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 → Insanity → 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 · Last reviewed: May 30, 2026 · About the author · Editorial policies
The S&S M232 is the best handgun Grace can use — a character-exclusive sidearm with 90 base damage. After taking the stabilizers upgrade, it can consistently stagger normal zombies with well-placed shots to weak points. Higher damage than Silencer 9 but no silencer.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Base damage | 90 per shot |
| Headshot multiplier | ×2.5 (225 damage per headshot) |
| Magazine size | 10 → 16 (T3) |
| Reload speed | 1.8s → 1.2s (T3) |
| Stagger reliability | 100% on zombies with weak point hits |
| Unlock location | Care Center Grace storyline (Chapter 2) |
| T1 → T3 upgrade cost | 5,000 + 4,000 + 5,000 = 14,000 currency |
| Best use case | Grace combat sidearm, pre-Requiem Revolver chapters |
Grace exclusive — picked up during Care Center exploration in Chapter 2. Leon does not get this weapon.
Buy stabilizers attachment ASAP (3,000 currency). Recoil reduced 40%. Without stabilizers, M232 is hard to control on fast targets.
Stabilizers first, then T2 magazine, then T3. Skip T3 if Requiem Revolver T3 is in budget.
Marksman’s Eye (+15% headshot) + Crafter’s Touch + Bloodhound. Grace stealth runs: swap to Whisper.
M232 wins raw damage (90 vs 60) but Silencer 9 wins stealth (silenced). Grace combat = M232, Grace stealth = Silencer 9.
Chapter 2-5 Rhodes Hill area (before Requiem Revolver is fully upgraded). Replaces with Requiem Revolver T2+ for boss fights.
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