Summary
The down-to-earth tone ofResident Evil 7’s grounded game design meant that weapon upgrading didn’t exactly have a place in its playthrough, makingResident Evil Villagea welcome sight for players who want a more tactical approach to the kind of weapons they use against the game’s threats. As such,Resident Evil Villageis the other side of the Lei, embracing every little oddity that has madeResident Evilthe franchise it is today.
Resident Evil Villageis as much a love letter to the series as it is a breathtaking sequel toResident Evil 7. Weapon upgrading returns inVillage, giving Ethan a wider armory of weapons to choose from than inResident Evil 7. Since there are so many guns inResident Evil Village, however, it helps if players know whichweapons to upgrade right away.
Updated on June 10, 2025, by Rhenn Taguiam:With Resident Evil fans hoping for a Resident Evil 9 tease at The Game Awards, fans of the survival horror franchise eagerly await what’s next in the acclaimed franchise. This is especially the case after Capcom had just announced Resident Evil: Apocalypse, “technically” considered as Resident Evil 9 and will likely see Leon Kennedy and Jill Valentine teaming up together to investigate a mysterious island tied to Resident Evil 7’s Eveline and the Megamycete. With the game combining both the stories of the original franchise and the recent titles, fans may want to replay Resident Evil Village to get a sense of things to come. And for fans who are having a bit of difficulty traversing the game’s levels, they may want to learn not just which weapons to upgrade as soon as possible, but to also figure out where exactly to find them.
1
100
130
0.45
2.7
10
16
2
3
4
16 (10000 Lei)
22 (10000 Lei)
The first firearm Ethan finds in the story isthe LEMI Handgun, which, in the context of firepower, isn’t worth holding onto for the whole game. However, it will be the players' main weapon in Castle Dimitrescu during the first playthrough, so it’s worth upgrading.
Lei isn’t abundant during the early game, but money isn’t particularly hard to come by after the Castle. Players should make sure toprioritize the LEMI’s Power and Rate of Fire for upgrades. The LEMI’s default Reload Speed isn’t too hot, but it’s serviceable for the Castle. The best way to use the LEMI is to damage enemies and swap to a stronger gun for the kill.
Gameplay Tips For LEMI Handgun
Unfortunately for the LEMI Handgun, even its fully upgraded form is outclassed by the M1911 upon its acquisition, making this weapon rather unremarkable for overall gameplay. Patience is the key here due to the gun’s limited firepower, as it can simulate the feeling of increased difficulty with its overall weaker numbers. However, once players master pinpoint shooting with the LEMI, handling other opponents shouldn’t be too difficult with the other weapons.
In worst-case scenarios, players can at least ensure they secure an upgrade to this weapon’s firepowervia the Duketo pick off some of the easier foes before dishing out the big guns. Training with this handgun is a viable option, considering this is one of the few available guns in the Castle 2, Factory 2, Mad Village 2, and Village 2 stages ofThe Mercenariesgame mode.
Where to Find the LEMI Handgun
Unlike other guns in the title, the LEMI Handgun is practically unmissable due to its nature as the first weapon players acquire in the game. When they enter the house of Grigori Stan, the kind old man gives Ethan the LEMI to defend himself. Unfortunately for Stan, Ethan is inexperienced fending off Lycans, causing Stan’s death.
LEMI Handgun: What To Upgrade First
Due to its nature as the game’s first weapon, it would benefit Ethan to use the first batch of his Lei earnings to unlockT2 Basic Damage(110 for 6K Lei) and thenT2 Firing Rate(0.42 for 3K Lei). Until players acquire the M1911, they should keep upgrading the LEMI’s DPS toT3 Basic Damage(150 for 9K Lei),T3 Firing Rate(0.39 for 5K Lei), andT2 Reload Speed(2.5 for 2.5K Lei).
