Rocket Launcher with just a single round, but its fast reload speed negates the rare occasion that a Tyrant or Mr. X uses their claws to block the first rocket.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Resident Evil Survivor Steam Grid.