MSBG 500
The MSBG 500 is Resident Evil Requiem's workhorse shotgun — a pump-action 12-gauge with a 5-round tube magazine that delivers exceptional close-range stopping power. It is found near Chunk's first encounter in the Care Center basement, intentionally placed so players can use it in that fight. The pump action animation is one of the most satisfying in the game — a deliberate callback to the W-870 from the original RE2. It fires a tight spread that is effective out to medium range, unlike the wider-spread alternatives. Against Blister Borne cysts, Chunk's body mass, and the Titan Spinner's leg joints, the MSBG 500 is the optimal weapon for efficiency. It has two upgrade paths: a Duckbill Choke for wider spread (useful for multiple enemies) and a Precision Choke for tightened spread (better for single targets).
Stats
Care Center Basement — on the ground near the corpse Chunk is feeding on when Leon first encounters him.
Close-to-medium range combat. Boss stagger cycles. Most efficient per-shot damage in mid-game.
RE9 Requiem — Best Weapons & Upgrades Guide (Don't Waste Credits!)
Upgrade Tree
Total upgrade cost: 56,000 Credits
| Upgrade | Effect | Cost | Requires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Lv.2 | Power 3.20 → 4.20 | 4,000 Cr | — |
| Power Lv.3 | Power 4.20 → 5.50 | 6,000 Cr | Power Lv.2 |
| Power Lv.4 | Power 5.50 → 7.00 | 8,000 Cr | Power Lv.3 |
| Power Lv.5 | Power 7.00 → 7.80 | 10,000 Cr | Power Lv.4 |
| Pump Speed Lv.2 | Speed 0.80 → 1.00 | 3,000 Cr | — |
| Pump Speed Lv.3 | Speed 1.00 → 1.20 | 5,000 Cr | Pump Speed Lv.2 |
| Reload Speed Lv.2 | Reload 0.70 → 1.00 | 3,000 Cr | — |
| Reload Speed Lv.3 | Reload 1.00 → 1.30 | 4,500 Cr | Reload Speed Lv.2 |
| Capacity Lv.2 | Capacity 6 → 8 | 3,500 Cr | — |
| Capacity Lv.3 | Capacity 8 → 10 | 5,000 Cr | Capacity Lv.2 |
| Spread Control | Reduces spread by 25% — improves mid-range effectiveness | 4,000 Cr | — |
Exclusive Upgrade (Bonus Content)
Each shell fires 12 pellets instead of 9. Against multiple targets in a single sweep, this increases effective DPS by 33%.
Expert Tips
Prioritize Power first — the MSBG 500 is used almost exclusively for boss damage in the Care Center chapters. The Sweeper Exclusive is one of the highest DPS multipliers in the game but expensive — skip it if you plan to use the W870 as your primary shotgun.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you get the MSBG 500 shotgun?
The MSBG 500 is found in the Care Center Basement near the corpse that Chunk is feeding on when Leon first encounters the boss. You can pick it up before the fight if you walk slowly to avoid alerting Chunk. It is available relatively early in Leon's campaign.
MSBG 500 vs W870 Police — which is better?
The MSBG 500 has better raw power per shot and a tighter spread, making it superior for single targets and boss encounters. The W870 Police has slightly better ammo capacity and fires faster. Most players recommend upgrading the MSBG 500 as the primary shotgun and using the W870 Police as a backup when shells run low.