Introduction

It's finally here. Resident Evil 5 is the long-awaited continuation of Capcom's storied survival horror series, and the game has a lot to offer. Arguments abound as to whether RE5 is a true Resident Evil game; whether it's survival horror at all, in fact. But there's something Resident Evil 5 has that none of its predecessors did -- a lengthy adventure that warrants playing again, and again, and again. Single-player or multiplayer, there's a lot to see in RE5. And surely, there's a lot to do, as well.

Chris Redfield has been conspicuously absent as a playable character in canon Resident Evil releases recently. Resident Evil 4 brought back the hero of the second iteration in the series, Leon, but now Chris is back, on the hunt for his long-lost partner, Jill Valentine. His travels bring him to Africa, where he suspects not only Jill can be found, but where answers surrounding the mysteries of the Resident Evil series can be uncovered as well. Resident Evil 5 also introduces a new partner for Chris, one that will play an integral role in the game.

But Resident Evil 5 isn't without its challenges. Those expecting a quintessential exercise in survival horror can continue to look elsewhere, because RE5 turns the series' conventions upside down. Instead of carefully maneuvering, hoarding ammunition and avoiding fights, Resident Evil 5 stressed third-person combat above all else, and it will take some getting used to, whether you're a veteran of the series or not.

Of course, that's where IGN Guides comes into play. Our complete guide to Resident Evil 5 will have you covered. Our basics section is a detailed rundown of RE5's fundamentals, with our patented ten tips resource. Our walkthrough will quite literally walk-you-through all sixteen of the game's challenging chapters. The inventory section of our guide will give you vital details on all of the weapons, gear and items you encounter during your adventure. In the treasures section, you can find the lowdown on all of the valuable treasures you will find in the game, treasures that will be your primary source of precious money. And of course, the section of the guide covering emblems will bring you across the locations of all thirty well-hidden BSAA insignias. That leads right into the final section of our guide -- unlockables -- because RE5 is chock-full of 'em.

So grab your zombie-killing gear. It's time to travel to Africa, find Jill, and uncover a few well-kept secrets along the way.

In this Resident Evil 5 strategy guide, you'll find:

• BASICS // We've got survival horror down to an art.
• WALKTHROUGH // Each of RE5's sixteen chapters thoroughly covered.
• INVENTORY // Guns, ammo, and items galore.
• TREASURES // Locations and information on all those pesky valuables.
• EMBLEMS // Thirty BSAA emblems may elude you. We can help.
• UNLOCKABLES // Because there's reasons to play over and over again.

Guide by: Colin Moriarty