Uncovering secrets within the Raccoon City Police Department requires keen observation and careful inventory management. Among the most intriguing key items in Resident Evil 2 is the Red Jewel, a gemstone that unlocks valuable rewards needed for survival. Understanding where to locate this gem and how to combine it with other key items is essential for smooth progression.
Finding the Art Room and Book Title
To begin your search for the Red Jewel, you must first reach the Art Room located on the second floor of the police station's east wing. Inside this room, you will discover a distinctive statue holding a rod alongside a missing book piece. You will also find the Art Storage Key Card on a nearby table to help access locked armories later.
Before you can interact fully with the statue, you need to collect the Red Book from the Library on the second floor. Return to the Art Room and combine the Red Book with the statue's severed arm item. Place the assembled arm back onto the statue to receive the Royal Scepter.
Extracting the Red Jewel from the Scepter
Once you hold the Royal Scepter in your inventory, open your item menu and examine the object closely. Rotate the scepter around until you find a hidden switch along its decorative handle. Interacting with this button releases the gemstone mounted at the top.
The gemstone will drop directly into your inventory as the Red Jewel, freeing up the scepter which can now be discarded. Obtaining this item is a critical mid-game objective for unlocking powerful weapon upgrades. Careful exploration ensures you do not miss this crucial step during your escape attempt.
Locating the Bejeweled Box
With the gemstone secured, your next destination is the Observation Room or Interrogation Room, depending on which scenario you are currently playing. Accessing these rooms requires obtaining the Club Key or Heart Key depending on whether you play as Leon or Claire. Search the tables inside to locate an ornate Bejeweled Box resting near the glass.
Examine the Bejeweled Box in your inventory to prepare it for assembly. Combine the Red Jewel with the top socket of the box to trigger its opening mechanism. The box will slide open, revealing the S.T.A.R.S. Badge hidden safely inside.
Unlocking Rewards with the S.T.A.R.S. Badge
The S.T.A.R.S. Badge serves a dual purpose as both a key item and a hidden USB flash drive. Examining the back of the badge allows you to retract the key portion and expose the USB connector. Plugging this drive into the computer terminal in the S.T.A.R.S. Office opens the armory door containing specialized weapons.
After retrieving your weapon reward, do not forget to take the USB drive back out of the computer terminal. You can use the badge again in the Underground Facility beneath the police station to unlock a special case. Taking the time to complete this optional puzzle grants powerful firepower that makes tough enemy encounters significantly easier.
