Resident Evil 3: Classic Edition Mod Pack (Features + Installation)

Not a fan of some of the design choices in Resident Evil 3 (2020)? Eager to inject a breath of fresh air into your gameplay? Or maybe you're just curious about why the original Resident Evil 3: Nemesis holds a special place in the hearts of many? No matter the reason, this collection was crafted with a resounding 'yes' to all of these questions in mind.

On its own, Resident Evil 3 stands as a solid game. It builds upon the stellar gameplay introduced in the reimagined Resident Evil 2 (2019) while infusing it with a more action-oriented approach. However, when compared to its original counterpart, it grapples with significant drawbacks such as cut content, an incredibly short campaign, and overall weird design choices scattered throughout the experience. While some of these issues are unfixable, the game can indeed be transformed into a more enjoyable experience through the careful selection of mods, appealing to both old fans and newcomers.

!!!WARNING!!! (UPDATED)

AS OF JUNE 13th, 2022, CAPCOM RELEASED A "NEXT-GEN UPGRADE" PATCH FOR RESIDENT EVIL 7, RESIDENT EVIL 2 AND RESIDENT EVIL 3. THIS UPGRADE DESTROYED ALL MOD SUPPORT FOR THE GAME. IF YOU WANT TO USE ANY OF THE MODS ON THIS LIST, YOU NEED TO DOWNGRADE YOUR GAME! IT'S VERY UNLIKELY THAT CAPCOM WILL EVER RELEASE A LEGACY BETA BRANCH, SO YOU HAVE TO DO IT MANUALLY!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO DOWNGRADE YOUR GAME!

June 16th, 2022
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE COMMUNITY! After a major outroar from the community, Capcom has stepped back on removing the old DX11 version of the game. Follow the steps below to learn how to change your game to the version that supports mods.

Part I: Introduction

Guide image by FrankAlcantara on DeviantArt. [www.deviantart.com]

Introduction

Welcome to Raccoon City.


Do you dislike many of Resident Evil 3 (2020) design choices? Are you a fan looking for a way to make things fresh? Or are you just curious about the reasons why the original Resident Evil 3: Nemesis is so beloved by many? This collection was made with a 'yes' answer to all of those questions in mind.

On its own, Resident Evil 3 is a good game. It takes the amazing gameplay introduced in the reimagined Resident Evil 2 (2019) and adds a more action focused spin to it. However, the game suffers in comparison to its original counterpart due to a large amount of cut content, extremely short running time and odd design decisions in many places. Although many of those issues cannot be fixed, the game can become more enjoyable with the right selection of mods.

Requirements

Don't walk around unprotected like that!
In order to install & activate the mods included in this guide, the only thing you need is Fluffy Manager 5000. [www.nexusmods.com] It's a very simple to install and easy to use mod manager that we will use to get the mods up and running. The installation process is simple:

1) Download Fluffy Manager 5000 [www.nexusmods.com] from Nexus Mods;
2) Extract the contents of the ZIP archive to a folder of your preference;
3) Run Modmanager.exe as Administrator and choose Resident Evil 3 Remake as the game for it to manage.
That's it, you're done!

Now that you're ready to install the mods, let me show them to you.

Part II: The Mods

Jill's RE1 Casual Outfit

Peak 90s Fashion.
This is a pretty simple and straightforward mod. It replaces Jill's default costume with her unlockable Casual Outfit from the original Resident Evil. This outfit fits the original & REmake Jill's essence much better while also feeling modern in design.

You can download the mod here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Jill Definitive Classic Costume

Polishing what's already the best.
The Classic Costume DLC isn't bad, but it could be even better. That's what this mod sets out to do, and it definitely does it in style. There are over 20 DIFFERENT VARIATIONS for this definitive rendition of the Classic Costume. Choose what fits your flavor the best and go to town!
As this modifies the Classic Costume, you need to own the DLC.

