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 W870 Police shotgun is RE9’s best overall shotgun — S-tier for close-range combat. 400 damage point-blank, 5 shells per magazine, devastates Mr. X transformation phase and Chunk’s spine weak spot. The v1.02 patch buffed spread by 8% making it even more effective at mid-range. Unlocked in Care Center.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Base damage (point-blank) | 400 per shell |
| Damage at mid-range (5m) | 180 per shell (post-v1.02 buff) |
| Magazine size | 5 → 8 (T3 upgrade) |
| Reload speed | 3.0s → 2.0s (T3) |
| Spread radius | 30° → 35° (post-v1.02) |
| Unlock location | Care Center, late Chapter 2 |
| T1 → T3 upgrade cost | 8,000 + 6,000 + 8,000 = 22,000 currency |
| Best use case | Mr. X / Chunk / The Girl back-blast |
Found in Care Center after defeating Blister Borne. Mandatory pickup — locked behind the boss arena door.
T2 (6,000) by Chapter 4. T3 (8,000) before RPD Mr. X fight. Spread buff post-v1.02 makes T3 essential.
Crafter’s Touch (more shells) + Iron Skin (defensive close-range) + Predator (+10% to wounded). 4th slot: Magnetic Hand for shell pickup.
Spread increased from 30° to 35°. Mid-range damage went from 150 to 180. Now competitive with Requiem Revolver at 5m range.
990-TAC has higher base damage but smaller mag (4 vs 5). 990-TAC for one-shot kills, W870 for sustained DPS. Pick W870 for Mr. X fight.
Mr. X / Super Tyrant transformation phase, Chunk Phase 2 mutation, The Girl back-blast stealth approach. Don’t use against Plant 43 (range issue).
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