Village of Shadows Walkthrough: How to Beat the Game on the Hardest Difficulty | Resident Evil Village (Resident Evil 8)

This page will guide you on how to beat the hardest difficulty in the game, Village of Shadows, in Resident Evil Village. Check here to see the differences between other difficulties, tips for clearing it, recommended weapons, and the best strategy for boss or encounter battles.

Village of Shadows Difficulty Differences

Village of Shadows Difficulty Differences
Enemy attacks and health are greatly increased Faster enemy movement and attack speed Increased number of Enemies Save points and item locations do not change

Enemies have increased attack and health

Enemies in the Village of Shadows difficulty have higher health and damage compared to lower difficulties. It only takes one grab attack from a regular enemy to put you at critical health. Avoid getting cornered by even regular enemies at all costs when taking on the Village of Shadows difficulty!

Faster enemy movement and attack speed

Watch out for the enemies you encounter in the Village of Shadows difficulty. They all have faster movement speed and attack speed. It will only take a couple of seconds for them to get close, so careful of nearby enemy positions and try not to get ambushed.

Increased number of Enemies

You will encounter more enemies than usual in the Village of Shadows Difficulty. Stay vigilant, especially when you have to escape from bosses like Bela or Sturm, as there will be enemies blocking your escape. Make sure to equip a weapon that can kill multiple targets quickly, like the GM79, to clear the way.

Stronger types of enemies will also show up

Not only has the number of enemies increased, but stronger enemy types will also appear, even right from the start. Always stay vigilant as enemies will come from unexpected places at the worst possible times!
List of All Enemies and Monsters

Save Points and Item locations do not change

Unlike the Madhouse difficulty of Resident Evil 7, this time you don't need to worry about the game's progression route changing even if you play the story at the highest difficulty. The save points (typewriters), auto-save points, and item locations are still the same. You can progress normally without worrying, so speed running will still be possible!

Tips for Clearing Village of Shadows Difficulty

Get Infinite Ammo for Weapons Cook all Available Dishes Make sure to Block when Necessary Stack up First Aid Meds Save Frequently

Get Infinite Ammo for Weapons

Make sure to get infinite ammo for a weapon first before taking on the Village of Shadows difficulty. Grind first through playing on Casual or Standard difficulty and complete challenges to earn Lei and CP, as they're necessary to get infinite ammo in the game.

How to Unlock Infinite Ammo

Cook all available Dishes

It is highly recommended to get all the buffs from the dishes in the Duke's Kitchen before challenging the story in the Village of Shadows difficulty. You will get to increase your max HP, movement speed and reduce damage taken when blocking, depending on the dish you have taken. You'll be harder to kill if you have them all, so start collecting the required ingredients now and deliver them to the Duke!
The Duke's Kitchen | Recipe Guide and Effects

Make sure to Block when needed

All enemies have increased attack in the Village of Shadows difficulty. Always remember to block if you can't evade their attack as it will lessen the damage you'll receive, and you'll be able to hit them back quickly. You can also push them back if you've successfully blocked their attack.

Stock up on First Aid Meds

Stocking up on First Aid Meds is a must when doing a run on the Village of Shadows difficulty, as you'll undoubtedly get hit by enemies. Try playing through Casual or Standard mode to get craftable materials for the First Aid Meds, or buy them from the Duke.
First Aid Med Item Guide

Save Frequently

Since the enemies in the Village of Shadows difficulty have increased speed and damage, it is much easier to die in this mode. Save the game frequently so you don't lose progress. Especially save near the Duke, in case you need more items.

Recommended Weapons

Weapons w/ Infinite Ammo	Recommendation Level
WCX	★★★★★
S.T.A.K.E.	★★★★★
GM 79	★★★★★
Dragoon	★★★★✩
M1851 Wolfsbane	★★★★✩

WCX Assault Rifle

WCX
	WCX - Foregrip	WCX - Red Dot Sight
	Max Upgrade Cost: 1,062,000 Lei	Total CP Cost: 90,000 CP

The WCX has a high fire rate and ammo capacity when maxed out, making it easier to clear hordes of monsters without reloading. It also has higher power than the Dragoon. Farm CP and Lei to get the WCX and infinite ammo for it to progress more smoothly through the Village of Shadows difficulty.
WCX Weapon Stats and Upgrades

S.T.A.K.E. Magnum

S.T.A.K.E.
	S.T.A.K.E. - Improved Grip	S.T.A.K.E. - High-Capacity Mag.
	Max Upgrade Cost: 1,703,000 Lei	Total CP Cost: 120,000 CP

The S.T.A.K.E. is one of the easiest to get and one of the strongest weapons in New Game Plus. Using it with infinite ammo in the Village of Shadows Difficulty is highly recommended. It deals absurdly high damage to enemies even when not hitting their weak spots. Its high ammo capacity is enough to clear waves of monsters without reloading as often as other magnums as well.
S.T.A.K.E. Weapon Stats and Upgrades

GM 79 Grenade Launcher

GM 79
	Max Upgrade Cost: 0 Lei	Total CP Cost: 80,000 CP

The GM 79 with infinite ammo is also one of the best weapons to use for Village of Shadows. It provides blast damage that can hit multiple targets and can stagger larger monsters. The GM 79's Flashbang rounds are particularly useful for stunning enemies, even bosses. Infinite ammo for the GM 79 will be available in the Extra Content Shop immediately after you finish the story on your first playthrough.
GM 79 Weapon Stats and Upgrades

Dragoon Assault Rifle

Dragoon
	Max Upgrade Cost: 0 Lei	Total CP Cost: 80,000 CP

Dragoon is a useful weapon to start your New Game+ on Village of Shadows difficulty. It has high power that can quickly take out regular mobs. The drawback of using this weapon is that it only has 30 ammo capacity, and it can only reach a short-range.
Dragoon Weapon Stats and Upgrades

