Of all the iconic moments burned into the memory of every Resident Evil 4 veteran, few are as simultaneously simple and ingenious as the “Shoot the Bell” request in the village. The 2023 remake not only faithfully recreates this classic puzzle but refines it, embedding it deeper into the game’s new mechanics and reward structure. For newcomers and returning players alike, this seemingly straightforward task can be a point of confusion or missed opportunity. This guide will walk you through locating the request, executing the shot, and reaping the valuable rewards that make this early-game endeavor well worth your time.
Location: Finding the Blue Request Note
The journey to a free spinel starts not with a gun, but with a piece of paper. The “Shoot the Bell” request is one of many optional side missions scattered throughout the game, found by reading blue-inked notes posted on notice boards or walls.
You will find the specific note for this request on the Village Chief’s Manor, the large two-story building in the central village area where the first major siege battle took place. After surviving that onslaught and defeating the Chainsaw Villager (Dr. Salvador), the village will be largely—though not completely—devoid of enemies, allowing you to explore.
Head to the Manor. The request, formally titled “A Request from the Merchant: Shoot the Blue Medallions 2”, is pinned to the wall just inside the front door, to your right. Interact with it to add the objective to your Requests menu. The description will read: “Shoot the bell in the church tower to make it ring. I wanna hear that beautiful sound ring out.”
The Shot: A Test of Precision and Timing
With the request active, your next step is to find the perfect vantage point and take the shot.
1. Locate the Church: Exit the Chief’s Manor and face the village square. Look towards the large, stone church with its prominent bell tower on the far side of the area, past the bonfire and the central well.
2. Find Your Vantage Point: You cannot shoot the bell from just anywhere. The ideal and most reliable spot is from the top of the watchtower located near the entrance to the valley where you first encountered the savage dogs. This tower is directly opposite the church, providing a clear, elevated line of sight.
Climb the ladder to the top platform. Turn to face the church. You’ll now have a perfect view of the bell, hanging silently within the stone arch of the tower.
3. Choose Your Weapon: This is where strategy comes in. The bell is quite a distance away.
- The Handgun (SG-09 R or Punisher): This is absolutely feasible, but the weapon’s inherent spread and recoil mean you need to be precise and patient. Wait for the laser sight to settle directly on the bell.
- The Rifle: If you’ve already purchased the SR-M1901 from the Merchant (available after Chapter 1), this becomes trivially easy. The rifle’s scope eliminates any guesswork. Simply zoom in, place the crosshairs on the center of the bell, and fire.
A single, well-placed shot is all it takes. Upon impact, you’ll be treated to a satisfying, deep GONG that echoes eerily across the now-quiet village. A notification will instantly pop up confirming the request is complete.
The Reward: Why It’s Worth the Bullet
Completing the request nets you 5x Spinals. Spinels are precious gemstones that serve as a special currency used exclusively with the Merchant. They are far more valuable than Pesetas, as they can be traded for unique, high-tier items that cannot be purchased otherwise.
So, what makes this particular reward of 5 spinels so crucial in the early game?
Early Game Power Spike: The Merchant’s trade inventory for spinels is available immediately after you meet him. With your newly acquired 5 spinels, you have access to game-changing options:
- The Exclusive Upgrade Ticket (30 Spinels): While you can’t afford this yet, you’re well on your way. This is the ultimate long-term goal.
- Weapon Parts: Often, a crucial part for a weapon you own (like the Red9 stock or the Shotgun laser sight) will be available for 5-7 spinels, drastically improving the weapon’s performance.
- Tactical Weapons: The powerful Broken Butterfly Magnum is frequently available for 10 spinels early on. This request gets you halfway there, allowing you to acquire a boss-melting weapon much sooner than usual.
- Resources: Heavily discounted packs of First Aid Sprays, grenades, or crafting resources can also be purchased, giving you a significant survivability boost for the challenges ahead.
Compared to other early requests that reward 1 or 2 spinels, the “Shoot the Bell” task offers one of the highest and easiest payouts for the minimal effort and a single bullet.
Pro Tips and Additional Notes
- Timing is Everything: It is highly recommended to complete this request immediately after the village siege, while the area is still mostly empty. Re-entering the area later in the game will repopulate it with stronger, more numerous enemies, making it dangerous to stand still and aim.
- No Missed Opportunity: If you somehow progress past the village without completing it, don’t panic. You can return to the village later via a back path from the Church grounds, though it will be more dangerous.
- A Moment of Peace: Beyond the tangible reward, the act itself is a brilliantly designed moment of respite. After the chaotic, frantic struggle for survival in the village square, this quiet, puzzle-like task forces a change of pace. You go from frantic combat to careful observation and precision, showcasing the remake’s masterful blend of action and atmospheric tension.
In the economy of survival, efficiency is key. The “Shoot the Bell” request is the very definition of a high-efficiency task. A minute of your time and one carefully spent bullet translates into a significant currency injection that can set the tone for your entire playthrough, funding the upgrades and weapons that will see you through the horrors to come. So, climb that tower, steady your aim, and claim your reward. The Merchant is waiting.
