Part 16

Learn how to effectively dodge Nemesis' powerful attacks, including his grabs and rocket launcher, and discover the rewards for defeating him in non-boss encounters in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.

Nemesis is a relentless pursuer in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, often announced by his signature music and his chilling call of "S.T.A.R.S.!". He can only follow you for a limited number of rooms, and certain safe rooms, like those with typewriters, are areas he will never enter.

Dealing with Nemesis' Attacks:

Nemesis hits hard with both his rocket launcher and his powerful fists. It's crucial to learn how to dodge his attacks. When Nemesis is running at full speed, he is faster than Jill, so reaching a door before he closes the distance is key. He appears to be left-handed, typically swinging with his left arm for punches and grabs. Staying on his right side (your character's left) can help you evade. His right arm is used less frequently for punches, and he can only grab you with his left hand.

Nemesis has two grab attacks. The first involves tossing Jill to the ground, which is less dangerous. The second, more perilous grab, involves lifting Jill up and preparing to impale her with a tentacle from his right hand, often preceded by a release of purple ichor. If Jill's condition is 'Fine,' she will automatically escape. However, this move can be instantly fatal if Jill is in 'Caution' status or worse. To counter this lifting grab, rapidly mash the buttons and D-pad to make Nemesis drop Jill, then continue mashing to help her stand up. Being grabbed twice before standing can lead to a fatal tentacle skewer.

When Nemesis uses his rocket launcher, listen for the "cha-chuk" sound of a rocket being loaded. Quickly strafe away from his line of fire or attempt to dodge by pressing R1 or R2 at the right moment. Static camera angles can make this difficult. Nemesis cannot grab while wielding his launcher, and he has a limited number of rockets (five per encounter) before switching to melee. After mutating into his second form in Chapter 6, with extra tentacles on his right arm, Nemesis switches his primary attack hand to his right. Adapt your evasion tactics by staying on his left side (your character's right) to avoid his longer-range tentacle whip attacks. This mutated form, Nemesis 2.0, appears only a few times in the later chapters.

Fighting Nemesis & Rewards:

To earn rewards in non-boss encounters, you can temporarily incapacitate Nemesis with significant damage. Before engaging him, ensure you are well-prepared with full-heal items, extra ammo, and your most powerful weapons. A wide-open space is ideal for kiting him, as cramped areas make dodging difficult. Powerful weapons like the Magnum or Grenade Launcher are effective. Freeze Rounds are particularly useful for their high damage and ability to slow Nemesis. Use background objects to maintain distance and exploit opportunities when Nemesis gets caught on scenery for free hits.

Employ stick-and-move tactics at close range. Wait for him to attack, then circle around his right side (or his left after he mutates) to land a hit. Reposition to evade his counter-attack, then strike again. This requires careful positioning and maintaining just enough distance to avoid his attacks. With practice, you can effectively outmaneuver Nemesis.

Nemesis will fall after taking enough damage, but he will recover after a few seconds. Continue damaging him while dodging, and he will eventually fall a second time and remain incapacitated, leaking purple blood. There are seven non-boss encounters where defeating Nemesis yields a shiny metal item case:

1. Live Selection #1 (FIGHT / DO NOTHING) at 201 RPD Courtyard
2. 205 West Stairway 1F after obtaining the LOCKPICK
3. Live Selection #2-A at 306 Restaurant, OR Live Selection #2-B at 312 Newspaper 3F
4. Live Selection #3 (EMERG. EXIT / DO NOTHING) at 324 Substation Control, OR 111 Blazing Alley after obtaining the OIL ADDITIVE
5. 314 Statue Junction after obtaining all four cable car parts
6. Live Selection #6 (USE THE CORD / DO NOTHING) at 410 Spotlight Balcony
7. 402 Ballroom after regaining control of Jill at the start of Chapter 7

These cases contain special items. Nemesis always drops the following items in the same order.