MA-121 Hunter "β"

The MA-121 Hunter "β" is a Hunter-class B.O.W. that appears in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis and its 2020 remake. A variant of the original Alpha model, the Beta's creation was the result of Umbrella's attempt to accelerate the Hunter development process. Only a limited number of Betas were created, all of which were destroyed during the Raccoon City Destruction Incident.

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
The Beta series were created in Umbrella's underground complex in Raccoon City and ran amok during the T-virus outbreak. The experiments yielded mixed results; the Beta Hunter's left arm outgrew its right, and while their speed and reaction time was enhanced, they lacked the combat prowess of the Alphas. Another unforeseen side effect was the appearance of numerous tumour-like growths over its head and back, which obscured its vision and created weak points. Because of these mutations, the Beta Hunters were never mass-produced and were destroyed along with Raccoon City.

The Hunter "β" possesses similar fighting ability to its predecessor, but with heightened speed and reflexes. Its left arm is longer than its right, giving it a slight increase in striking range. Due to its leaner build and the presence of the tumour-like growths on its upper back and head, the Beta isn't as durable as the Alpha. The growths on its head also partially cover its eyes, obscuring its vision and reducing its combat effectiveness.

Resident Evil 3 (2020)
In the 2020 remake of Resident Evil 3, Hunter Betas are encountered in the Spencer Memorial Hospital and the NEST 2 underground lab. Their design differs from their original appearance in that they more closely resemble the Hunter Alpha models. They no longer have glistening red growths covering their heads and backs; instead, they have a resilient shell-like epidermis that grants them additional protection from small arms. The creatures' left arms are still slightly longer than their right, though the claws on both are wickedly sharp. Both sides of a Beta's mouth are flanked by mandibles, giving them a more unsettling appearance.

Betas are both fast and extremely deadly. When shot at, they will often quickly sidestep to avoid incoming fire. They are also capable of instantly killing victims by dashing in close and slashing open their throats. The hardened epidermis covering their heads can be shattered with enough gunfire, though shotguns and grenade rounds are more effective. Breaking the shell will expose sensitive soft tissues which should be targeted for a quicker kill.