Resident Evil 4 Remake modernizes the revered survival horror classic for a new generation. Alongside stunning visual overhaul, RE4 veterans and newcomers alike can experience enhanced weapons mechanics satisfying even hardcore fans.
Amid the expansive arsenal against hordes of parasitic Los Ganados, two devastating yet distinct shotguns stand out as applicant monster-slayers: the reliable W-870 pump-action versus the exclusive Skull Shaker semi-auto. These high-powered beast repellents both unleash tremendous stopping force, but diverge when it comes to handling and other key stats.
This comprehensive RE4 Remake weapons comparison guide digs into the nuts and bolts of both shotguns across 10 categories. My aim is helping fellow passionate Resident Evil devotees select their ideal monster-shredding boomstick compatible with their own strengths and priorities as a player. Let’s dissect the details!
Overview of Strengths
Before diving into granular stats, here is a brief rundown of situationally ideal shotgun selection:
W-870 Shotgun Strengths:
- Reliable baseline damage
- Large ammo reserves
- Nimble movement when equipped
- Available immediately for free early on
Skull Shaker Shotgun Strengths:
- Faster firing rate
- Quicker reload speed
- Stylish flair from flipping lever-action
- Space-saving inventory size
Now let’s scrutinize the numbers behind these capabilities across key performance criteria:
Firepower
Undead-wrecking shotguns live and die by damage inflicted. Power per shell determines how rapidly you can drop advancing enemies threatening precious health.
The W-870 packs a real wallop here right out the gate, with 15% higher base damage relative to the Skull Shaker. Upgrades further amplify the W-870’s lead, especially when doubling base power with the exclusive max-level perk.
Base Firepower by Level:
| Shotgun | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-870 | 5.8 | 6.72 | 7.84 | 8.96 | 10.1 |
| Skull Shaker | 5.4 | 6.32 | 7.24 | 8.15 | 9.07 |
Firepower With Exclusive Upgrade:
| Shotgun | Damage Per Shot |
|---|---|
| W-870 | 20.2 |
| Skull Shaker | 18.14 |
The Skull Shaker lags behind the W-870 for sheer stopping power. Yet its still-impressive base 9 damage and 18+ with the upgrade make it deadly enough against common infected to get the job done.
Firing Rate
A shotgun‘s rate of fire influences its damage per second (DPS) during fraught battles with encroaching infected. While the W-870 packs a punch, its pump-action design limits speed. Here the Skull Shaker’s semi-auto edge shines.
Base Firing Rate by Level:
| Shotgun | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-870 | 0.45 | 0.51 | 0.56 | 0.63 | 0.85 |
| Skull Shaker | 0.49 | 0.56 | 0.66 | 0.79 | 0.96 |
The Skull Shaker averages around 10-15% quicker firing from the start, achieving an even faster maximum rate of fire. Against agile foes, this enables swift follow-up shots to land accurate hits.
In the hands of a crack shot, the Skull Shaker’s superior firing rate thus helps compensate for individual shells hitting weaker than the W-870. Capitalizing on its semi-auto handling is crucial to maximizing its damage output during intense action.
Reload Speed
Frantic battles with Los Ganados can swiftly exhaust a shotgun’s loaded shells. Slow reloading leaves you vulnerable and damages critical damage per second. Here the unique Skull Shaker lever-action design provides a key advantage.
Base Reload Speed by Level:
| Shotgun | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-870 | 1 shell | 2 shells | 3 shells | 4 shells | 5 shells |
| Skull Shaker | 1 shell | 2 shells | 3 shells | 4 shells | 6 shells |
While both start slowly at one shell per reload animation, the Skull Shaker ultimately reaches 20% faster top-tier reloading. Its flashy flipping lever action also adds stylistic flair compared to the ordinary W-870 pump.
Against hordes emptying your ammo reserves rapidly, the Skull Shaker’s advanced reloading helps cut downtime between firing windows. Just be careful not to accidentally discharge shells while lever flipping!
Ammo Capacity
Available loaded ammunition between reloads enables sustained damage instead of vulnerable pauses. Here the workhorse W-870 and its enlarged tubular magazine outclasses the Skull Shaker.
Base Ammo Capacity by Level:
| Shotgun | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-870 | 5 shells | 6 shells | 7 shells | 8 shells | 10 shells |
| Skull Shaker | 2 shells | 3 shells | 4 shells | 5 shells | 6 shells |
The W-870 carries a hefty 60-70% more maximum shells through magazine extensions. Combined with its harder-hitting per-shell damage, this ammo capacity edge generates substantially higher total damage between reloads.
Advanced players can leverage the W-870’s ammo advantage to take down special enemies and bosses with boosted health bars without requiring as many vulnerable reload animations.
Handling and Mobility
Navigating tight spaces while employing shotguns depends partly on equipping mobility. But inherent properties like precision and sway also affect weapon handling.
Here the stats are a mixed bag:
Weapon Properties:
| Shotgun | Precision | Sway |
|---|---|---|
| W-870 | 2.80 | 0.60 |
| Skull Shaker | 2.30 | 0.55 |
- The W-870 wins on precision with tighter shot spread accuracy
- Both feature low visualized sway during aiming down sights
However, the semi-auto Skull Shaker enables faster reactions against rushing enemies in close quarters compared to pumping shotgun shells. Its also weighs 70% less than the beefy W-870 when stored in your attache case‘s limited slots.
Overall mobility and handling depends most on your agility. For inventory management, the Skull Shaker’s compact size saves precious space.
Exclusive Upgrade Perks
This premium ability levels the playing field, doubling either shotgun’s base power at max upgrades.
Exclusive Upgrade Firepower:
| Shotgun | Damage Per Shot |
|---|---|
| W-870 | 20.2 |
| Skull Shaker | 18.14 |
While preserving the W-870’s slight power advantage, this extreme boost pushes the Skull Shaker into nearly equal devastation territory. Upgraded cocking speed and reload perks also enable this brute stopping force to be unleashed faster.
Magnum Synergies
Wielding a magnum sidearm covers limitations of either shotgun nicely. The magnum substitutes for raw strength with the Skull Shaker or sprint speed with the W-870 pump.
Dual equipping the W-870 shotgun with the magnum TMP handgun yields extreme pooled ammo reserves. Employ the TMP for distanced mobility, then pump shotgun blasts at maximal capacity thanks to shared 9mm rounds.
Meanwhile, pairing the Skull Shaker with the Killer 7 magnum compensates for the shotgun‘s average ammo limits. Rely on the Skull Shaker lever action for rapid follow-up shots, with the Killer 7’s massive damage stopping any leaked tough enemies.
Acquisition Routes
Both the hardy W-870 pump shotgun and flashy Skull Shaker can hit hard. But obtaining them follows different routes.
The W-870 appears accessible and free early on in Chapter 1-1 beside the village starting path. Selling then rebuying it from the merchant runs 12,000 Pesetas.
The exclusive Skull Shaker rides alongside the bonus Content Pack DLC bundle, acquirable:
- In special editions of the game
- Via $1.99 standalone purchase
- 15,000 Pesetas if resold to the merchant
This makes the W-870 more budget friendly. But the Skull Shaker brings pizzazz that diehard fans may treasure.
Verdict: Signature Shotgun for Every Survival Horror Fan
Ultimately both the W-870 and Skull Shaker shine as heavies in your necessary zombie-slaying repertoire:
- The Skull Shaker slings lead rapidly with its semi-auto receiver and effortless flipping lever action. Painting targets faster helps counteract reduced magnum-level shells hitting just shy of the W-870’s sheer knockdown power.
- Meanwhile the W-870 lives up to its jackhammer name with methodical yet mighty blasts packingexpansion-boosted ammo reserves. This well-rounded foundation deals top-class damage from the starting gate while reloading less frequently.
In the end, preferences come down to playing style:
- The W-870 suits fired-up fanatics thirsty for baseline reliability & maximum damage dealt before needing to pump shells.
- The stylish Skull Shaker fits aggressive gunslingers hungry for acrobatic flair & quickly follow-up shots placing quantity over sheer singular shell quality.
Whichever model you add to your monster-slaying repertoire, both will serve you well while unleashing symphonies of destruction against creature swarms! Now get blasting.
