As an avid Resident Evil gamer since the early PS1 classics, few thrills compare to acquiring a powerful new weapon. The CQBR assault rifle in the Resident Evil 4 Remake certainly delivers that excitement. This fully automatic beast offers incredible destructive power – once you uncover its secret location.
In this comprehensive guide for fellow passionate RE fans, I‘ll cover everything there is to know about acquiring, upgrading and mastering the CQBR assault rifle – one of Resident Evil 4‘s most devastating weapons.
Uncovering the CQBR Location
Unlike most weapons simply purchased from the Merchant, the CQBR rifle has just a single location in the entire game. As Leon explores the castle grounds in Chapter 10, he can discover this powerful gun.
But it stays locked behind a puzzle inside the Library Annex in the south wing. Here‘s exactly how to find it:
Enter the Library Annex from the Grand Hall here:
Clear out Armudaras on the lower level
Head upstairs to 2F south wing
Locate the Square Lock Box on the wall
This box requires the Cubic Device to open. You should grab this key item from the Testing Lab in Chapter 9.
Equip the Cubic Device and examine the lock. Rotate and align the cube to match the pattern (L2/R2 to turn). When aligned correctly, the box opens to reveal the rifle!
With many powerful weapons sold at merchants, it‘s exciting to discover the CQBR rifle hidden behind a puzzle. Let‘s examine why it‘s worth seeking out.
CQBR Rifle Performance and Stats
Your first glimpse of the specs reveals a formidable firearm:
| Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 2.0 |
| Fire Rate | 0.085 seconds |
| Ammo Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Reload Speed | 1.5 seconds |
Compared to other stock firearms:
- Requires less ammo than the Chicago Typewriter
- More Power than the Semi Auto Rifle or TMP
- Faster fire than the Riot Gun or Bolt Action Rifle
Upgraded, it reaches astounding levels of damage and speed:
| Upgraded Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 3.4 |
| Ammo Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Reload Speed | 0.75 seconds |
The exclusive upgrade pushes Power even higher, to 5.1!
While ammo capacity lags behind larger weapons, the CQBR makes up for it with sheer damage output. I couldn‘t wait to field test it extensively against Los Illuminados!
CQBR Rifle Upgrades & Costs
Fully upgrading the CQBR does demand a hefty 196,000 Pesetas investment. But the permanent performance enhancements make it worthwhile, transforming the rifle into a boss-shredding powerhouse.
Here‘s a breakdown of upgrade levels with associated costs for each:
Power
| Level | Power Boost | Cost (Pesetas) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +0.30 | 20,000 |
| 2 | +0.30 | 22,000 |
| 3 | +0.40 | 36,000 |
| 4 | +0.40 | 50,000 |
| 5 | +0.40 | 64,000 |
Ammo Capacity
| Level | Extra Rounds | Cost (Pesetas) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +10 | 30,000 |
| 2 | +8 | 38,000 |
| 3 | +4 | 26,000 |
| 4 | +3 | 29,000 |
| 5 | +4 | 32,000 |
Reload Speed
| Level | Faster By | Cost (Pesetas) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.10 sec | 12,000 |
| 2 | 0.10 sec | 19,000 |
| 3 | 0.10 sec | 26,000 |
| 4 | 0.10 sec | 33,000 |
| 5 | 0.10 sec | 40,000 |
Exclusive Upgrade
A costly yet exceptionally rewarding final Power boost upgrade unlocks once all prior CQBR levels reach their maximum.
| Upgrade | Bonus | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Power x1.5 | +50% Power | 100,000 |
While cheaper weapons like the Riot Gun offer similar damage per second, the CQBR‘s exclusive upgrade pushes it into a class of its own.
Now, properly armed, it was time to test the CQBR against Los Illuminados!
Field Testing Against Los Ganados
My first chance to deploy the CQBR came defending the church from an attack by Los Illuminados. Scores of crazed Ganados stormed the area in waves.
The rifle mowed down charging and flanking Ganados with ease. Center mass shots ruptured them apart, with lucky headshots popping skulls like ripe melons!
Its compact size afforded easy movement while unleashing full automatic punishment. Weaving through the church pews for cover between reloads proved simple.
After cutting down over four dozen Ganados, the CQBR still hungered for more. Just how would it fare against Los Illuminados‘ deadlier creatures?
Annihilating El Gigante
Answering that question came soon with the hulking El Gigante bursting onto the scene. This massive beast can quickly smash Leon if underestimated.
My strategy involved generous use of the CQBR‘s high-speed ammunition. I aimed for the parasite on its back to briefly stun the monster. Whenever it charged for a grab attack, I rolled away while unloading rifle rounds at its legs and body.
Occasionally needing toswap to my Broken Butterfly magnum, it still only required three CQBR magazines (96 bullets) to finally execute the towering El Gigante.
While more ammo hungry than a New Game+ Chicago Typewriter, for a first playthrough, the CQBR‘s power and fire rate shredded El Gigante with satisfying speed.
CQBR vs U-3
An even deadlier foe emerged at the end of Leon‘s island infiltration. The hulking fish-like creature called U-3 burst forth from the lake to block the hero‘s escape.
Here the CQBR showed its worth against solitary large foes. I kept my distance, funneling U-3 through bottlenecks while bombarding it with rifle fire. Stopping to reload too near U-3 meant certain death from its charge attack or spiked projectiles.
At long last though, sustained CQBR fire finally toppled the aquatic beast after it shattered a platform I was standing on, nearly slaying me! The battle left U-3 in bloody ruin from the rifle‘s relentless assault.
Final Impressions After Completion
Now with the campaign finished and the CQBR assault rifle fully upgraded, I can safely call it one of Resident Evil 4‘s most powerful weapons.
Capable of shredding Ganados crowds, punching through the heavy armor of Garradors, and facing down extreme bosses like U-3 or Verdugo, the CQBR fills a unique niche.
It lacks the endless ammunition of the Chicago Typewriter, but outpaces the firepower of shotguns or magnums with its automatic action.
For any passionate RE4 fan on their first playthrough, uncovering the CQBR assault rifle should rank as a top priority. Simply avoiding damage isn‘t enough to escape Los Illuminados‘ clutches! Weapons like this rifle equip Leon to actually destroy his deadly foes in reliable fashion.
With the recent visually stunning RE4 remake, there‘s never been a better time to add this hard-hitting rifle to your arsenal! Heed my guidance to uncover, upgrade, and unleash its devastating might against cultists and B.O.W.s alike!
