Resident Evil 7: Biohazard presents players with some of the most intense and grotesque boss encounters in the entire series, and Marguerite Baker is one of the most disturbing. Found in the Old House, Marguerite’s transformation into a bug-controlling nightmare makes her fight particularly challenging. Beating Marguerite in RE7 requires careful preparation, a good understanding of her attack patterns, and efficient use of weapons and resources. Players who rush in without a plan are likely to be overwhelmed, but those who approach with strategy will find the battle manageable, even on higher difficulties.
Understanding Marguerite’s Role in Resident Evil 7
Background and Setting
Marguerite Baker is the matriarch of the Baker family, who has been infected by the Mold, a strange biological fungus that grants regenerative abilities and causes madness. Unlike Jack Baker, who relies on brute strength, Marguerite leans into body horror, controlling swarms of insects and developing a grotesque, elongated form. The boss battle with her occurs in the Greenhouse area after progressing through the Old House, and it represents one of the game’s most atmospheric and unsettling segments.
When the Fight Happens
Players face Marguerite after completing several objectives involving insect nests, flamethrowers, and puzzle solving in the Old House. Once the Crow Key is obtained and used to unlock the greenhouse door, a cutscene triggers the boss fight. This battle is mandatory and cannot be skipped, and it marks a major milestone in Ethan’s journey through Resident Evil 7.
How to Prepare Before Fighting Marguerite
Recommended Weapons
Before starting the fight, make sure you are well-armed. The following weapons are highly effective against Marguerite:
- Shotgun Good for close-range attacks and knocking her back.
- Flamethrower (Burner) Extremely useful for dispersing her insect swarms and damaging her mutated body.
- Handgun Good for ranged headshots when she’s retreating or climbing.
- Grenades or Flame Rounds (if available) For inflicting heavy area damage quickly.
Stocking Up on Resources
Ensure you have the following items in your inventory before entering the fight:
- At least two or three First Aid Meds
- Plenty of Burner Fuel
- Shotgun shells
- Handgun ammo
- Solid Fuel and Chem Fluid (in case you need to craft more supplies mid-fight)
You should also organize your inventory for fast access. Place healing items and your most-used weapons in the quick-select slots for easier management under pressure.
How to Beat Marguerite in the Greenhouse
Phase 1: Initial Engagement
When the fight starts, Marguerite will disappear momentarily before bursting into the room in her mutated form. She is now taller, moves on all fours, and has a grotesque sack protruding from her stomach that releases insect swarms. This is her main weak point. Your goal is to keep pressure on her by attacking this area whenever possible.
Staying Mobile
The greenhouse is multi-leveled, with narrow hallways, crawlspaces, and ladders connecting different rooms. Constant movement is key to survival. Never remain in one area too long. Marguerite will often ambush you from above, break through walls, or sneak behind you. Listening to her audio cues (groaning, buzzing, or scratching) helps predict her location.
Handling Her Insect Swarms
One of Marguerite’s most annoying abilities is her control of insects. She releases swarms from her stomach or spawns nests on the walls. Use the flamethrower to disperse them quickly. Don’t waste bullets on the swarms they’re nearly immune to regular ammo. If you hear buzzing, switch to the Burner and clear the threat before resuming your attacks on her.
Critical Hits and Timing
The weak spot on her stomach is the fastest way to deal damage. Aim your shotgun or Burner at this area when she rears up or after she finishes an attack. Grenades or flame rounds thrown directly into her midsection can deal massive damage. Avoid shooting her randomly conserve ammo for when she’s vulnerable.
Tips for Surviving the Encounter
Use the Environment
The greenhouse has multiple hiding spots and strategic choke points. Lure Marguerite into tight spaces where she can’t use her range or climb easily. Drop down ladders to escape if she’s too close. Just be aware she can follow you between floors, so don’t linger after escaping.
Don’t Let Her Heal
If Marguerite retreats or starts spewing a loud, guttural sound, she may be healing. Follow her and interrupt this behavior with a quick burst from the flamethrower or a direct shot. Letting her regenerate means prolonging the fight unnecessarily.
Use the Safe Room Strategically
There’s a nearby safe room before entering the boss fight zone. If you lose too much health or run out of ammo mid-battle, you can retreat and regroup. While this can break immersion slightly, it’s a valid tactic, especially on harder modes.
Block When Necessary
Marguerite’s melee attacks can deal serious damage. Don’t forget that Resident Evil 7 has a block mechanic. Holding the block button at the right moment can drastically reduce damage and allow you time to heal or reposition.
After Defeating Marguerite
What You Gain
Once defeated, Marguerite will disintegrate and leave behind the Lantern, which you’ll need to access the next major area of the game. You can then explore the greenhouse at your leisure to collect leftover items, which may include ammo, herbs, or crafting components.
New Areas Open Up
With the Lantern in hand, you’ll return to the Old House and unlock the door with the scale puzzle. This leads to the next chapter of Resident Evil 7, introducing new enemies and another twisted member of the Baker family. Be sure to save your game before proceeding further.
Optional Strategies for Hardcore Mode
Inventory Management
In Madhouse difficulty, item placement changes and inventory space is more limited. Bring the essentials only and rely on crafting mid-fight if needed. Avoid carrying unnecessary keys or puzzle items during this section of the game.
Steroids and Defense Coins
Use Steroids and Defense Coins if available. These give you increased health and damage resistance, which are extremely helpful in this fight. You can find these items by using Antique Coins to unlock cages in the main house’s trailer.
Save Ammo
If you’re running low on resources, try to bait Marguerite into exposing her weak spot before attacking. Don’t shoot blindly. Every bullet counts, especially in higher difficulties where ammo is scarce and enemies are tougher.
Defeating Marguerite in Resident Evil 7 can be a terrifying but rewarding experience. She’s a grotesque, agile, and unpredictable foe that tests your ability to manage resources, think on your feet, and respond to dynamic threats. With the right weapons, good positioning, and an understanding of her behavior, you can take her down efficiently and continue your journey through the Baker estate. Remember, patience and timing are just as important as firepower. Marguerite may be one of the most horrifying bosses in RE7, but with smart tactics and steady nerves, you can survive the nightmare.