In Resident Evil 4, the term "monster" broadly refers to the various grotesque creatures and mutated individuals that protagonist Leon S. Kennedy encounters. The primary "monsters" are the villagers and cultists infected by the parasitic organism known as Las Plagas. While the game features a range of terrifying foes, a notable new addition in the Resident Evil 4 Remake is the Brute.
The Core Threat: Las Plagas and Ganados
The central antagonists and most common "monsters" in Resident Evil 4 are a result of the Las Plagas parasite. This insidious organism takes control of a host's nervous system, causing violent mutations and aggressive behavior.
- Las Plagas: This parasitic lifeform is the root cause of the horrors in the game. It allows the controlling cult, the Los Iluminados, to manipulate the infected.
- Ganados: These are the infected human villagers and cultists. Unlike traditional zombies, Ganados retain some motor skills and cunning, often working together, using farming tools or even firearms. They are the most prevalent "monsters" Leon faces throughout his mission.
A Diverse Bestiary of Infected Creatures
Beyond the Ganados, the Las Plagas infestation has spawned a variety of other terrifying and mutated creatures that contribute to the game's monster roster:
- El Gigante: Massive, grotesque humanoids.
- Garrador: Blind, armored creatures with razor-sharp claws.
- Novistador: Large, insect-like beings capable of flight and camouflage.
- Regenerador: Highly resilient, pale humanoids with incredible regenerative capabilities.
The New Monster in the Resident Evil 4 Remake: The Brute
While the Resident Evil 4 Remake revitalized many classic enemies, it also introduced a specific new type of infected creature. The Brute is the only new monster featured in the remake. This imposing, heavily armored foe appears to be a reimagining or replacement for the minigun-wielding J.J. enemy from the original game, offering a unique challenge to players. The remake aimed to highlight existing infected creatures more prominently rather than introducing many new species.
Key Monster Types in Resident Evil 4
To summarize the main "monsters" and infected entities players encounter:
| Monster Type | Description | Game Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Las Plagas | The parasitic organism controlling the infected. | Original & Remake |
| Ganados | The infected human villagers and cultists, the most common enemy. | Original & Remake |
| Brute | A large, heavily armored infected creature; the only new monster introduced in the RE4 Remake. | Resident Evil 4 Remake (New) |
| Other Mutants | Various grotesque creatures like El Gigante, Garrador, Novistador, and Regenerador, stemming from Plagas. | Original & Remake (some variations) |
The array of "monsters" in Resident Evil 4 provides a relentless challenge, each type requiring specific tactics to overcome, all stemming from the horrifying influence of the Las Plagas parasite.
