Navigating the terrifying corridors of the Raccoon City Police Department in Resident Evil 2 requires careful exploration and puzzle-solving skills. Among the various key items hidden throughout the station, the Red Jewel plays a crucial role in unlocking valuable rewards that enhance your survival inventory. Understanding how to acquire and properly utilize this gem ensures a smoother playthrough for both Leon and Claire.
Locating the Key Prerequisites
Before you can secure the Red Jewel, you must first gather a few mandatory key items scattered around the police station. Your primary objective is obtaining the Red Book, which is located on a desk near the Library on the second floor. Additionally, you will need to unlock the Spade Key to gain access to the station's east wing where the Art Room is located.
Having these items in your inventory eliminates unnecessary backtracking through dangerous hallways infested with zombies. Always ensure your inventory has enough free slots to manage the key items without dropping essential ammunition or healing supplies.
Solving the Art Room Statue Puzzle
Once you have the Red Book and Spade Key, head directly to the Art Room on the second floor. Inside the room, pick up the Statue's Left Arm resting on a nearby table. Combine the Left Arm with the Red Book in your inventory to assemble the complete arm piece.
Next, interact with the large statue at the back of the Art Room and attach the combined arm. Doing so causes the statue to release a decorative Scepter into your possession. Open your inventory, examine the handle of the Scepter, and press the hidden button to detach the Red Jewel.
Finding and Opening the Bejeweled Box
To use the Red Jewel effectively, you must locate the Bejeweled Box hidden in another section of the station. In standard story runs, this box is retrieved from the Interrogation Room or Observation Room after securing the necessary key. In second story runs, the box can be discovered in the second-floor shower room area.
Once both items are in your inventory, combine the Red Jewel with the Bejeweled Box to unlock it. Inside the box, you will receive the coveted S.T.A.R.S. Badge, an item that serves a dual purpose in your adventure.
Unlocking High-Tier Arsenal Upgrades
The S.T.A.R.S. Badge obtained from the Bejeweled Box acts as a special key and a USB dongle. Inspecting the back of the badge reveals a hidden USB connector that can be inserted into the computer terminal in the S.T.A.R.S. Office. This opens the armory door, giving Leon access to the Lightning Hawk Magnum or Claire access to the MQ 11 Submachine Gun.
Furthermore, you can retrieve the physical badge after using it on the computer to open another weapon case later in the game. Bringing the badge to the Underground Facility allows you to unlock a special case containing valuable weapon attachments that boost firepower and performance.