Getting started: survive the first trip to the RPD
Choose a scenario, learn fixed-camera movement, and make a sensible first inventory.
Original 1998 PlayStation release. The DualShock reissue, later ports, and 2019 remake have edition-specific additions.
Start with one survivor
Choose Leon or Claire for an A scenario. Either is a valid introduction, and neither route is merely a costume change: weapons, partners, puzzles, and story scenes differ. Your first goal is a complete A-to-B pair, not a perfect ranking. After clearing A, preserve the result and load its linked data for the opposite character's B scenario. A fresh New Game with the other character starts another A route instead of continuing your first pair.
Learn movement before fighting
Movement follows the character's facing direction while the camera changes between fixed views. Keep holding the intended direction through a camera cut rather than immediately steering according to the new picture. Create space before raising a weapon, and learn which corners allow a zombie to pass. The opening streets punish hesitation, but fighting every enemy is unnecessary. Once indoors, decide which passages you will revisit before spending ammunition to clear them.
Carry for the next objective
Ink Ribbon: inventory or game-object image from the original Resident Evil 2. .
Item Box: inventory or game-object image from the original Resident Evil 2. .
Typewriter: inventory or game-object image from the original Resident Evil 2. .
Use item boxes to store spare weapons, ammunition, and puzzle objects you do not currently need. Leave room for new finds so an important pickup does not force another journey across the station. Typewriters require ink ribbons; save after meaningful progress and before unfamiliar danger, then store the remaining ribbons again. Examine new objects and read files, because useful clues are often held in the inventory rather than shown as an objective marker.
Write down your current locked door and the next key or puzzle item it needs before taking a break.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.