Resident Evil's Dilemma: Caught in a Conundrum with This Character

Highlights

HUNK, an Umbrella operative, became an instant fan favorite in Resident Evil, intrigued by his mysterious backstory.

HUNK, a beloved character in the Resident Evil franchise, has made appearances in numerous games. However, he has mostly been relegated to side modes and bonuses, limiting his utilization. The future of this cherished character remains uncertain amidst these circumstances.

HUNK initially made his debut in the original Resident Evil 2, specifically in a bonus mode known as The 4th Survivor. Players immediately took a liking to HUNK, as he offered a unique opportunity to assume the role of an Umbrella operative within the series. As the enigmatic character captured fans' curiosity, morsels of information about his background gradually emerged over time, though much of it remains clouded in secrecy. Despite making appearances in various games, HUNK has primarily been relegated to side modes and extras. The character's future trajectory is yet to be revealed.

HUNK's Place In The Resident Evil Lore

Initially, HUNK's character lacked significant information. He was simply one of Umbrella's operatives sent to Raccoon City to retrieve the G-Virus from William Birkin's laboratory. In the opening cutscene of the original Resident Evil 2, Birkin kills all the other operatives, leaving only HUNK to complete the mission. In The 4th Survivor mode, players venture into the Raccoon City sewers to obtain the G-Virus sample and escape as HUNK. This mode unveils that the G-Virus survived the destruction of Birkin's lab in the main story and was instead recovered by Umbrella, making it a significant revelation.

After completing The 4th Survivor, HUNK manages to escape and is known by his nickname, Mr. Death. The original Resident Evil 3 includes an epilogue file showcasing HUNK leaving the city on a helicopter. This scene discloses that HUNK frequently emerges as the lone survivor of his missions. Due to his calculated and cold nature, he always finds a way to stay alive. HUNK's next appearance occurs briefly in Resident Evil Code: Veronica, where it is revealed that he underwent training on Rockfort Island and recently transported unidentified materials for the game's main antagonist.

Following Code: Veronica, HUNK does not experience any significant development in canonical storylines. HUNK does, however, make appearances in various games as a playable character, usually as an unlockable mode like The Mercenaries or RE: Revelations' Raid Mode. HUNK's impact is evident, as the character's popularity has influenced the creation of the spin-off tactical shooter Umbrella Corps. Many fans express a desire to witness HUNK in a role that focuses more on storytelling in future Resident Evil experiences. This would allow for a deeper exploration of his background and the opportunity to flesh out his personality.

While it may be intriguing to uncover the depths of HUNK's stoic demeanor, certain fans prefer to preserve the enigmatic aura surrounding him. HUNK has consistently accompanied every Resident Evil installment, always present yet never fully explored. Perhaps it is this mystique that initially captivated audiences, not to mention his undeniable coolness. Presently, there is no information available about HUNK in the current Resident Evil timeline. Only future events will reveal whether the enigmatic "Grim Reaper" will make a triumphant comeback.