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: Universal strategy: Requiem Revolver headshots + W870 Police 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.
Best strategy: Requiem Revolver headshots Phase 1-2 (4 headshots), W870 Police shotgun close-range Phase 3, knife parry for QTE finale (0.4-second window).
Best strategy: Circle-strafe, never back-pedal. Use RPD pillars for 90Β° cover. W870 Police shotgun close-range during stagger. 6 Requiem Revolver rounds total.
Best strategy: AR full-auto on arms (break both for execution opening). W870 Police shotgun for Phase 2 mutation. Requiem Revolver to head for Phase 3 truth reveal.
Best strategy: AR full-auto on 3 root clusters (15 rounds each). Avoid spore cloud β run to room edge. Flame rounds skip Phase 2.
Best strategy: Sidestep last-second (0.3s before charge). Climb east fire escape Phase 2. Grenades knock down (15% HP each). Free-fall finisher.
Best strategy: Bloodhound charm to track. Stealth approach (must be unalerted). Back-blast W870 Police shotgun for first hit. Drowning execution = True Ending.
Best strategy: Wait for shield drop (every 4s) β Requiem Revolver headshot. W870 Police shotgun for twin ad spawns. Phoenix Down activates if you die.
Best strategy: 5m distance maintain. S&S M232 S&S M232 handgun whittle. Sprint behind cover during pop (360Β° AOE). Knife-only kill = Predator charm.
Best strategy: Don't pick up meat lures. Predictable knife arcs β sidestep + reply fire. Knife counter-stab does double damage.
See our bosses tier list for difficulty rankings and detailed boss analyses.
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