560
1.7
1.5
2.8
5
-
2.2 (10000 Lei)
11 (12000 Lei)
TheM1897 Shotgunwill be found in East Old Town right before Ethan is attacked by theswarm of Lycans. The M1897 is the weakest Shotgun in the game and should be replaced as soon as possible, but it has the potential to be lethal during the early game.
Upgrading the M1987’s Power and Ammo Capacity will eat up a fair bit of cash in the Castle, but enemies will drop dead fast. After leaving the castle and finding the W870 shotgun following the House Beneviento segment, Ethan has to sell the M1897 and invest in upgrades to the new weapon.
Gameplay Tips For M1897 Shotgun
Being the game’s beginner shotgun, the M1897 is extremely useful as a burst weapon in the starting stages of the playthrough. The M1897suits run-and-gun plays, especially for players who love busting into areas and eliminating enemies just as soon as they find them. Despite its status as the weakest among shotguns, it won’t be felt as much when firing at zombies at extremely close proximities.
While the W870 TAC Shotgun is more powerful in the long term, acquiring upgrades for the M1897 can make it a useful backup weapon for players who prefer extremely short-ranged encounters.
Where to Find the M1897 Shotgun
When the Lycans attack inResident Evil 8, Ethan is sent to a two-storey building to protect himself. They will know they’re in the right building if the bedroom floor has a hole. Before venturing further, gamers should go to the kitchen table - the shotguns should be located there. An alternative location would be in the Church, where it is lying next to the typewriter - assuming players didn’t get it beforehand.
M1897 Shotgun: What To Upgrade First
Until players find the W870 TAC Shotgun, the M1897 has to be transformed into a heavy hitter. Pumping up toT2 Basic Damage(640 for 8K Lei) andT2 Reload Speed(2.6 for 4K Lei)might seem like a hefty investment, but this should letthe beginner Shotgunmake quick work of enemies much faster.
600
3.7
9
6
15 (50000 Lei)
20 (50000 Lei)
TheF2 Sniper Riflewill be foundinside the attic of Castle Dimitrescuin the room before stepping onto the roof. Despite being obtained so early in the game, the F2 Sniper Rifle is one of the absolute best guns inResident Evil Village. Fully maxed out, the Sniper Rifle is about as strong as a base Magnum, which is already beastly.
Players should fully upgrade the F2 Sniper Rifle by the end of the first playthrough (especially to unlock Infinite Ammo in the Bonus Shop)but prioritize Power and Rate of Fire first. It also helps to purchase the Cheek Rest attachmentfrom the Duketo reduce the Sniper Rifle’s sway when aiming down the scope. It comes in handy during the final boss fight, making quicker work of her if the F2’s power is fully upgraded.
Gameplay Tips For F2 Sniper Rifle
While the Wolfsbane Magnum is also an efficient boss-killer in the game, the F2 Sniper Rifle shines in its capacity to kill bosses rather quickly with the right timing. Moreover, its easy-to-craft ammo can make the F2 a reliable weapon for Ethan to use to remain safe at the comfort of large distances.
Consistently upgrading the F2 Sniper Rifle’s damage can make it a useful long-ranged weapon in the later stages of the game, especially since useful vantage points still exist against tougher bosses. In this regard, players need to think on their feet to secure cover while also packing a quick-firing sidearm to deal with short-to-mid-range threats.
Where to Find the F2 Sniper Rifle
Players can find the F2 Sniper Rifle once they venture inside Castle Dimitrescu, specifically near the Attic. The rifle should be located on a chair in the room next to the Attic. This shouldn’t be difficult to miss for players.
F2 Sniper Rifle: What To Upgrade First
The F2 Sniper Rifle becomes an immensely powerful beast by the time players unlock Infinite Ammo, but this requires finishing the game and unlocking all upgrades. While players may need to invest quite a bit of time and Lei to fully kit the F2, their priority should be damage and overall firing rate for much quicker long-range kills. Even starting withT2 Basic Damage(700 for 9K Lei) andT2 Firing Rate(1.8 for 4K Lei) can transform the F2 into a heavy-hitter. By the time they secureT3 Firing Rate(1.7 for 4+8K Lei), players should ideally start saving for the higher-tier Damage as much as possible for maximum output.
