Author note: Written by Jachin, a 23-year Resident Evil series fan based in Seoul, South Korea. This guide is based on 6 full RE9 playthroughs on PS5 and Steam (Casual β Insanity β NG+ Insanity completions). All strategies, timings, and locations have been personally tested across the v1.02 patch. AI tools were used only for grammar review and note organization; no AI-generated content appears in strategy analysis.
Verified on: v1.02 + DLC patch Β· Last reviewed: May 30, 2026 Β· About the author Β· Editorial policies
Short answer: The Magnum is the best weapon in RE9. Highest single-shot damage in the game, headshot multiplier, and the only weapon that reliably staggers all bosses on Insanity difficulty. Best #2: Shotgun for close-range bosses. Best #3: Assault Rifle for crowd control.
| Stat | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Base damage | 250 per shot | 2x AR damage, 3x Pistol damage |
| Headshot multiplier | Γ3.5 | 875 damage per headshot kills Mr. X in 3 shots |
| Stagger reliability | 100% on all bosses | Only weapon with universal stagger |
| Unlocks at Chapter 2 | Yes | Available early |
| NG+ Infinite version | Yes | Free unlock after first run |
The undisputed best. Pair with Crafter's Touch charm to make ammo sustainable. On Insanity, this is what separates survivors from quitters.
Best close-range weapon. Devastates Mr. X transformation, Chunk's spine weak spot, and crowd control. Spread upgrade post-v1.02 is +8%.
Best for Plant 43 swarm phases and clearing multiple enemies. 60 round capacity. Full-auto on weak points.
Parry tool β not a primary. With Knife Edge charm + Iron Skin, can sustain knife-only Insanity runs.
| Chapter | Best weapon | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Ch. 1: Wrenwood | Pistol | Knife |
| Ch. 2: Care Center | Magnum (newly acquired) | Pistol |
| Ch. 3: Basement | Magnum | Shotgun |
| Ch. 4: Courtyard | Brass Whistle (stealth) | Magnum |
| Ch. 5: Water Treatment | Shotgun | Magnum |
| Ch. 6: RPD | Shotgun + Magnum | AR |
| Ch. 7: Raccoon City | AR + Magnum | Grenades |
| Ch. 8: ARK Facility | Magnum (final boss) | Shotgun, AR |
See our complete weapons tier list for all 17 weapons ranked.
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