Welcome to your definitive guide on how to unlock the Knight Armor for Ashley in the Resident Evil 4 remake. If you’re looking to make your companion invincible and breeze through subsequent playthroughs, you’ve come to the right place. This article provides a step-by-step walkthrough, detailing the exact requirements, costs, and benefits of equipping Ashley with this powerful suit of armor. By following this guide, you will learn the most efficient way to achieve this game-changing unlockable.
What is the Knight Armor for Ashley in RE4?
The Knight Armor is a special, unlockable costume for Ashley Graham in the Resident Evil 4 (RE4) remake. It’s more than just a cosmetic change; it’s a functional piece of equipment with one massive advantage: it makes Ashley completely invincible. When wearing the Knight Armor, she cannot be damaged, killed, or carried away by enemies. This single feature transforms how you approach the game, especially during escort sections, turning a vulnerable companion into an unstoppable force that enemies simply ignore or bounce off of.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock Ashley’s Knight Armor
Unlocking this powerful costume requires dedication and skill. It is a reward reserved for players who have proven their mastery of the game’s mechanics. Here is the exact process you need to follow.
Step 1: Complete the Main Story at Least Once
Before you can even attempt to unlock the Knight Armor, you must complete the main story campaign of the Resident Evil 4 remake on any difficulty. Finishing the game unlocks the Extra Content Shop, which is where you will ultimately purchase the armor. It also unlocks Professional mode, though you’ll need to focus on Hardcore for this specific challenge.
Step 2: Achieve an A-Rank on Hardcore Mode
This is the most challenging part of the process. To unlock the Knight Armor for purchase, you must complete the main story on Hardcore difficulty with an A-Rank. An A-Rank on Hardcore requires you to finish the entire campaign in under 10 hours. While this sounds daunting, it is very achievable with the right strategy. Using powerful bonus weapons unlocked from previous runs, such as the Chicago Sweeper or the Handcannon, can make this significantly easier.
Step 3: Purchase from the Extra Content Shop
Once you have successfully earned your A-Rank on Hardcore, the Knight Armor will become available in the Extra Content Shop, which is accessible from the main menu. The armor costs 2,000 Challenge Points (CP) to purchase. You earn CP by completing various in-game challenges and achievements throughout your playthroughs. If you’ve been thorough, you should have more than enough CP by the time you meet the unlock requirement.
Step 4: Equip the Armor In-Game
After purchasing the armor from the shop, you can equip it before starting a new game or loading a saved game. Navigate to the ‘Extras’ section of the main menu. Here, you can change Ashley’s costume to the Knight Armor. Once equipped, it will be active for that entire playthrough, granting her complete invincibility from the moment you meet her.
Tips for Your Hardcore A-Rank Playthrough
Achieving a sub-10-hour run on Hardcore requires efficiency. Here are some tips to help you secure that A-Rank:
- Utilize New Game Plus: Play on a New Game+ file to carry over all your upgraded weapons and resources. This is the single biggest advantage you can have.
- Use Bonus Weapons: If you’ve unlocked them, the Chicago Sweeper with its infinite ammo exclusive upgrade or a fully upgraded Handcannon will trivialize most combat encounters.
- Skip Optional Content: Avoid all optional merchant requests and time-consuming side areas unless they are on your direct path. Focus solely on main story objectives.
- Manage Saves: Save strategically before difficult sections. Reloading a save does not add to your total playtime, so you can retry tough fights without penalty.
| Playthrough Feature |
Standard Playthrough (Without Armor) |
Knight Armor Playthrough |
| Ashley’s Health |
A constant concern; requires healing |
Invincible; requires no management |
| Enemy Interaction |
Enemies prioritize capturing Ashley |
Enemies ignore or are knocked back by Ashley |
| Gameplay Focus |
Divided between protecting Ashley and combat |
Focused purely on Leon’s combat and objectives |
| Escort Sections |
Can be tense and challenging |
Effortless and stress-free |
| Overall Difficulty |
Moderate to High |
Significantly Reduced |
Why the Knight Armor is a Game-Changer
The strategic implications of an invincible companion are massive. Sections that were once high-stress, such as the Water Hall or the final island treks, become simple combat encounters. You no longer need to split your attention or use resources to save Ashley from Ganados. This allows for more aggressive playstyles and makes subsequent playthroughs for other unlocks, like achieving an S+ Rank on Professional, far more manageable. The armor effectively removes the escort mission element from a game famous for it, allowing you to focus purely on Leon’s survival and speed.
Conclusion – Unlock Ashley’s Knight Armor in RE4: A Simple Guide
In summary, unlocking the Knight Armor for Ashley is a multi-step process that rewards skillful play. By completing the game, achieving an A-Rank on Hardcore mode, and purchasing it from the Extra Content Shop, you gain access to one of the most powerful unlockables in the Resident Evil 4 remake. The benefit of an invincible partner cannot be overstated, fundamentally changing the gameplay loop for the better on future runs. Now that you have the knowledge, it’s time to jump in and earn that armor.
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FAQs
Is the Knight Armor available in the original Resident Evil 4?
Yes, a similar suit of armor is available in the original 2005 game. It is unlocked by completing a separate gameplay mode, either Assignment Ada or Separate Ways, depending on the version of the game.
Does the Knight Armor make Ashley silent?
No. While she is invincible, you will still hear the distinct clanking sound of the metal armor as she moves around, which some players find amusing.
Can you unlock the armor on Standard or Assisted difficulty?
No, the Knight Armor in the RE4 remake is tied specifically to completing the game on Hardcore mode with an A-Rank or higher. Completing it on Professional with an A-Rank will also unlock it.
Does using the Knight Armor disable achievements or trophies?
No, using the Knight Armor or any other unlockable bonus content does not disable your ability to earn achievements or trophies. It is highly recommended for attempts at harder challenges.
