RE9 ARK Walkthrough: Final Area Complete Guide
This RE9 ARK walkthrough is the definitive guide to the final area of Resident Evil 9: Requiem. The ARK Laboratory is the endgame location where Leon and Grace confront the truth behind the infection and face Victor Gideon, the final boss. Our RE9 ARK guide covers every collectible, puzzle solution, and the complete Victor Gideon fight strategy to help you finish Resident Evil 9 with 100% completion.
What Is the ARK?
The ARK (Advanced Research Komplex) is a massive underground laboratory complex hidden beneath the outskirts of Raccoon City. After defeating the Super Tyrant in the Raccoon City chapter, Leon and Grace follow coordinates to the ARK's concealed entrance. The facility is the source of the infection and the base of operations for Victor Gideon, the game's primary antagonist.
The ARK is divided into four sections: the security wing, the research labs, the bioweapons vault, and the central core. This is the most combat-intensive area in RE9, with the highest enemy density and the toughest puzzle in the game. The RE9 ARK walkthrough below covers everything in the order you encounter it.
⚠️Final Area — No Return
Entering the ARK is the final point of no return in Resident Evil 9. You cannot leave or revisit any previous area. Make absolutely sure you have collected all desired items from Raccoon City and earlier locations before entering. Stock both characters with maximum ammunition and healing items.
How to Complete the ARK
Follow this RE9 ARK walkthrough for optimal progression through every section of the final area.
Step 1: Security Wing (Leon)
Leon takes point clearing the security wing. This area serves as the ARK's outer perimeter, featuring reinforced corridors, locked blast doors, and automated defense turrets. The turrets activate when you enter their sensor range and deal significant damage.
Disable each turret by shooting its red sensor lens. There are four turrets in the security wing. Between turret sections, search for supplies:
| Location | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guard station | ARK Security Keycard | Required to proceed deeper |
| Guard station | Shotgun Shells (x8) | Weapon locker, shoot the lock |
| Armory | Magnum Ammo (x12) | On shelf, significant stockpile |
| Armory | Explosive Rounds (x4) | Locked case, requires Security Keycard |
| Corridor B | Mr. Raccoon #22 | On security camera mount, shoot it down |
| Server room | File: Project ARK Summary | Main terminal, key lore document |
Mr. Raccoon #22 is mounted on top of a security camera in Corridor B. You need to shoot the camera mount to knock it down, then pick it up from the floor. This is easily missed because it looks like part of the camera hardware from a distance.
Step 2: Research Labs (Grace)
Grace explores the research labs while Leon secures the security wing exits. The labs are a maze of glass-walled rooms, decontamination chambers, and specimen storage areas. This section features Grace's most challenging stealth segment, with evolved infected that can detect her even while crouching.
💡Evolved Infected
The evolved infected in the research labs have enhanced hearing. Walking at normal speed triggers them even around corners. Use crouch-walk exclusively and stop moving entirely when one is nearby. Grace's suppressed handgun is your best option for taking them out quietly one at a time.
The research labs contain the Specimen Storage Puzzle, which requires routing a biological sample through a series of containment tubes to unlock the bioweapons vault. This is the hardest puzzle in RE9.
Key items in the research labs:
- File: Gideon's Research Log on the lead researcher's desk, reveals Victor Gideon's motivations
- Antique Coin #19 inside the specimen jar on Shelf C (break the glass to retrieve)
- Weapon Part: Handgun Compensator in the decontamination chamber locker
- Green Herb x2 + Red Herb scattered across three examination rooms
Step 3: Bioweapons Vault (Leon and Grace)
After solving the specimen puzzle, both characters enter the bioweapons vault together. This area is a gauntlet of combat encounters featuring the toughest regular enemies in the game. Six armored infected and two evolved infected guard the path to the central core.
Conserve magnum rounds for the final boss. Use the shotgun and explosive rounds to clear the vault. The armored infected can be staggered by shooting their leg joints, exposing their backs for critical hits.
The vault contains the last collectibles in the game:
- Mr. Raccoon #24 on top of a containment pod (shoot the pod release to lower it)
- Mr. Raccoon #25 in the ventilation shaft between Vault Room B and C (the final Mr. Raccoon)
- Antique Coin #21 inside the emergency supply crate near the core entrance (the final Antique Coin)
- File: Victor Gideon's Manifesto on the pedestal before the core door
📝Last Save Point
The typewriter and storage chest before the central core door are the final save point in the game. Save here, organize both characters' inventories, and prepare for the final boss fight. Equip Leon with the magnum and all remaining magnum ammo. Give Grace the handgun with maximum rounds.
Step 4: Central Core — Victor Gideon Final Boss
The central core is a circular arena where Leon and Grace confront Victor Gideon in the final boss fight of Resident Evil 9: Requiem. Gideon has injected himself with the perfected bioweapon and transforms into a massive mutated creature across three phases.
After defeating Victor Gideon, the ending sequence plays. The ending you receive depends on choices made throughout the game. For a complete breakdown of all possible endings, see our endings guide.
ARK Collectibles — Final Checklist
The ARK contains the last collectibles in Resident Evil 9. This is your final chance to reach 100% completion:
- Mr. Raccoon #22 on security camera mount (Security Wing, Corridor B)
- Mr. Raccoon #24 on containment pod (Bioweapons Vault)
- Mr. Raccoon #25 in ventilation shaft (Bioweapons Vault, final one)
- Antique Coins #19 and #21 in research labs and vault respectively
- Files: Project ARK Summary, Gideon's Research Log, Victor Gideon's Manifesto
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I beat Victor Gideon?
Victor Gideon has three phases. In Phase 1, target his head with Leon's magnum. In Phase 2, destroy the four orange growths on his body. In Phase 3, shoot the eye on his chest when it opens every 20 seconds. Bring at least 18 magnum rounds and 5 healing items. See our Victor Gideon boss guide for detailed strategies.
What is the specimen storage puzzle solution?
Flip the switches in this order: Alpha, Gamma, Alpha (again), Epsilon, then press the green Execute button. This routes the sample from Tube 1 through to Tube 7 and unlocks the vault door.
Can I return to previous areas from the ARK?
No. The ARK is the final point of no return. Once you enter, all previous locations are permanently inaccessible. Collect everything you need from Raccoon City and earlier areas before entering.
How many endings does RE9 have?
Resident Evil 9: Requiem has multiple endings determined by choices made throughout the game. The ARK chapter itself does not contain branching paths, but earlier decisions affect the final cutscene. See our endings guide for all possible outcomes.
Where is the last Mr. Raccoon?
Mr. Raccoon #25, the final collectible, is inside a ventilation shaft between Vault Room B and Vault Room C in the bioweapons vault. Crouch into the shaft from the Room B side to find it.
Congratulations on completing Resident Evil 9: Requiem! Check our endings guide to learn about all possible endings, or revisit the Raccoon City walkthrough if you want to review the previous chapter.