Character Movement

The character moves via the classic TANK playstyle, though now at a third person perspective. Pressing the B button will cause Leon to move faster, and quickly pressing the analogue stick backwards will turn him around. You use the R buton to aim, and are immobile while shooting.

Firearm Operations





Knife Combat

The knife is mapped to the left trigger which makes it easier to use and ensures that it doesn't take up space in your inventory.

While mostly used to open crates/barrels and such, the knife can also be used to stun and kill weaker enemies (the Ganado, basically).

Quick Time Events

Quick Time Events (QTES) are at certain points in the game where you either press L1 and R1 or Square and X (PS2) If you fail in certain QTEs, Leon or Ashley will die or will get severly hurt

These screenshots can help you know what a QTE is.. The dodge button comes up and you must press the buttons shown on screen. On harder difficulties, the amount of time you get to press these decreases, so keep your fingers ready!

 

Attache Case and Inventory

There are four different sizes of attache case in RE4: default, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. Other than default, the rest become available at different parts of the game.

The Merchant

The merchant is a gameplay device disguised as a character. You can buy weapons & weapon upgrades from him and to an extent, health (First Aid Sprays). He also sells treasure maps, bigger attache cases, and eventually, a melee vest. You can use pesetas as well as treasures you find throughout the game as payment.

Upgrading the Health Meter

When starting out, the health meter is only filled about halfway. The only way to upgrade it is to use a yellow herb (combined with either a green herb or a green and red herb).

Escorting Ashley

In certain areas of the game, you have to help Ashley escape from enemies, puzzles, and other dangers and take her back to her father (The President)

Some things to keep in mind while Escorting Ashley:

Be careful where you aim, especially with shotguns and grenades, though I have killed her with my handy Red9. If you hit her, she dies, you lose.

Do not leave her alone for too long. A random not-zombie will appear and take her away and if you do not get to her in time before they take her to an exit, you will lose and have to start again from the last checkpoint. 

Do not put her between yourself and not-zombies. They will pick Ashley up and carry her off, or worse, you'll shoot Ashley accidentally. When they do pick her up, aim for the not-zombie's legs. If a not-zombie carries Ashley off, you lose.

She is utterly helpless. If you jump down anything, you have to turn around and catch her. Otherwise, she stays where she is. 

She can duck when you aim your gun, but will not move out of the way. There are red cans around certain areas that you can stash her in so you may safely do the dirty work. She will not be taken away while in those red cans. To get her back, simply call her to you, and she will come. 

Yellow herbs will increase her health bar, which is highly suggested. But make sure you use the majority of yellow herbs on yourself, as she does nothing but get hit with things. It's not like she is involved in any boss battles...

The walkthrough will give tips on when you have to use Ashley to complete an objective. Follow them and curse Ashley when you need to. She is the reason for the game, anyways.