160
0.27
2.9
7
15
15 (25000 Llei)
23 (25000 Lei)
TheM1911 Handguncan be found in the Village Workshop after completing Castle Dimitrescu.It’ll be hidden in a locked cabinet in the northwest house. Type in the lock’s code (070408), and the Handgun should be inside.
The M1911 is a considerably better weapon than the LEMI, lacking only when it comes to Ammo Capacity. The M1911 will be Ethan’s main Handgun up to the final area, but players should make sure that theRate of Fire and Powerare kept up to date with upgrades.Once Ethan reaches Heisenberg’s factory, essentially the last act, he earns the ability to buy the V61 Custom Handgun from the Duke, which is the superior gun.
Gameplay Tips For M1911 Handgun
Players may appreciate the M1911 Handgun for its usefulness past Castle Dimitrescu due to its more consistent damage and manageable recoil, especially compared to the middling LEMI’s stats. Even in the later stages of the game, the M1911 can become a reliable sidearm with its faster firing rate that allows players to deal with threats much faster, be it from stealth, ambushes, or regular room clears.
However, the M1911 becomes an even more practical handgun choice once players upgrade its ammo via the High-Capacity Mag. With this upgrade, the M1911 can perform more efficiently, especially with precision kills.
Where to Find the M1911 Handgun
While players are looking for puzzle solutions in the Workshop, they will likely encounter a cupboard with a lock. If they plug in “070408,” they will get not just the Jack Handle but also the M1911. Being the next best possible “basic” weapon after the LEMI, the M1911 is an ever-reliable go-to for Ethan for much of the game.
M1911 Handgun: What To Upgrade First
As the M1911 will replace the LEMI as Ethan’s go-to handgun, it has to be reliable whenever he’s in danger. In that regard, damage and firing rate are priorities to dispatch threats in close quarters or in critical situations. Starting withT2 Basic Damage(170 for 10K Lei) andT2 Firing Rate(0.26 for 5K Lei) might seem small at first, but the higher-tier upgrades will make a lot of difference once Ethan procures the High-Capacity Mag and starts getting bullets to play with.
760
1.6
1.4
1.9 (34000 Lei)
12 (41000 Lei)
TheW870 TAC Shotguncan be found in the Garden on the way to House Beneviento (though Ethan will only be able to explore this area properly after defeating Donna Beneviento). The W870 TAC Shotgun is in a shack Ethan passes after completing House Beneviento.
Players should make sure to sell the M1897 immediately and start getting accustomed to the W870. The Shotgun’s weight will take some getting used to, but it’s far stronger. Like with the M1911, players shouldaim to upgrade everything and use the resale value later.
Gameplay Tips For W870 TAC Shotgun
Thanks to its accessible nature, the W870 TAC Shotgun is a reliable burst weapon of choice that can outperform even the SYG-12 with its ease of use. Its weight adds a heavier “oomph” when shooting at enemies, which players can use as a means to guide their tempo and rhythm when in combat engagements. Although sluggish and on the slower side as expected from shotguns, the W870 can shine with its reliable firepower that can handle nasty skirmishes up close.
While by far not the best shotgun in the game, its decent handling and manageable recoil can make it a reliable short-ranged weapon,especially against tougher creaturesshould players prefer getting up close and personal.
Where to Find the W870 TAC Shotgun
When players are instructed to leave House Beneviento to search a group of houses in the game, they will realize that these houses were previously inaccessible due to the prevalence of vines. Now that they have been cleared, players can start searching them to fulfill specific objectives. They will discover the W870 TAC Shotgun in one of them.
W870 TAC Shotgun: What To Upgrade First
The weight of the W870 takes getting used to, but this handling and firing rate can’t be upgraded further. This means that the best way of making the W870 a more reliable heavy-hitter would be by dishing out as much damage as possible. Its base 760 Damage already outshines T3 of the M1897 (720 Damage), so even gettingT2 Basic Damage(840 for 16K Lei) becomes a considerable leap in performance. As players get used to the W870’s firing style, securing evenT3 Reload Speed(2.3 for 15K Lei) should help Ethan deal more consistent damage.
200
225
0.38
12
42
27 (80000 Lei)
57 (80000 Lei)
TheV61 Custom Handgunbecomes available to purchase after entering Heisenberg’s Factory and is the strongest Handgun Ethan can obtain in the main game. The V61 Custom can bebought from the Duke for 120,000 Lei, which is quite a lot at any point during a first playthrough. It doesn’t help that its other upgrades also tend to be costly compared to other weapons, but eventually maxing the V61 can be worth the investment.
Fortunately, an upgraded M1911 fetches a nice profit. Players should aim to upgrade Ammo Capacity and Reload Speed first, as that’s where the V61 is most lacking. From there, invest in Power, but keep in mind that New Game Plus has other Handguns to try out.
Gameplay Tips For V61 Custom Handgun
Although already a more potent handgun compared to the M1911 and the LEMI, the V61 Custom Handgun becomes a more optimal short-ranged weapon when fully kitted. Its Gunstock, Long Barrel, and Drum Magazine attachments can transform the V61 into an SMG, boasting not just an immense rate of fire but an ammo count to match.
This weapon is best used in close quarters with multiple enemies, asEthan can rain bullets on foes. Even in situations where Ethan needs to use discretion, the V61 can eliminate enemies much faster from stealth or even one at a time should the situation arise. If players want to pack a more powerful rifle as a primary, the V61 as a secondary can easily make a lot of difference in close-to-mid-range incursions.
Where to Find the V61 Custom Handgun
By the time players have reached Heisenberg’s Factory inResident Evil Village, they should be able to access the V61 Custom Handgun from the Duke. Given the Custom Handgun’s costly upgrades, it’s very likely that players will hold off using the gun until they earn the funding to properly boost its stats.
V61 Custom Handgun: What To Upgrade First
When players acquire the V61 Custom Handgun, they shouldn’t feel overwhelmed with its hefty upgrade costs. Instead, they should cover the V61’s weak spots via upgrading even untilT3 Basic Mag Capacity(18 for 30+42K Lei) andT4 Reload Speed(2.2 for 17+26+38K Lei). This should make the V61 perform similarly to the M1911 while rocking higher base damage. It’s only when players get the extra juice that they should begin power creeping the V61 via boosting its damage output.
1160
1170
1240
1250
1.35
3.5
30
20 (90000 Lei)
40 (90000 Lei)
Like the V61 Custom Handgun, theSYG-12 Shotgunis available to purchase after entering Heisenberg’s Factory. The SYG-12 costs a whopping 180,000 Lei. Reselling the W870 will help cover that. The SYG-12 is worth investing in, though. It’s the strongest Shotgun in the game and is as unreasonably strong as it is fast.
A fully upgraded SYG-12 is a multiple-playthrough endeavor in the making, but it’s worth it. Being semi-automatic, players will not have to worry about upgrading the Rate of Fire. Investing in Ammo Capacity will help increase the amount of time Ethan can fire before reloading. Additionally, the Drum Magazine can extend a clip size up to forty, which is more than enough to clean most rooms without having to reload.
Gameplay Tips For SYG-12 Shotgun
While the W870 TAC is the more frugal choice when it comes to fully kitting a shotgun, the SYG-12 Shotgun is by far one of the most heavy-hitting shotguns in the game. Unfortunately, its rate of fire is rather abysmal, as Ethan needs to attach a new payload within two seconds after every shot. This is something that players can’t upgrade, meaning they can only compensate by further improving this weapon’s firepower with its Long Barrel and Red Dot Sights upgrades.
