Q: Is this update the same as the "Ray Tracing" version? A: No. The December 18, 2019 update is the final version before the "Resident Evil 2 Next-Gen Update" released in June 2022. This version uses DX11 and standard DX12, not Ray Tracing.
Q: Can I use this save game with the Steam version?
A: Generally, no. The CODEX emulator uses a different Steam ID (generally 76561197960271872). Steam saves are encrypted with your personal profile ID. However, conversion tools like Save Transfer for RE2 exist.
Q: Why does my antivirus flag the crack?
A: CODEX cracks use steam_api64.dll and dsound.dll hooks to bypass Steam authentication. These are heuristic detections (false positives). Add the game folder to your AV exclusions before extracting.
Q: Does this include the "Infinite Ammo" weapons? A: Only if you unlock them legitimately via beating the game on Hardcore. The DLC does not unlock infinite ammo directly; it only provides cosmetic weapons like the Samurai Edge.
This patch was a major one, weighing in at approximately 3-4 GB. Here is exactly what was added or fixed:
By December 2019, Resident Evil 2 had already received several stability patches and content drops. The v20191218 update served primarily as a "all-in-one" package. While it did not introduce major new story chapters (like Shadow of Rose in RE:Village), it did include:
If you have an old backup or are looking at a scene archive, check the following:
In the context of PC gaming history, the "CODEX" tag is significant. Scene groups like CODEX were known for bypassing the Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM (which Resident Evil 2 launched with).
By December 2019, Capcom had actually removed Denuvo from Resident Evil 2 via an official Steam update, likely because the cost of maintaining the DRM outweighed the benefits after the initial launch window. However, the CODEX release remained the standard for offline archivists and users who wanted a completely DRM-free, pre-cracked, all-in-one package. The CODEX repack ensured that players didn't have to track down the base game, the DLC unlockers, and the patches individually; it was a plug-and-play "GOTY" style edition. Resident Evil 2 Update V20191218 Incl DLC-CODEX
Before dissecting the update, a quick refresher: Resident Evil 2 is a full remake of the 1998 classic, built on Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine (the same engine powering Resident Evil 7 and Devil May Cry 5). The game follows rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield as they navigate a zombie-infested Raccoon City. Upon release, it was hailed as a gold standard for remakes, blending over-the-shoulder action with tense exploration.
The base game (CODEX release) originally included the main scenarios (Leon A/Claire B, etc.) but locked certain cosmetic items and the post-launch story episodes behind a paywall or a required "Re.net" account.
The Resident Evil 2 Update V20191218 Incl DLC-CODEX is more than just a cracked patch; it is a historical snapshot of Capcom’s masterpiece at its peak modding potential. While official updates eventually added visual bells and whistles, this release remains the gold standard for players who prioritize stability, performance, and community mods over ray-traced reflections.
For archivists, this is the definitive way to experience the terror of Mr. X without the interference of anti-tamper software or post-launch bloat.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and archival purposes regarding software version history. We do not condone piracy of games that are readily available for purchase.
The Resident Evil 2 Update v20191218 Incl DLC-CODEX is a significant post-launch release for the PC version of the Resident Evil 2 remake. This update was notable primarily for adding final legacy content and providing a "complete" package for the game's first year of release. Update Highlights
The v20191218 update is largely focused on adding the final cosmetic and unlockable DLCs released in late 2019:
Classic Skins: Includes the Leon '98 and Claire '98 costumes, which recreate the low-polygon models from the original 1998 PlayStation release. Q: Is this update the same as the "Ray Tracing" version
Unlock Everything DLC: Formally titled "All In-game Rewards Unlock," this DLC immediately grants access to bonus weapons with infinite ammo (Rocket Launcher, Minigun, LE 2 SMG), as well as extra modes like The 4th Survivor and The Tofu Survivor.
Stability and Bug Fixes: The patch addressed minor graphical bugs, such as issues with TAA (Anti-Aliasing) and the Image Quality settings not functioning correctly. DLC Content Included
This CODEX release typically includes all previously released DLC up to that date, such as:
Costumes: Noir (Leon/Claire), Arklay Sheriff (Leon), Military (Claire), and Elza Walker (Claire).
Weapons: Samurai Edge - Albert Model, Chris Model, and Jill Model.
Original Soundtrack Swap: Allows players to use the 1998 original music and sound effects.
The Ghost Survivors: The free "what-if" expansion featuring three stories: No Time to Mourn, Runaway, and Forgotten Soldier. Technical Reports & Issues
Community reports for this specific version highlighted several performance and compatibility notes: Before dissecting the update, a quick refresher: Resident
NVIDIA Stuttering/Darkening: Some users reported an issue where the game would slowly darken over time. Community fixes suggested playing in DirectX 11 mode or downgrading NVIDIA drivers to version 399.22/399.24.
Input Problems: Earlier versions had issues with keyboard responsiveness on certain OS builds, though CODEX released specific crackfixes to address keyboard lag on Windows 8.1 and black screen issues on Windows 10.
Performance Tweak: Enabling Shadow Cache in the graphics settings is recommended to boost performance by roughly 33%.
It looks like you're referring to a specific scene release for Resident Evil 2 (the 2019 remake), Update V20191218 Incl DLC by the group CODEX.
Here’s what you should know:
If you have a legitimate copy (Steam/GoG):
Do not try to manually apply this. Your game auto-updates through the store/client, and the latest version is far beyond Dec 2019.
If you are looking for this for archival/preservation purposes:
You’ll need to ensure you have the exact base release it patches (usually Resident.Evil.2-CODEX). The NFO file from the release will contain precise instructions and checksums.
If you are asking about content within the update:
It mainly addressed stability fixes, performance tweaks, and added support for then-new DLCs (like the The Ghost Survivors mode updates from early 2019 were already out; by Dec 2019 it was mostly minor fixes).
Would you like: