If you want to play Resident Evil 2 with all DLC and the Dec 18, 2019 update:
If you already own a pirated copy and want to go legit, your saves may not transfer due to Steam achievements and encryption differences.
Resident Evil 2 Update v20191218: Final Patch Details & DLC Inclusions Resident Evil 2 update version
represents one of the final significant content and stability refreshes for the acclaimed 2019 remake
. This specific update gained traction for being bundled with a comprehensive set of DLC by groups like CODEX, effectively creating a "definitive" version of the game's first year of content. Key Update Highlights: The Jill Valentine Connection
The primary addition in the December 2019 update was a narrative bridge to the then-upcoming Resident Evil 3 Jill’s Letter:
Players can find a letter written by Jill Valentine to Kendo at his gun shop. This note appears shortly after Leon and Ada escape the police station. "Chasing Jill" Achievement:
Reading this letter unlocks a specific in-game achievement, marking the final piece of "story" content added to the base game. Visual Teasers:
Subtle environmental changes, such as new spider webs in the sewers, were added as Easter eggs to hint at the enemies found in the third game. Included DLC Content
The "v20191218 incl DLC" package typically features all pre-order bonuses and post-launch expansions released during 2019: Classic Costumes: Original '98 models for both Leon and Claire. Extra DLC Pack:
Includes the Arklay Sheriff and Noir outfits for Leon, and the Military, Noir, and Elza Walker outfits for Claire. Special Weapons: The Samurai Edge (Albert, Jill, and Chris models). Retro Audio: resident evil 2 update v20191218 incl dlccodex exclusive
An option to swap the modern soundtrack for the original 1998 version. All In-game Rewards Unlock:
Instant access to all unlockable modes (like The 4th Survivor and The Tofu Survivor) and infinite ammo weapons. Technical Fixes & Stability
Beyond content, this version addressed several lingering technical issues from the game's launch window: Language Support:
Added display support for Latin American Spanish and fixed achievement display issues across multiple languages. Performance:
Improved frame rate stability and addressed various crashing and freezing issues reported in previous builds. Bug Fixes:
Patched several "out-of-bounds" and airwalking glitches used by the speedrunning community to skip sections of the game.
The Resident Evil 2 Update v20191218 (v1.04/Update 5) release by CODEX is a significant cumulative patch that includes the base game updated to the December 2019 version along with all major DLC releases. This specific update is notable for being "Denuvoless," as Capcom removed the Denuvo DRM in this build, which often results in improved performance and stability. Included DLC Content
This package typically includes 12 DLCs that are automatically activated: Costumes: : "Arklay Sheriff", " ", and " '98 " (classic low-poly). : "Military", " Elza Walker ", and " '98 ". Weapons: Samurai Edge models for Albert, Jill, and Chris.
Expansion Content: "The Ghost Survivors" (three "what if" scenarios for Robert Kendo, Katherine Warren, and Ghost).
Special Unlocks: "All In-game Rewards Unlock," which instantly provides access to the "4th Survivor" mode, "Tofu Survivor" mode, and infinite ammo weapons (Rocket Launcher, Minigun, etc.). If you want to play Resident Evil 2
Audio: "Original Ver." Soundtrack Swap to use the 1998 game music. Key Technical Updates (v20191218)
Achievement & Language Support: Added language support for achievements.
Performance Fixes: Includes previous hotfixes for crashing, stuttering, and frame rate drops found in earlier versions (v1.03).
Bug Fixes: Corrects issues with 'TAA' anti-aliasing and image quality settings not functioning properly. Installation & Troubleshooting
Direct Execution: If the game shows a black screen via a desktop shortcut, try launching it directly from the re2.exe within the installation folder.
DX11 vs DX12: If you experience graphical issues, you can toggle between DirectX 11 and 12 in the re2_config file or game settings. Some mods and older hardware may require DirectX 11 for stability.
Save Files: If you need to change your in-game name (for saves), you can edit the steam_emu.ini file located in the game directory.
The update file (typically weighing between 1.8 GB and 3.2 GB depending on source) patches the base game from earlier builds (like v1.0 or v20190220) to the Dec 18 iteration. Here is the detailed changelog:
Today, the game has received further updates (including the addition of Ray Tracing and upscaled textures for next-gen hardware). However, the v20191218 build is often cited as the "stable classic" build.
Many players prefer this specific version because it runs exceptionally well on older hardware without the added overhead of the newer graphical features introduced in the Next-Gen update. If you are running a PC with a GTX 1060 or similar older hardware, this specific build is often cited as the smoothest experience available. If you already own a pirated copy and
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. We support game developers and encourage purchasing official copies of software to support the industry.
The Resident Evil 2 Update v20191218 represents a significant milestone in the post-launch support for Capcom's critically acclaimed 2019 remake. Released on December 18, 2019, this update served as a comprehensive "definitive" package, integrating all previously released DLC and addressing lingering technical issues. Key Content in Update v20191218
The primary draw of this specific version is its inclusion of a wide array of DLC that expands both the cosmetic and mechanical depth of the game. Highlights of the included content are:
Retro Skins: Players can equip the Leon '98 and Claire '98 costumes, which replace the modern high-fidelity models with low-polygon versions that pay homage to the original 1998 PlayStation release.
The Ghost Survivors: This free DLC mode, initially released in early 2019, is fully integrated. It features "what-if" scenarios for characters who died in the main story, such as Robert Kendo and the Mayor's daughter.
Deluxe Edition Cosmetics: Includes the Arklay Sheriff and Noir costumes for Leon, and the Military, Noir, and Elza Walker (a nod to the original "Resident Evil 1.5" prototype) costumes for Claire.
All In-Game Rewards Unlock: This DLC provides instant access to secret weapons with infinite ammo (like the LE 2 and ATM-4) and extra modes like The 4th Survivor and The Tofu Survivor, which normally require completing difficult in-game challenges.
Original Soundtrack Swap: Allows players to replace the remake’s dynamic score with the original 1998 soundtrack and sound effects. Technical Fixes and Optimization
Beyond the content, the v20191218 update addressed specific graphical and system bugs: