Kotetsu Melee Guide
How to unlock the Kotetsu in Resident Evil Requiem: post-game melee weapon location, unbreakable durability, best use cases for challenge mode and New Game+, and stats.
High
None
N/A
2.0
N/A
600 (light attack) / 1,100 (heavy attack)
~850 (heavy attack combo)
N/A
Short
Grace or Leon
| Type | Melee |
| Damage | High |
| Damage / Shot | 600 (light attack) / 1,100 (heavy attack) |
| DPS | ~850 (heavy attack combo) |
| Ammo | None |
| Ammo Rarity | N/A |
| Capacity | N/A |
| Rate of Fire | 2.0 |
| Reload Speed | N/A |
| Range | Short |
| Durability | Infinite |
| Stability | N/A |
| Precision | N/A |
| Character | Grace or Leon |
Unlocked after completing the main campaign under specific conditions. Appears in the item box on New Game+ or challenge mode.
Finish the story at least once on any difficulty. The exact ending does not matter for unlocking the Kotetsu.
After the credits, the Kotetsu appears in the item box in New Game+ or challenge mode. It is not found in the environment.
Equip the Kotetsu to conserve ammo and test melee-only challenges.
- Infinite durability and never needs repair.
- High damage for a melee weapon.
- No ammo cost, making it ideal for resource-limited challenge modes.
- Available to both Grace and Leon.
- Only available post-game.
- Short range makes it risky against ranged or flying enemies.
- Not practical for most boss fights.
- Requires campaign completion first.
Not upgradable
Grace or Leon:
- Ammo conservation on standard difficulty replays.
- Challenge modes where resources are limited.
- Close-quarters ambushes when you want to save gun ammo.
- New Game+ runs where you want to melee common enemies for fun.
- Use it to conserve ammo on standard difficulty replays.
- Pair with movement upgrades to close gaps quickly.
- Be careful against ranged or flying enemies; the Kotetsu has no projectile capability.
- It is not ideal for boss fights unless you are very confident in your melee timing.
- Heavy attacks deal the most damage but have a slower recovery window.
The Kotetsu is a post-game melee weapon in Resident Evil Requiem that never breaks. It is an excellent choice for replaying the game on higher difficulties or tackling challenge modes without worrying about durability.
This guide covers the Kotetsu unlock method, stats, best use cases, and how it compares to other weapons in the game.
Kotetsu Overview
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Melee |
| Damage | High |
| Light Attack | 600 per hit |
| Heavy Attack | 1,100 per hit |
| Approximate DPS | 850 (heavy combo) |
| Durability | Infinite |
| Ammo | None |
| Range | Short |
| Character | Grace or Leon |
The Kotetsu is all about economy. It does not deal the highest damage in the game, but its infinite durability and zero ammo cost make it the perfect tool for replaying the game and conserving resources.
How to Unlock the Kotetsu
The Kotetsu is not found during the main campaign. It is unlocked after completing the game once and starting New Game+ or challenge mode. The exact ending does not matter; any completed campaign unlocks the weapon.
Step-by-Step Unlock
- Finish the main campaign at least once on any difficulty.
- Start New Game+ or challenge mode.
- Open the item box at the first safe room.
- The Kotetsu will be available as an inventory item.
Best Use Cases for the Kotetsu
- Ammo conservation on standard difficulty replays.
- Challenge modes where resources are limited.
- Close-quarters ambushes when you want to save gun ammo.
- New Game+ runs where you want to melee common enemies for fun.
Kotetsu vs Other Weapons
| Weapon | Type | Best For | Ammo Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kotetsu | Melee | Ammo conservation, challenge mode | None |
| Requiem Rifle | Rifle | Bosses, long-range precision | Rare |
| MSBG 500 | Shotgun | Crowd control, boss stagger | Uncommon |
| S&S M232 | Handgun | Standard enemies, headshot staggers | Common |
The Kotetsu does not replace ranged weapons. It is a niche tool for players who want to conserve ammo or challenge themselves with melee-only runs.
Tips for Using the Kotetsu
- Use it to conserve ammo on standard difficulty replays.
- Pair with movement upgrades to close gaps quickly.
- Be careful against ranged or flying enemies; the Kotetsu has no projectile capability.
- It is not ideal for boss fights unless you are very confident in your melee timing.
- Heavy attacks deal the most damage but have a slower recovery window.
Visual Guide
| Weapon | Type | Damage | Capacity | Ammo | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kotetsu | Melee | High | N/A | None (Infinite) | Ammo conservation, challenge mode |
| Requiem Rifle | Rifle | Very High | 5 | Rifle Ammo (Rare) | Bosses, mini-bosses, long-range precision |
| MSBG 500 | Shotgun | High (close range) | 5 | Shotgun Shells (Uncommon) | Close-range crowd control, boss stagger |
| S&S M232 | Handgun | Medium | 9 | 9mm Handgun Ammo (Common) | Headshot staggers, standard enemies |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you unlock the Kotetsu in Resident Evil Requiem?
The Kotetsu is unlocked after completing the main campaign at least once. It appears in the item box in New Game+ or challenge mode.
Does the Kotetsu break?
No. It has infinite durability and never needs repair.
Is the Kotetsu good for boss fights?
It is situational. Boss fights are safer with ranged weapons, but the Kotetsu can work if you are confident in melee timing.
What chapter can you get the Kotetsu?
You cannot get it during the main campaign. It is only available after completing the game and starting New Game+ or challenge mode.
Can you miss the Kotetsu?
No. It is automatically added to the item box after your first completed campaign.
Is the Kotetsu better than the MSBG 500?
They serve different purposes. The Kotetsu is better for ammo conservation and challenge mode; the MSBG 500 is better for boss fights and crowd control.
Does the Kotetsu have upgrades?
No. The Kotetsu cannot be upgraded. Its power comes from infinite durability and no ammo cost.
Can Grace use the Kotetsu?
Yes. The Kotetsu is available to both Grace and Leon in New Game+ and challenge mode.
About This Weapon Guide
This Kotetsu guide is part of the Requiem Guide weapons database. We record stats, locations, damage values, and upgrade effects from gameplay across multiple difficulties to help you choose the best loadout for every chapter and boss.
For boss-specific strategies, visit the Boss Guide. For enemy tactics and item locations, see the Enemy Database and Items Database.
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