Download the DCC mod here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Classic 1999 Mercenaries

Are you ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ kidding me? You guys started all this!
The new U.B.C.S. redesign looks great. However, there's something about the original look that can't be surpassed. This mod restores the original U.B.C.S. look from the 1999 game to Carlos, Mikhail, Tyrell, Nikolai and Murphy. This includes the green uniform, the U.B.C.S. logo on the back, long sleeves for Tyrell & Nikolai, ripped sleeves for Carlos and a clean-shaven Mikhail. Sadly, out of all the mods in this collection, this is the one of the lowest quality. The meshes can look a bit odd and occasionally there are lighting problems, alongside some small clipping issues. However, it's still a great addition that restores the original look for the Mercs.

The mod is available here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Simple palette swap version here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Nemesis Classic Head

S.T.A.R.Ssssss.....
Quoting from the mod's description:

İlk olarak ZEROMODSGAMES tarafından gönderildi:

It is a small mod that makes a big difference

Indeed it does. This mod restores the original design for Nemesis's head while keeping the modern standards for model polygon counts & texture quality. It breathes new life into the memorable B.O.W., making its often lackluster presence more visually menacing and akin to its original design.

Get the mod here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Nemesis Classic Style

Nemesis will never have the drip--
Made by the same creator of the Nemesis Classic Head mod, this mod restores Nemesis's original clothing style, trenchoat and all. It looks fantastic and is a must-have in my opinion, even if his chest's weak spot becomes invisible.

Download it here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Classic Weapons Pack

You want S.T.A.R.S.?
By far, this is my favorite mod in the collection. This mod replaces every weapon in the game (minus a few exceptions) with their 1999 counterparts. This includes replacing Jill's G18 with a fully functional Western Custom and the Infinite MUP with Barry's Samurai Edge, complete with stat changes to boot. It's an amazing mod that really changes the game.

Get this amazing pack here, on Nexus Mods.[www.nexusmods.com]

Colt M4A1 RE-Adjusted

This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
Replaces the CQBR found in-game with a modified M4A1 that's more similar to the original game's. The aimpoint is now a permanent part of its design, but you still need the upgrade in order for it to become functional.

Pack heat here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Jill's REmaster Knife

The best tool to prepare a Jill Sandwich.
Straight to the point: replaces Jill's Survival Knife with her REmake knife. A small mod that spices up the trusty melee weapon.

Get it here.[www.nexusmods.com]

The Classic Items Pack

New flavor to an old dish.
This mod retextures all items in the game to resemble their 1999 designs. A lot of attention to detail and high-quality texture work.

Download mod.[www.nexusmods.com]

Resident Evil 3 Remake Expanded Maps

Take a look around.
Technically speaking, this mod doesn't do a whole lot, but it's one of the most important ones in this list, if not the most important one. This mod combines More Investigation[www.nexusmods.com] with some original work, removing many barricades & blocked paths within Raccoon City and allowing for the player to explore a larger area. Since one of the bigger complaints about Resident Evil 3 (2020) is how linear the game feels in comparison to the original, this mod really helps alleviate the issue.

Be aware, however: you can and you will sequence break if you explore certain areas out of order! Be careful as there's always a chance you could softlock your game!

Explore more of Raccoon City here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Classic Start-Up Screen

This game contains scenes of explicit violence and gore.
Restore the classic warning message the original Resident Evil games had when booting up. Available in every language supported by the game!

Relieve a childhood feeling of dread here.[www.nexusmods.com]

1999 Title Voice

RESIDENT EVIL.
Adds the classic announcer voice to the main menu. Comes in many flavors, including the 2003 Gamecube port version.

Download here.[www.nexusmods.com]

1999 Inventory Sounds

*Japanese sound design noises*
Exactly what the name says. Restores the original, distinct inventory sounds that we all know and love, similarly to how Resident Evil 2 (2019)'s original soundtrack does.

Hear the sounds of times past here.[www.nexusmods.com]

1999 Music

What do you want me to say?
Includes most of the original 1999 game's soundtrack, replacing the somewhat forgettable OST of the remake.

Download some classic tunes here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Classic Inventory RE3

Back to the roots.
Restores not only the original colors & design of the inventory, but also changes the main logo to its classic counterpart. Also changes other elements of the UI such as the health bar.

Get it from here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Part II.2: The Mods (New additions)

ADDED JUNE 14th, 2022

Nemesis Classic Ultimate Form

Who's a good boy?
Replaces Nemesis's second version (affectionately nicknamed Puppy Nemesis by the community) with his classic Ultimate Version.
Personally speaking, I never had any issues with Puppy Nemesis, but it's good to have the option. The model can be a bit iffy, however.

Download this good boy right here.[www.nexusmods.com]

REmake Jill Valentine Face (Julia Voth)

The OG.
Replaces Jill's head with the fan favorite Julia Voth, from Resident Evil REmake, Umbrella Chronicles and Resident Evil 5. This version comes with flipped hair to match her original hairstyle.

Get the OG Jill here.[www.nexusmods.com]
WARNING: Only install this mod after you have installed your desired outfit mods, as this replaces only the head.

Jill Business Casual

Office work is stressful.
Replaces the Classic Costume with a casual business outfit inspired by the classic Blue & Black outfit from the Dreamcast/PC ports of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.

Get the mod here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Jill RPD Police Officer Uniform

I am the Law.
Replaces the S.T.A.R.S. costume with a standard Police Officer uniform. Fits well as a modernized version of the classic Police Officer outfit.

Get the mod here.[residentevilmodding.boards.net]

ADDED JUNE 16th, 2022

Blood Vengeance Jill

There will be blood.
This mod replaces Jill's default costume with Nina Williams's Tekken: Blood Vengeance outfit. The design is extremely similar to the Biker costume from the original Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, so it is definitely a worthy replacement if you miss that outfit.

Get the cool leather shine here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Classic '99 Models

More polygons than Majora's Mask.
Gives the game the same treatment Resident Evil 2 (2019) received with the '98 outfits for Leon & Claire.
Sadly, the mod has been without updates since 2020, so all that's available are two packs for Jill and Nemesis. Still, it's a great mod.

Get that retro look here.[residentevilmodding.boards.net]

Jill Classic RE3 Cop

I am currently too drunk to write something funny, sorry.
Replaces the Classic Costume with a faithful recreation of the classic Police Officer uniform. Honestly, it's pretty cute.

Download it here.[www.nexusmods.com]

ADDED JUNE 21st, 2022

Samurai Edge for Bathroom Scene

Nitpicking at its finest.
Seriously. This is one of the most basic and irrelevant mods of in this list, but it's an option nonetheless, which is always appreciated. Replaces the random Glock during Jill's dream at the beginning of the game with her iconic Samurai Edge.

Get it here.[www.nexusmods.com]

ADDED JUNE 25th, 2022

1999 Nemesis S.T.A.R.S. Voice

32-bits.
Do you think Nemesis sounds... way too high quality? Do you want to mess with some pretty good sound design using compressed audio clips? This mod changes Nemesis's voice (in-game and during cutscenes), alongside some additional sound effects, with their 1999 counterparts.

Download it here.[www.nexusmods.com]

ADDED AUGUST 28th, 2022

Dino Crisis: Regina Costume

Your last unlockable is finally here.
It's been a while, hasn't it? Through the last few months, the Resident Evil 3 Modding Scene just kind of slowed down. Maybe it was the infamous update that made modders step down, maybe it wasn't. Maybe it was just how it was meant to be. There's only so much you can do, and with Resident Evil 4 (2023) approaching, it's not a wild guess to imagine said scene is going to become even more inactive.

With that in mind, I bring to you all the last mod that will ever be added to this list: the Regina (Dino Crisis) costume.
It was a very sweet reference back in the day. Now, it's a grim reminder that the Dino Crisis franchise is dead and won't come back (please, let this age like milk). And now, it's yours!

Download this blast from the past right here, off Mediafire. The password is REGPORGI, all caps.
This mod replaces the default costume.

Part II.3: Final Mods

I guess you weren't expecting this after so long, huh?

Assault Rifle With Nemesis Ammo Drops

Some good food.
Hey, you know Carlos's AR? Know how fun it is to gun down zombies with it? Isn't it annoying how your only option to use it as Jill is the Infinite CQBR (or playing on easy)?

Well, I got just the thing for you!

This mod makes so the Assault Rifle becomes available for Jill to pick up in the main campaign. Not only that, but as the name suggests, it also makes so Nemesis drops ammo for it, giving you a reason to fight him more than twice!

