Follow the mansion investigation
Use maps and files to connect the courtyard, guardhouse and laboratory. Contains broad progression spoilers.
Original 1996 PlayStation release. The 1997 Director's Cut Arranged/Advanced layout, 1998 DualShock soundtrack, Saturn additions, Deadly Silence modes and 2002 remake mechanics are outside this guide. Regional presentation and difficulty can differ.
Mark the doors a new key can open
Original Resident Evil inventory image of Sword Key. .
Original Resident Evil inventory image of Armor Key. .
Original Resident Evil inventory image of Shield Key. .
Original Resident Evil inventory image of Helmet Key. .
The mansion's keys are named for symbols such as Sword, Armor, Shield and Helmet. Read a locked door's message and note where its matching key will be useful. Revisit those doors as soon as you obtain the right tool, using the map to plan a loop. Examine puzzling objects in the inventory as well as in the room. Some rewards have to be inspected before their useful contents become available.
Prepare for the courtyard and guardhouse
The four-crest gate leads into the courtyard and onward toward the guardhouse. Cranks and later machinery change the usable paths, so keep track of where a tool was needed instead of carrying every object forever. In the residence, read the files and investigate the water-tank and Plant 42 tasks before assuming that every obstacle is solved by firing a weapon. Your selected scenario can affect who performs a particular task.
Keep evidence for the laboratory
Later exploration leads through the underground areas to the laboratory. Read files as you find them and make notes of names, codes and terminals, because documentary clues are part of the route forward. Keep the MO Disks if you want to investigate the imprisoned teammate's rescue rather than rushing straight to the finale. The laboratory contains several linked systems; completing one room's task is not necessarily the same as unlocking every electronic door.
When an object looks like a container or a book, rotate and examine it in the inventory before storing it.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.