How to Beat Chunk in RE9: Strategy & Weak Points
Chunk is the second major boss fight in Resident Evil 9: Requiem, and knowing how to beat Chunk in RE9 is critical because this fight introduces the game's melee parry system in a meaningful way. Chunk is a hulking amalgamation of mutated brothers fused together by parasitic infection, encountered at the Rhodes Hill Care Center during Leon's chapter. This RE9 Chunk boss guide covers every attack pattern, weak point location, and weapon recommendation you need to take this monstrosity down.
Make sure you are comfortable with Leon's combat mechanics before this fight. Our beginner tips guide covers the fundamentals, and our how to parry guide explains the timing you will need here.
Understanding the RE9 Chunk Boss
Chunk is a massive creature formed from two brothers who were subjected to parasite experimentation at the Rhodes Hill Care Center. The resulting mutation fused them into a single towering figure with two heads and four arms. Chunk is significantly larger than any enemy you have faced up to this point, and his attacks hit hard.
Key characteristics of the RE9 Chunk boss:
- Health pool: Approximately 10,000 HP on Standard difficulty (16,000 HP on Professional)
- Weak points: The secondary head on the left shoulder and the exposed spinal column on the back
- Resistances: Highly resistant to body shots; only weak point hits deal meaningful damage
- Speed: Slow movement but surprisingly fast grab attacks at close range
⚠️Save Before Entering the Basement
The Chunk boss fight triggers immediately when you descend to the Care Center basement. There is no checkpoint between the save room on the first floor and the fight. Save manually and prepare your loadout before heading downstairs. For the full area walkthrough, see our Rhodes Hill Care Center guide.
How to Beat Chunk in RE9: Phase-by-Phase Strategy
Phase 1: Basement Arena (100% - 50% HP)
The first phase takes place in the flooded basement of the Care Center. Chunk lumbers around the central pillar, and you can use the environment to create distance.
Attack patterns and counters:
- Double Fist Slam - Chunk raises all four arms and slams the ground. Dodge backward as soon as you see the arms rise. The slam creates a small shockwave in the water, so give yourself extra distance.
- Charging Bull Rush - He lowers his combined shoulders and charges forward. Dodge to either side. He crashes into walls or pillars, stunning himself for 4 seconds. This is your best damage window.
- Grab Attack - At close range, Chunk reaches out with two arms for a grab. This can be parried with the hatchet for a massive stagger. If grabbed, mash the prompted button to escape with reduced damage.
Strategy for Phase 1:
Circle the central pillar to stay at medium range. Bait his Charging Bull Rush into the pillar to create stagger windows, then unload shotgun shells into the secondary head on his left shoulder. Three to four clean shotgun blasts to the weak point will transition to Phase 2.
| Weapon | Weak Point Damage | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| W-870 Shotgun | 1,300 | Excellent | Best option for both phases at close range |
| SG-09 R Handgun | 360 | Good | Reliable for maintaining damage at range |
| Hand Grenade | 2,500 | Great | Throw during wall-stagger windows |
| Hatchet Parry | 800 + stagger | Great | Parrying the grab attack opens a long damage window |
| Lightning Hawk Magnum | 4,000 | Save it | Conserve for Super Tyrant later |
Phase 2: Mutation (50% - 0% HP)
At 50% HP, a cutscene plays where Chunk's secondary head splits open, exposing his spinal column on his back as a new, larger weak point. His attacks become faster and he gains one new move.
New attack pattern:
- Acid Spit - The secondary head spews a stream of acid in a wide arc. Sprint to the side to avoid it entirely. The acid leaves a damage-over-time puddle on the floor for 10 seconds.
Strategy for Phase 2:
The exposed spinal column on Chunk's back takes 3x damage from all weapons. The challenge is getting behind him. Use the following tactic: bait a Double Fist Slam, dodge to his side, then sprint behind him while he recovers. You have about 3 seconds to fire into the spine before he turns around. Two to three shotgun blasts to the spine in Phase 2 will end the fight.
💡Use the Environment
There are two red exploding barrels in the basement corners. Lure Chunk near one and shoot it for approximately 3,000 damage. These barrels also stagger him for 5 seconds, giving you time to circle behind for spine shots.
Why Chunk Tests Your Parry Skills
Chunk serves as the game's first real test of Leon's hatchet parry mechanic. While The Girl relied on stealth and evasion, Chunk rewards aggressive play and precise timing. Successfully parrying his grab attack is the fastest way to create damage windows, and mastering this technique here will prepare you for later bosses like The Commander who require parrying to defeat.
For more boss strategies, check our complete RE9 Boss Guides hub where we cover every major encounter in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weapon against Chunk in RE9?
The W-870 Shotgun is the best weapon for the Chunk boss fight because of its high per-shot damage at the close ranges this fight demands. Aim for the secondary head in Phase 1 and the exposed spine in Phase 2 for maximum effectiveness.
Can you parry all of Chunk's attacks?
No. Only the Grab Attack can be parried with the hatchet. The Double Fist Slam and Charging Bull Rush must be dodged. Attempting to parry those attacks will result in taking full damage and losing hatchet durability.
How many healing items should I bring for Chunk?
Bring at least 2 First Aid Sprays or 4 mixed herbs for Standard difficulty. Chunk's attacks deal approximately 30% of Leon's max health per hit on Standard. On Professional difficulty, his damage increases to approximately 50% per hit, so bring every healing item you can carry.
Is there ammo in the Chunk boss arena?
Yes. There is a small ammo pickup (shotgun shells) on a shelf in the southeast corner of the basement. You can grab it during the fight, but Chunk will not pause his attacks while you do so, so wait for a safe window after dodging his charge.