The existing caveats for the SYG-12’s strength mean that Ethan needs to know how to rotate around foes while the SYG-12 cycles through its shots, with the lack of quick thinking past obstacles becoming a fatal flaw. Should players become more familiar with the SYG-12’s rhythm, eliminating opponents can become much easier regardless of the location.
Where to Find the SYG-12 Shotgun
As players head to the mid-game, the Duke will reflect this change in difficulty with a wide array of new items. Chief among them is the SYG-12 Shotgun, which becomes available in his shop when players reach Heisenberg’s Factory. Its weak rate of fire means Ethan needs to be tactical when using this weapon, making this more of a reserve gun against stronger mobs or bosses.
SYG-12 Shotgun: What To Upgrade First
As the strongest Shotgun in the game, the SYG-12 is worth upgrading to secure its performance consistency. Since it’s already a semi-auto Shotgun, players should get more bullets for higher damage output - making Mag Capacity a priority. At base, even pushing as high asT3 Basic Mag Capacity(14 for 37+49K Lei) should give the SYG-12 more bullets than the other game’s Shotguns. Once they get the Drum Mag, pushing this attachment toT3 Drum Mag Capacity(34 for 37+49K Lei) willmake breaking zombies much easier.
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3800
2.5
TheM851 Wolfsbane Magnumcan only be obtained after defeating Moreau. Use the newly acquired Crank to access Moreau’s Lab and home. The Magnum will be labeled as Moreau’s Hidden Treasure on the overworld map.It’s in a treasure chest inside a locked house that Ethan can enter through the back.
Kill the Lycan inside and grab the Magnum. The Wolfsbane is extremely expensive to upgrade, but it’s the strongest gun players find before New Game Plus. Like in mostResident Evilgames, players shouldsave magnum ammo for bosses. This is why Power is the most important stat.
Gameplay Tips For M1851 Wolfsbane Magnum
The ridiculous firepower of the Wolfsbane Magnum can be made even more over-the-top with its Long Barrel upgrade, whereas boosting the Increased Capacity Cylinder can slowly unlock its infinite weapon variant in New Game Plus. Due to the expensive nature of these upgrades plus the limited ammo in the base game, the Wolfsbane is a recommended weapon only for bosses.
However, its sheer firepower can make the Wolfsbane a worthwhile ace in the hole against the game’s tougher foes. Saving up ammo while building towards the Wolfsbane’s upgrades can also give an incentive for players to practice cover-and-peek strategies in open areas, as well as secure more precision kills via stealth to conserve resources.
Where to Find the M851 Wolfsbane Magnum
When players kill Salvatore Moreau, they shouldn’t leave the Reservoir so quickly. Instead, they should use the Crank to enter a new area near Moreau’s Lab. They need to go to the last house with a locked door, with the only entrance located in the hole at the back. The map will mark the weapon as “Moreau’s Hidden Weapon.”
M851 Wolfsbane Magnum: What To Upgrade First
Given its status as an anti-boss weapon, a player’s first playthrough with the M851 should prioritize upgrading its damage output. Even securingT2 Basic Damage(1900 for 48K Lei) can make quick work of foes, with theT2 Long Barrel Basic Damage(2100 for 48K Lei) giving it a considerable damage boost. Other stats are negligible in terms of upgrades, as players only need to pack enough juice to eliminate bosses.
250
280
0.15
0.1
3.2
20
2.6 (78000 Lei)
80 (68000 Lei)
While theWCX Assault Rifleis a New Game Plus weapon, its base stats easily make it the game’s best assault rifle. The WCX Assault Rifle costs 30,000 CP and can then be bought at the Duke for 200 Lei. The WCX has two attachments that players should purchase ASAP, but one should be ready to spend a lot of LEI. The Red Dot Sight increases the WCX’s Power and costs 140,000 Lei, whereas the Foregrip reduces recoils by a fair bit and costs 80,000 Lei.
