The Blacktail is Better than the Red9 for Most Players

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

When it comes to Resident Evil 4‘s arsenal of handguns, the Blacktail stands above the rest as the best all-around choice for a majority of players. While the Red9 boasts higher damage, the Blacktail‘s versatility, efficiency, and low cost make it the superior option.

Overview of the Contenders

The Blacktail pistol can first be acquired in the Castle section of RE4. It has well-balanced stats with good firepower, reload speed, fire rate, and capacity. Upgrading it is relatively inexpensive.

The Red9 is found later in the game during the Island section. It packs more punch but suffers from a slow reload, high recoil, small ammo capacity, and costly upgrades.

Damage Comparison – Blacktail Edges Ahead

Fully upgraded, the Blacktail inflicts 6.0 damage per shot, while the Red9 inflicts 6.5. However, when you factor in bullets per second, the Blacktail pulls ahead in overall DPS:

  • Blacktail: 250 damage per second
  • Red9: 185 damage per second

The Blacktail does 35% more damage per second due to its vastly superior fire rate and reload speed. Against agile foes, more shots on target outweigh the Red9‘s slightly higher per bullet damage.

Ammo Efficiency – No Contest

With 18 rounds per magazine, the Blacktail handily beats the Red9‘s measly 10 rounds. Reloading the Red9 takes a painfully long 3.5 seconds, versus just 2 seconds for the Blacktail.

On average, you‘ll get 50% more shots off during an intense engagement with the Blacktail before needing to reload. Those extra seconds reloading the Red9 can mean life or death.

Upgrades Cost – Blacktail Wins Big

Fully upgrading the Blacktail costs 276,000 Pesetas compared to a whopping 384,000 for the Red9. That‘s a 40% savings which leaves more cash for other weapons.

Accuracy and Control – Blacktail by a Mile

The Red9 suffers from high recoil, making rapid fire inaccurate. The Blacktail has minimal recoil, allowing for tight shot grouping and reliable headshots. Lining up precision shots under pressure is far easier with the Blacktail.

Verdict – Blacktail is the Superior All-Rounder

For most players and situations, the Blacktail‘s blend of good damage, lightning-fast speed, deep ammo reserves, and low upgrade cost make it substantially better than the Red9.

The Red9 can situationally outdamage the Blacktail on a per-shot basis, but the Blacktail‘s overall efficiency and accuracy give it the definitive edge for general gameplay.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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