Download this mod here.[www.nexusmods.com]

Resident Evil 3 Remake Randomizer

Yeah...
What's probably the best part about the original Resident Evil 3's gameplay loop is the amount of variation available. Not only could the player decide how certain scenes and events would play out, but items would often find themselves spawning randomly in different places. While that is a nightmare for speedrunners in search of the perfect RNG, it's also a way to ensure replayability and a different experience with every playthrough.

This is something that is completely missing in the Remake.

While the Nightmare and Inferno difficulties spice up enemy and item placement, they are inherently static. The Resident Evil 3 Remake Randomizer does what any randomizer does. It complete mixes up weapons, items and enemies, generating the most chaotic experiences you can imagine.

While I am not sure if the mod supports the latest version of the game (thanks for ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ this up, Capcom), I will be leaving it here for those who want to try it. Randomizers are amazing, and this one is no different.

Grab that random magic here, on Nexus.[www.nexusmods.com]

Part III: Installation and The Future

Installing the mods

Hey, need a hand?

All of the mods follow the same installation steps. They are extremely simple and easy to follow.

1) Download the mod(s) that you wish to use;
2) Drag the .rar/.zip files to [your Fluffy Manager folder]\Games\RE3R\Mods;
3) Launch Fluffy Manager 5000 and go to "Mod list";
4) Toggle the mods on.

After all is done, you can run the game as normal and all of the mods will be working as intended. In case you want to uninstall any mod, just uncheck them from the mod list and remove the file from the folder. Easy!

Will there ever be more?

The ♥♥♥♥♥♥ came back again!

Although there are many limits to modding the RE Engine, the Resident Evil 3 (2020) modding scene grows every day. From Nexus Mods[www.nexusmods.com] to the Resident Evil Modding Boards[residentevilmodding.boards.net] to GameBanana[gamebanana.com] and several other websites, the modding community uploads several mods daily that aim to provide all kinds of experience. As long as more mods keep coming, making it possible for us to capture the spirit of the original Resident Evil 3: Nemesis in a new light, this list will be updated to add them all.

I hope you enjoy your experience with all of those mods installed. They make all the difference in the world.

UPDATE (December 14th, 2023): It is over. Thanks to everyone who rated and added this guide to their favorites! It was a lot of fun searching for and collecting all of those mods. Hopefully they were enough for you to squeeze some more enjoyment from this flawed-yet-still-wonderful experience.
There will be no more mods added.

Have fun and enjoy your modded playtime!

[rAwTiMe]

Sooo... updated this guide for the last time today.

Added a palette swap version of the Classic Mercenaries for those who'd prefer that rather than the model replacements.

Thanks to everyone who found some mileage from this!

[rAwTiMe]

I do agree with you, Your Tanuki Girlfriend. Downgrading is indeed a nuisance, but honestly the RT version is subpar. DX12 implementation does not warrant a performance boost and RE Engine's raytracing is subpar at best (they can't even get SSR to work properly).

I think it's worth just keeping it downgraded.

[BeanTheWaif]

Genuinely upsetting that most of these mods are so old that the creators have either forgotten about them or moved on, would love to see these updated for the RT update so we don't have to constantly downgrade

[rAwTiMe]

@Raccoonboi Uninstall all mods, check "re-read game archives" and install them again. I am playing through the game again right now and everything's working fine!

[Raccoonboi]

i did all the steps and the mods still won't load into my game. I
made sure i'm on the beta version and have the correct install path but my mods still won't load into the game so i'm confuzzled, any ideas why?

[rAwTiMe]

The final update has come. Finally found a Dino Crisis outfit mod! To everyone: enjoy!

[rAwTiMe]

MODS HAVE BEEN RESTORED! (Kinda)

You can now opt-in to a beta version that restores the old version of the game, allowing for mods to work once more. Thanks for actually listening, Capcom!

[_MaZ_TeR_]

Inch resting

[rAwTiMe]

Don't forget that as of yesterday (June 13th, 2022), all mods are BROKEN thanks to the latest update. Downgrade your game to the pre-upgrade version if you want to use mods!

[The Punisher_588]

Вау!)