What is the Ashley Knight Armor in Resident Evil 4?
The Knight Armor is a special, unlockable costume for Ashley Graham in the Resident Evil 4 remake. When equipped, it makes her completely invincible to all enemy attacks and prevents her from being picked up or carried away. Visually, it’s a full suit of medieval plate armor that clanks with every step she takes. This cosmetic item is more than just a novelty; it’s a strategic tool that can drastically change how you approach combat and exploration, especially on higher difficulty settings where protecting Ashley is a primary concern. It essentially removes the escort mission element from the game, allowing you to focus entirely on Leon’s survival and combat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Unlock the Knight Armor
Unlocking the Knight Armor requires dedication and skill, as it’s tied to completing the game under specific, challenging conditions. It’s a reward for players who have mastered the game’s mechanics. Here is the precise method to unlock this powerful gear for Ashley.
Step 1: Complete the Main Story Campaign
First and foremost, you cannot unlock the armor on your initial playthrough. You must complete the main story of Resident Evil 4 at least once on any difficulty. This is a prerequisite for unlocking the more challenging game modes and the associated rewards available in the Extra Content Shop.
Step 2: Achieve an A-Rank on Hardcore Mode
This is the core challenge. To make the Knight Armor available for purchase, you must beat the game on Hardcore difficulty or higher with an A-Rank. An A-Rank on Hardcore requires you to complete the campaign in under 10 hours. While this sounds daunting, subsequent playthroughs are often much faster. Using powerful unlocked weapons like the Chicago Sweeper or the Infinite Rocket Launcher can make this task significantly easier.
- Start a New Game+ Run: It’s highly recommended to tackle this on a New Game+ playthrough. This allows you to carry over all your upgraded weapons and cash from your previous run.
- Focus on Speed: Skip all non-essential side quests and merchant requests. Stick strictly to the main story path to keep your completion time low.
- Utilize Bonus Weapons: If you have them, bonus weapons like the Primal Knife (indestructible) or Chicago Sweeper (infinite ammo) will trivialize most combat encounters.
- Save Strategically: Save your game before difficult sections, but don’t waste too much time backtracking. Keep an eye on your in-game timer.
Step 3: Purchase the Armor from the Extra Content Shop
Once you’ve successfully completed the campaign on Hardcore with an A-Rank, the Knight Armor will become available in the Extra Content Shop, which is accessible from the main menu. You will need to spend 2,000 Challenge Points (CP) to purchase it. You earn CP by completing in-game challenges, and you should have more than enough after finishing your Hardcore run.
| Requirement |
Details |
| Game Mode |
Hardcore or Professional |
| Required Rank |
A-Rank |
| Time Limit (Hardcore) |
Under 10 hours |
| Time Limit (Professional) |
Under 7 hours |
| Cost |
2,000 Challenge Points (CP) |
Step 4: Equip the Armor for Ashley
After purchasing the armor, you can equip it from the ‘Extras’ menu before starting a new game or loading a saved game. Navigate to Ashley’s costumes and select the ‘Armor’ option. The change will take effect the next time you play. You’ll know it’s active when you meet Ashley in the church and she’s encased in her shiny suit of metal.
Benefits of Using the Ashley Knight Armor
The strategic advantages of using the Knight Armor cannot be overstated. It fundamentally changes the dynamic of the game for the better, especially for players attempting the toughest challenges.
- Total Invincibility: Ashley cannot be damaged or killed by any enemy, environmental hazard, or even Leon’s own stray shots.
- Cannot Be Captured: Enemies that would normally pick Ashley up and carry her away will simply stumble and be stunned when they try, creating an opening for you to attack.
- Removes Escort Anxiety: You no longer need to worry about Ashley’s position or health, freeing you up to play more aggressively and focus solely on Leon.
- Makes Professional S+ Runs Easier: While using it will prevent you from getting an S+ rank on that specific run, it is invaluable for practice runs or for unlocking other achievements on Professional difficulty without the stress of protecting her.
Is Unlocking the Armor Worth the Effort?
Absolutely. While the initial challenge of a Hardcore A-rank run may seem difficult, the reward is one of the most powerful and useful extras in Resident Evil 4. It makes replaying the game for fun, for gathering missed treasures, or for completing other specific challenges a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience. The feeling of watching a Garrador or a Regenerador fruitlessly try to attack Ashley is immensely satisfying. It’s a testament to your skill and a tool that respects your time on subsequent playthroughs.
Conclusion – Unlock Ashley’s Knight Armor in RE4: A Simple Guide
Unlocking the Ashley Knight Armor in Resident Evil 4 is a rewarding challenge that enhances the game’s replayability. By completing the campaign on Hardcore with an A-rank and purchasing it from the Extra Content Shop, you gain a powerful tool that makes Ashley invincible. This guide has provided you with the clear steps and strategies to achieve this, turning one of the game’s core challenges into a major advantage. Now go forth, complete the challenge, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having an indestructible partner.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you unlock the Knight Armor on your first playthrough?
No, you must complete the main story at least once on any difficulty to unlock the necessary Hardcore mode and the Extra Content Shop where the armor is purchased.
Does using the Knight Armor disable achievements or trophies?
No, using the Knight Armor does not disable most achievements. However, using it will prevent you from achieving an S+ rank on a playthrough, as bonus weapons and costumes are restricted for that specific rank.
Does the armor make any noise?
Yes, and it’s one of its most charming features. Ashley will constantly make clanking sounds as she walks and runs, which adds a humorous and satisfying element to the gameplay.
Can I get an A-rank on Professional instead of Hardcore?
Yes, you can. The requirement is an A-rank on Hardcore or higher. Achieving an A-rank on Professional difficulty (by finishing in under 7 hours) will also unlock the Knight Armor in the Extra Content Shop.
