Mastering the Bolt Cutters in Resident Evil 2: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re trapped in the Raccoon City Police Department, zombies are clawing at the windows, and you desperately need to snip those chains barring your progress. The question burns in your mind: How do you get the bolt cutters in Resident Evil 2? Don’t fret, survivor! Getting your hands on this essential tool is a key milestone, and this guide will walk you through exactly where to find them and what doors you can unlock.

In Resident Evil 2 (2019), obtaining the bolt cutters is pretty straight forward. First, make sure you have the Fire Hose. Once you have extinguished the flames, you will be able to access the repair shop through the alley. That is where you will find the bolt cutters. The bolt cutters are obviously displayed in a tool case on the back wall in the Downtown map.

Navigating the Raccoon City Police Department for Bolt Cutters

Let’s break down the process of acquiring those precious bolt cutters step-by-step, ensuring you don’t miss a single detail:

1. Progress to the East Side of the RPD: Early on, your exploration will be limited to the west wing. Work your way through the narrative to unlock access to the east side of the Police Station, typically involving finding key items and solving initial puzzles.
2. Acquire the Fire Hose: The Fire Hose is usually located in a locker on the 3rd floor of the Police Station. You’ll need to use a portable safe to get the code to open it. The safe itself can be found on the second floor, but that’s a whole other mini-puzzle! Make sure you have some gunpowder and handgun ammo too!
3. Extinguish the Flames: With the Fire Hose in your inventory, head to the 2nd floor and locate the fire blocking your path. Attach the hose to the nearby hydrant and extinguish the flames. This opens up a critical route.
4. Enter the Repair Shop: You’ll be able to access the repair shop through the alley on the Downtown map. This alley is usually in the east side of the RPD.
5. Locate the Bolt Cutters: Inside the Repair Shop, the Bolt Cutters are pretty hard to miss. They’re displayed clearly in a tool case mounted on the back wall. Interact with the case to claim your prize!

What the Bolt Cutters Unlock

Now that you possess the mighty bolt cutters, the RPD is your (partially zombified) oyster! Here’s a rundown of some key areas you can now access:

• East Office (1F): A room containing valuable supplies and, depending on your scenario, an item needed for story progression.
• Operations Room (1F): Another source of supplies and a potential shortcut, depending on your route.
• Various Lockers and Doors: Keep an eye out for chained doors and lockers throughout the Police Station. The bolt cutters are your ticket to what lies behind them, often leading to ammunition, healing items, or key items.
• Clover Key: Remember the clover key is behind a chained door. You can now access the clover key.

Remember to thoroughly explore each area you unlock. The RPD is full of hidden secrets and valuable resources!

Essential Tips for Bolt Cutter Mastery

• Inventory Management is Key: Resident Evil is all about resource management. The bolt cutters take up a precious inventory slot, so plan your route carefully and prioritize which areas you want to unlock first.
• Map Awareness: Keep a close eye on your map. It will indicate chained doors, allowing you to efficiently plan your bolt cutter usage.
• Don’t Waste Uses: Some doors are more valuable to unlock than others. Consider the potential reward before using the bolt cutters, especially if you’re playing on a difficulty where resources are scarce.
• Second Run Differences: In the “Second Run” scenarios, the placement of certain items, including the bolt cutters, may change slightly. Be prepared to adjust your strategy.
• Think Ahead: Consider your future needs. Are there locked doors on your intended route? Are you close to a boss fight and need extra supplies? Prioritize unlocking areas that will benefit you the most in the long run.
• Explore Everything: Once you have the Bolt Cutters, revisit areas you’ve already been to. You might have missed a chained door or locker the first time around.
• Games Learning Society explores the importance of mechanics, dynamics and emotion for game based learning. You can explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Resident Evil 2 Bolt Cutter FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the bolt cutters in Resident Evil 2, providing even more clarity and assistance on your survival journey:

1. In the Second Run scenario, is the bolt cutter location different?

Yes, in the Second Run, the bolt cutter may be located on the opposite side of the Courtyard Door. This allows you to obtain it before certain events and open up the Guard Room from a different direction.

2. What key do I need to get the Bejeweled Box, and does it require bolt cutters?

The Bejeweled Box does not require the bolt cutters. You need the Club Key (Leon) or the Heart Key (Claire) to access the room where it’s located (Interrogation Room or Observation Room).

3. Is there a way to get the bolt cutters earlier in the game?

Not typically. The game’s progression is designed so that acquiring the fire hose is a prerequisite to reaching the bolt cutters.

4. Can I discard the bolt cutters after I’ve unlocked all the doors?

No, you cannot discard the bolt cutters in RE2. Unlike some items in other Resident Evil games, the bolt cutters are always needed.

5. Are there any missable bolt cutter locations?

No, the bolt cutters are always available in the repair shop after extinguishing the fire. There isn’t a scenario where you can permanently miss them.

6. Do the bolt cutters break after a certain number of uses?

No, the bolt cutters in Resident Evil 2 have unlimited uses. Once you acquire them, you can use them on every chained door and locker in the game.

7. What’s the difference between the Club Key and the Heart Key? Do I need bolt cutters to get them?

The Club Key and Heart Key are character-specific keys. Leon uses the Club Key, while Claire uses the Heart Key. These keys open different doors and are not obtained using the bolt cutters.

8. If I’m playing as Leon, can I access areas locked by the Heart Key, even with the bolt cutters?

No. The Heart Key is exclusive to Claire’s playthrough, just as the Club Key is to Leon’s. The bolt cutters only open chained doors and lockers, not those requiring specific keys.

9. Does difficulty level affect the bolt cutter location?

No, the difficulty level does not change the bolt cutter location. They are always found in the repair shop after extinguishing the fire, regardless of the chosen difficulty.

10. What’s the best strategy for using the bolt cutters early in the game?

Focus on unlocking routes that give you access to key items or shortcuts. The East Office, for example, can contain valuable resources and strategic advantages early on.

11. Are there any achievements or trophies tied to using the bolt cutters?

While there isn’t a specific achievement directly tied to using the bolt cutters, accessing certain areas they unlock can contribute to completing other achievements, such as collecting all items or exploring all areas.

12. How many doors and lockers can the bolt cutters open in total?

The exact number can vary slightly depending on the scenario and your exploration route, but the bolt cutters open a significant number of doors and lockers throughout the RPD.

13. Does the location of gunpowder or other crafting materials influence where I should use the bolt cutters first?

Absolutely! Prioritize unlocking areas that contain gunpowder, herbs, or other crafting components. This will allow you to create ammunition and healing items, increasing your chances of survival.

14. Are the bolt cutters useful in the sewers or laboratory areas?

The bolt cutters are primarily useful in the Raccoon City Police Department (RPD). They don’t have any use in the Sewers or Laboratory areas of the game.

15. Can I use the bolt cutters on Nemesis in RE3?

No, the bolt cutters from Resident Evil 2 are not present in Resident Evil 3. Moreover, they cannot be used on Nemesis.

With this comprehensive guide and these frequently asked questions, you’re now equipped to confidently navigate the Raccoon City Police Department, acquire the essential bolt cutters, and unlock the secrets hidden within. Good luck, and happy surviving!