What is the Best Boss Strategy in RE9?

Short answer: Universal strategy: Magnum headshots + Shotgun close-range + Knife parries. Equip Crafter's Touch + Iron Skin + Phoenix Down charms. Specific boss strategies below. All 10 bosses have detailed guides linked.

The universal boss strategy

1. Pre-fight prep: Stock 8-12 Magnum rounds, 4-6 Shotgun shells, 3 First Aids minimum
2. Charm loadout: Crafter's Touch + Iron Skin + Phoenix Down
3. Opening: Magnum to head until first phase transition
4. Mid-fight: Shotgun close-range during low-mobility phases
5. Closing: Knife parry for execution / cutscene triggers

Boss-specific best strategies

Victor Gideon (Final Boss)

Best strategy: Magnum headshots Phase 1-2 (4 headshots), Shotgun close-range Phase 3, knife parry for QTE finale (0.4-second window).

Full Victor Gideon guide →

Mr. X / Super Tyrant

Best strategy: Circle-strafe, never back-pedal. Use RPD pillars for 90° cover. Shotgun close-range during stagger. 6 Magnum rounds total.

Full Mr. X guide →

Chunk (Final Encounter)

Best strategy: AR full-auto on arms (break both for execution opening). Shotgun for Phase 2 mutation. Magnum to head for Phase 3 truth reveal.

Full Chunk guide →

Plant 43

Best strategy: AR full-auto on 3 root clusters (15 rounds each). Avoid spore cloud — run to room edge. Flame rounds skip Phase 2.

Full Plant 43 guide →

Titan Spinner

Best strategy: Sidestep last-second (0.3s before charge). Climb east fire escape Phase 2. Grenades knock down (15% HP each). Free-fall finisher.

Full Titan Spinner guide →

The Girl

Best strategy: Bloodhound charm to track. Stealth approach (must be unalerted). Back-blast Shotgun for first hit. Drowning execution = True Ending.

Full The Girl guide →

The Commander

Best strategy: Wait for shield drop (every 4s) → Magnum headshot. Shotgun for twin ad spawns. Phoenix Down activates if you die.

Full Commander guide →

Blister Borne

Best strategy: 5m distance maintain. Handgun whittle. Sprint behind cover during pop (360° AOE). Knife-only kill = Predator charm.

Full Blister Borne guide →

The Chef (Optional)

Best strategy: Don't pick up meat lures. Predictable knife arcs — sidestep + reply fire. Knife counter-stab does double damage.

Full The Chef guide →

Insanity-specific boss tactics

• Phoenix Down is mandatory — saves 1 death per chapter
• Pre-stock 6+ First Aids for Chapter 8 finale (4 bosses back-to-back)
• Magnum headshots only — Insanity scales body damage minus
• Save grenades for vertical Spinner — best DPS option
• Crafter's Touch refills mid-chamber — never run dry

See our bosses tier list for difficulty rankings and detailed boss analyses.

Complete NG+ guide All 18 charms ranked All 17 weapons ranked Insanity survival guide Platinum trophy guide All difficulty modes ranked All 18 items ranked All 75 files locations All guides