There are a number of new features and game mechanics introduced with the Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023). These include new functions for the Combat Knife, enhanced stealth gameplay with the ability to crouch (and execute stealth attacks!), new optional side quests and more. We’ll take you through all of the changes on this page.

Parry Attacks and Stealth Kills With the Combat Knife¶

Parrying¶

One of the most significant changes to the combat mechanics of Resident Evil 4 is the introduction of parrying. This functions in the same way that most parrying mechanics do in other games, in that you need to parry attacks just before they land. The parry window is quite forgiving in this game so it should be easy to adjust to, and it will often provide you with an opportunity to stagger enemies so that you can finish them off with a melee attack, or shoot at them freely. The parry is a great way to gain control of a fight in a tight spot, but it comes at the cost of your knife losing some of its durability, so you won’t be able to spam parry everything. You’ll need to consider when the best time to use it is, and don’t waste any durability if you don’t need to.

If you want to learn more about the new parry system, be sure to check our How to Parry With the Combat Knife in RE4 Remake page.

Stealth Kills and Crouch Mechanic¶

Another new aspect to the Combat Knife comes in the form of stealth kills. You can perform these by sneaking up behind most enemies and executing the knife attack when prompted. It provides a great way to reduce enemy numbers in an area rather than charging in to fight them all at once, but keep in mind that the AI are sometimes quick to spot you, despite their often sluggish state. You will now have the ability to crouch at any time too, which reduces your profile and makes it more difficult for enemies to spot you, while also enabling you to get under objects that would otherwise by impassable. The other function of the crouch mechanic is that it can allow you to dodge some enemy attacks, especially as you’re running away from those trying to grab you, so be sure to use this when necessary.

Merchant Side Quests in RE4 Remake¶

In addition to some enhancements to the main story, including new bosses and enemies, there are now optional side quests that you can acquire as you explore through an area. You’ll find these in the form of blue notes that are often stuck to a wall surface, and they’ll task you with things like finding and killing hidden enemies, destroying specific items, or uncovering secrets. As stated, these are optional objectives so you don’t need to complete them to finish the main story, but we’d recommend doing so since they will provide you with rewards when you visit the merchant.

Changes and Improvements to Ashley Graham and Luis¶

One of the most obvious changes that we can expect from Resident Evil remakes are the much improved graphics and animations. You’ll see plenty of these refinements for the character of Ashley Graham in the main story, as she becomes slightly more manageable in combat scenarios. You can now order her to disperse and run further away from you while you have time to deal with some enemies ahead, or to stay close to you so that she doesn’t get attacked without you noticing in a new area. There will still be times when Ashley is attacked regardless, so you’ll need to keep an eye on her most of the time, but you at least now have more control over how and where she moves as you explore new territory.

In addition to these improvements, you’ll see significant changes to Ashley’s appearance, not just in terms of graphical refinements but also the clothes that she wears. There are also some changes to her dialogue, bringing a somewhat fresh take on her character. The same can be said for Leon, although he retains most of his iconic lines, there will be new snippets of dialogue here and there, and even some in Spanish which helps to enhance immersion in the setting of the story.

You may also remember the mysterious character of Luis, who sometimes appeared in the original game to help you through specific encounters. You’ll be glad to know that this character has also been expanded on, and you’ll see him much more often throughout the game as he helps you along the way.

Expanded Crafting System in RE4 Remake¶

The crafting system in the Resident Evil 4 Remake has also been treated to a significant overhaul. You can now craft more things aside from the basic herbs which can heal you (more on that here), with a greater variety of herb combinations and new ways to craft ammunition using resources that you can find throughout the game. The improvements to the crafting system follow the same trends as those set by the previous remakes of these games, so if you’ve played those you can expect more of the same in terms of crafting versatility.

More Useful Typewriters¶

The typewriters in the original Resident Evil 4 were primarily used as a way to save your game in a safe place, and while this function is still retained there are now more things to do with a typewriter each time that you encounter one. You’ll have access to storage at the typewriter, allowing you to top up on specific supplies or stow others away for another time, and you can customize the attache case at typewriters too, adding attachments which can enhance your gameplay such as the amusing chicken, which provides you with +100% health recovery for all egg types.

More Gore, Shooting While Moving, and Fewer Quick Time Events¶

One of the most characteristic mechanics of the original Resident Evil 4 were its Quick Time Events (or QTEs), which would require you to repeatedly smash a specific button in order to escape a deadly situation or break free from one. For those who were irritated by these (and the precedent they set for other games in the industry at the time), you’ll be glad to know that they’re mostly absent from the RE4 remake. However, you’ll still have some minor QTEs during combat, as you need to spam specific buttons to escape the clutches of an enemy after they grab you, for example.

Another welcome change which we’ve also seen in the other Resident Evil remakes is the ability to shoot while you’re moving. This may seem like a fairly standard feature in most games these days, but in the original game you had to remain stationary in order to shoot, making everything that much more tense in one way, but also often resulting in a feeling of restrictiveness. Now you can move while you’re shooting to your hearts content, but your movement will be slowed whenever you aim. Still, it allows for another dynamic in combat as you can kite your enemies around objects and gain those precious few steps to keep them from grabbing you.

The presence of gore in the original Resident Evil games often leaves you wanting more if you revisit them today. Thankfully, the gore and general atmosphere of this remake have been greatly enhanced, providing more opportunities to see the results of your attacks in the form of entrails spewing out after stabbing, blood splattering on the floor and walls in the immediate vicinity of an attack, and with limbs being shot off if you aim at them with a powerful enough weapon. Add to this the far superior lighting effects which really shine in low-lit areas, and you’ll soon find yourself experiencing the story of RE4 from a much grittier perspective.