M1851 Wolfsbane Magnum

M1851 Wolfsbane
	M1851 Wolfsbane - Long Barrel	M1851 Wolfsbane - Increased Capacity Cylinder
	Max Upgrade Cost: 973,000 Lei	Total CP Cost: 95,000 CP

You should get the M1851 Wolfsbane's infinite ammo if you don't have enough Lei or CP for the S.T.A.K.E. weapon yet. It deals fair damage to normal mobs, and it can also one-shot Lycans.
M1851 Wolfsbane Weapon Stats and Upgrades

Bosses and Encounters Strategy

Survive the Lycan Attack

Key Strategy
Camp the house with the ladder leading to the basement. There is only one entrance at the top of the ladder. Shoot Explosive or Flashbang Rounds if surrounded. Try to place mines while running away.

Prologue Walkthrough and Maps

Bela Boss Fight

Key Strategy
Focus on Bela and block or evade the Moroaica's attacks. Magnum rounds will make quick work of her. Using the Grenade Launcher can take out the Moraica's and stagger Bela as well.

How to Beat the Dimitrescu Daughters: Bela, Daniela, and Cassandra

Escape from Lady Dimitrescu

Key Strategy
Set up some mines before activating the door Use obstacles to avoid attacks Try to lure Lady Dimitrescu to the Moroaica to kill them She is much faster, so keep your distance and rotate around pillars to avoid getting killed

Castle Dimitrescu Part 2 Walkthrough and Maps

Daniela Boss Fight

Key Strategy
Keep your distance Let in the cold by turning the lever on one of the pillars Use a magnum with infinite ammo to end things quickly

How to Beat the Dimitrescu Daughters: Bela, Daniela, and Cassandra

Cassandra Boss Fight

Key Strategy
Move the bookcase on the left wall and use a pipe bomb to let in the cold. Use obstacles in the room to get some distance Use a magnum with infinite ammo to end things quickly

How to Beat the Dimitrescu Daughters: Bela, Daniela, and Cassandra

Lady Dimitrescu Boss Fight

Key Strategy
Get some shots in with a magnum as she first appears on the staircase Aim for her body coming out of the top of the monster Snipe her out of the air Use mines and pipe bombs when she is on the ground

How to Beat Lady Dimitrescu

Moreau Boss Fight

Key Strategy
Aim for Moreau's mouth Avoid his acid rain attack by hiding under a building with an overhang Shoot the explosive barrels for high damage and stun Use mines when Moreau advances towards you

How to Beat Moreau

Head to the Stronghold

Key Strategy
Keep moving forward while attacking! Getting pinned in one place will lead to your death. Use Pipe Bombs and Explosive Rounds to fend the Lycans off.

The Stronghold Walkthrough and Maps

Urias Boss Fight

Key Strategy
Avoid his jump attack by running away Block hits if you can't dodge in time Use pipe bombs to both deal damage to Urias and take down the Lycans that spawn Pick up the supplies on the sides of the room Using a magnum is highly recommended

How to Beat Urias

Escape from Sturm

Key Strategy
Kill the Haulers blocking the way or stun them. Sturm will close in fast, so run as quickly as possible.

Heisenberg's Factory Walkthrough and Maps

Sturm Boss Fight

Key Strategy
Let Sturm clear out the walls in the area. It will be easier to move and dodge his attacks. Place mines and lure Sturm in to stun him. Watch or listen to the sound when Sturm is about to attack using fire. Evade it at all cost to avoid dying. Hit him in the legs to deal at least small damage if you can't get a view on his weak spot on the back.

How to Beat Sturm | Boss Fight Guide

Heisenberg Boss Fight

Key Strategy
Focus on hitting his weak spots (red/orange spots) to stop his movements. Keep your distance as you'll die after getting hit 3 times, even if you're blocking. Only fire the cannon when Heisenberg attacks with his right arm and dodge his left arm. Use the debris Heisenberg throws as cover.

How to Beat Heisenberg | Boss Fight Guide

Battle with Lycans (Using Target Locator)

Key Strategy
Get both sets of supplies before using the Target Locator. There is an explosive barrel near each supply point to deal with the Lycans. There is a ladder you can climb on the house to the left to help avoid the Lycans. Use Hand Grenades and Flashbangs to kill or slow down the Lycans. Move away from the Lycans before targeting the objective to not get interrupted. Remember to block to avoid getting grabbed or slowed down.

Finale Walkthrough and Maps

Urias Strajer Boss Fight

Key Strategy
Flashbangs work on him. Target his back after hitting with the Target Locator. Block whenever he's about to do a slam attack to reduce the damage.

Finale Walkthrough and Maps

Mother Miranda Boss Fight

Key Strategy
Aim for her head Dodge or block her spider form's jump attack Shoot down her fireballs before they can hit you When the room goes dark, use mines or pipe bombs Dodge her flying charge attack by sprinting away

How to Beat Mother Miranda

How to Unlock Village of Shadows Difficulty

Clear the Story

Unlock the Village of Shadows by clearing the story on any difficulty at least once. We recommend finishing the story on Casual difficulty to unlock it quickly.

Buy the Trauma Pack DLC

You can start the story with the Village of Shadows difficulty is you bought the Trauma Pack DLC. However, it will be hard to finish the story in the highest difficulty using starter weapons, and without their infinite ammo.
Trauma Pack DLC Content: Everything Included

Complete the Universe's Best Dad Challenge

List of Challenges | How to Get CP

Resident Evil Village Related Guides

Tips and Tricks