With highPower and Ammo Capacity, most battles should be over before it is time to put in a new magazine. While donning the WCX Assault Rifle can become a breeze, the climb to its fully-kitted version can still make certain fights quite challenging if Ethan only depends on the AR without backing it up with other reliable guns like the V61 or even the M1911.
Where to Find the WCX Assault Rifle
The WCX Assault Rifle is only unlockable upon completing the game. Should players do another playthrough, the WCX Assault Rifle will be available among the Bonus Content offerings of the Duke by the time players meet him prior to his arrival at Castle Dimitrescu.
Gameplay Tips For WCX Assault Rifle
Considered the game’s best assault rifle,the post-game potentialof the WCX Assault Rifle makes it an ideal mid-to-long-ranged companion. Upgrading it with its Red Dot Sight and Foregrip greatly enhances its recoil and firing rate, giving Ethan more room to be tactical in using the surroundings while dishing out precision shots.
Before its fully-kitted version, the WCX Assault Rifle can help Ethantake care of hordeswhen overwhelmed before resorting to a secondary for finishing foes that try to get up close and personal. Pairing the WCX Assault Rifle with an accessible shotgun could make clearing rooms much more efficient for Ethan.
WCX Assault Rifle: What To Upgrade First
Given its hefty upgrade costs, the WCX Assault Rifle is best upgraded from the perspective of making it capable of dealing as much damage as possible. In this regard, boosting its damage output should be the priority. Players should save up for theRed Dot Sight(140K Lei) for the damage boost and theForegrip(80K Lei) for the reduced recoil. This might cost a lot, but the power creep will be worth the while, especially when evenT4 Red Dot Sight Damage(340 for 43+48+72K Lei) will outperform a fully-kitted V61 Custom.
2000
1.3
18
20 (100000 Lei)
28 (100000 Lei)
TheSTAKE Magnumis the strongest weapon inResident Evil Villagebut is onlyavailable for purchase in New Game Plus.The Duke will sell the STAKE for 300,000 Lei on any cleared files. The STAKE has two expensive attachments worth buying as well: the Extended Mag for 180,000 Lei and the Improved Grip for 120,000 Lei.
The STAKE is a weapon that will take a few playthroughs to buy, let alone upgrade, but it’s the perfect weapon to take on the higher difficulties. Like the prior magnum, players should make it as powerful as possible first to make short work of bosses. With it fully upgraded, even bosses on Nightmare Difficulty will be easy.
Where to Find the STAKE Magnum
Similar to the WCX, players can only unlock the STAKE Magnum for usage in their second playthrough and onwards. In New Game+, players can buy the STAKE Magnum among the Duke’s Bonus Content offerings when Ethan meets him prior to his entry at Castle Dimitrescu.
Gameplay Tips For STAKE Magnum
Given the nature of this weapon asa post-game unlock, the STAKE Magnum is built specifically for tougher challenges in New Game Plus. Since the STAKE already has a better firing rate with a larger magazine, it is the more optimal short-ranged burst weapon compared to the Magnum, especially when upgraded to its infinite weapon variant.
However, its playstyle is better when facing larger and tougher bosses in smaller spaces to give its burst shots room to hit foes. Given its expensive upgrades and the scarcity of ammo, the STAKE Magnum should be reserved solely for boss encounters while players get a more accessible gun like the V61 for rushdown strategies. When using the STAKE Magnum against bosses, it’s more efficient to lure bosses to a corner or towards Ethan to guarantee shots.
STAKE Magnum: What To Upgrade First
Being both a New Game Plus weapon and a boss killer, upgrades for the STAKE Magnum should prioritize ease of handling and overall firepower. ItsExtended Mag(18 for 180K Lei) andImproved Grip(120K Lei) can make this weapon a more consistent companionin higher difficulties. Before proceeding to Nightmare, it’s ideal for players to at least secure itsT5 Basic Damage(4000 for 83+96+119+140K Lei) andT5 Reload Speed(1.9 for 33+42+56+70K Lei) for faster boss sweeps.
