Resident Evil 2 remake A/B Scenarios and Zapping | 1st Run and 2nd Run Differences

The Resident Evil 2 remake gives players the chance to play slightly different versions of each character’s story with 1st and 2nd run scenarios. Many fans were hoping that the A/B scenarios from the original RE2 would make it into the remake and in a way they have. However, the 1st and 2nd run differences are a lot smaller in scope compared to the A and B scenarios of the original Resident Evil 2.

Below we’ll tell you whether or not A/B scenarios and Zapping made it into Resident Evil 2 remake, and what the differences are between the 1st and 2nd runs.

Are there A and B scenarios or the Zapping system in Resident Evil 2 remake?

One of the things that increased the replay value of the original Resident Evil 2 significantly was the inclusion of the A/B scenarios. When you finished the first character’s story, you could load up the other disk and be treated to what the other character was doing in the meantime.

In the original, the A and B scenarios were vastly different. Though you visited many of the same locations, most key items had their positions moved, and you explored the RPD in a different order. Tyrant T-103, aka Mr. X, was also exclusive to the B scenario in RE2.

The A and B scenarios also featured the Zapping system. This meant that things you did in the A scenario would affect the B scenario. If you took a particular item in the A scenario, it wouldn’t show up in the B scenario, for example.

The A/B scenarios are back in Resident Evil 2 remake, albeit in an altered form. Here, they’re called 1st and 2nd run, but the basic idea remains the same. The paths between the two are a lot more similar to a character’s 1st run, but there are some key differences.

Just like in the original, playing as one character during the first run unlocks the opposite character’s second run scenario.

For example:

• Playing as Leon first unlocks Claire 2nd run.
• Playing as Claire first unlocks Leon 2nd run.
• Playing either character’s 2nd run will unlock the 2nd run for the opposite character.

So, to enable all four scenarios to be playable, you just have to run through the game twice in one 1st run, and one 2nd run.

The Zapping system, on the other hand, is no longer in the game as far as we can tell. Though you’ll see evidence of the other character’s actions in various parts of the game, even getting notes from them from time to time, decisions from the 1st Run don’t carry over.

Resident Evil 2 remake Guides and Walkthrough

What are the differences between the 1st and 2nd run in Resident Evil 2 remake?

The 1st and 2nd run differences in Resident Evil 2 remake are more minor than those between the A/B scenarios in the original. The most significant deviation between the two is where you start the game at. In the 1st run, you enter the RPD through the front door, while in the second you have to acquire the key for the side door near the fire escape. This leads to a whole different route through the first part of the RPD.

You also get a different primary handgun in the 2nd run. While you still start with each character’s standard pistol, you get a .45 caliber handgun soon after you begin the game. Instead of finding handgun bullets throughout the game you’ll find ammo for this gun instead, which means you have to make regular handgun bullets out of gunpowder if you want to use your original sidearm.

Several optional key items are also in different locations in the 2nd run. This means you can get certain weapons and weapon upgrades earlier on. However, the items you need to progress through the game remain in the same spots, though because of the way you enter the RPD you may get them earlier or later than you did in the 1st run.

All-in-all, the 1st and 2nd run are comparable to the A/B scenarios from the original Resident Evil 2 but feature fewer differences. However, there are enough changes to distinguish the two and add replay value to the game.