Mastering the Tools of Survival: A Comprehensive Guide to Tools in Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 (both the original and the remake) throws players into a desperate fight for survival amidst a zombie outbreak. Success hinges not only on your combat prowess but also on your understanding and utilization of the crucial tools scattered throughout Raccoon City. These tools aren’t weapons, per se, but items that unlock new areas, solve puzzles, and ultimately, pave the way for escape. The primary tools players will need include the T-Bar Valve Handle and the Mechanic Jack Handle. This article will delve into these items and other tools in the game.
The Essential Tool Arsenal of Resident Evil 2
While a variety of items can be used to your advantage, some stand out as absolutely vital for progression. These are the tools that open locked doors, allow you to bypass obstacles, and ultimately, progress through the storyline.
The Indispensable T-Bar Valve Handle
The T-Bar Valve Handle is a crucial tool used primarily in the sewer system of Resident Evil 2. It’s designed to interact with specific valve mechanisms to control the flow of water and open pathways to previously inaccessible areas. Without it, large portions of the sewer remain blocked, hindering your ability to find key items and advance the story.
- Location: You’ll find the T-Bar Valve Handle in the Treatment Pool Room, down by the cable car station. A thorough search of this area is necessary.
- Usage: The T-Bar Valve Handle is used to open T-Bar doors and operate the Secret Room door back at the Police Station.
The Pivotal Mechanic Jack Handle (Jack Tool)
The Mechanic Jack Handle, often referred to as the Jack Tool, is another critical tool with a specific purpose: manipulating the bookshelves in the Library. This is essential for progressing through the Police Station and reaching the Clock Tower.
- Location: The Mechanic Jack Handle is located in the Records Room on the west side of the RCPD’s first floor. Accessing this room requires either the Club Key (Leon’s scenario) or the Heart Key (Claire’s scenario).
- Usage: The Mechanic Jack Handle allows you to reposition the bookshelves in the Library, creating a bridge to access the Clock Tower.
Other Significant Tools and Keys
While the T-Bar Valve Handle and Mechanic Jack Handle are paramount, other keys and tools are essential to surviving Raccoon City:
- Keys: Club Key, Heart Key, Spade Key, Diamond Key, Chief’s Office Key, S.T.A.R.S. Badge (used as a USB drive), Dimitrescu Key (Resident Evil Village)
- Weapons: Combat Knife, Samurai Edge Handgun, LE 5 Submachine Gun, ATM-4 Rocket Launcher
- Consumables: Red Herb
- Utilities: Screwdriver
Resident Evil 2 FAQs: Mastering the Tools
Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about tools in Resident Evil 2, providing you with a deeper understanding of how to use them effectively:
1. What is the tool used for T-Bar doors in RE2?
The T-Bar Valve Handle is the tool specifically designed for opening T-Bar doors located in the sewers.
2. Where can I find the tool needed for the Library in RE2?
The Mechanic Jack Handle (or Jack Tool) is found in the Records Room. You’ll need the Club Key (Leon) or the Heart Key (Claire) to enter the Records Room.
3. What do I need the Jack for in RE2?
The Mechanic Jack Handle is used to reposition the bookshelves in the Library, allowing you to create a path across the top to reach the Clock Tower.
4. Where can I find the Club Key/Heart Key?
The Club Key (Leon) is located in the West Office inside the Police Station. The Heart Key (Claire) is located in the Chief’s Office also inside the Police Station.
5. What is the USB Dongle Key for?
The USB Dongle Key is obtained by combining the Red Jewel with the Bejeweled Box. It’s used on a computer in the S.T.A.R.S. Office to unlock the armory and retrieve the Magnum.
6. Where can I find the Red Jewel?
The Red Jewel is located in the Art Room in the Police Station.
7. What do I do with the Screwdriver?
While not in Resident Evil 2, in Resident Evil Village, the Screwdriver is used to open a locked box containing the Demon Crest after escaping Luiza’s house.
8. What are the Raccoon figurines for?
By finding and destroying all 15 Mr. Raccoon Toys, you unlock the Unbreakable Combat Knife, which is added to your Item Box for future playthroughs.
9. Can I get my Knife back if I lose it?
Yes, you can retrieve your Combat Knife if you kill the enemy you stabbed. However, its durability decreases each time it’s used defensively.
10. How do I fix the Library puzzle in RE2?
After obtaining the Jack Tool from the Records Room, use it on the stack in the middle of the Library to lower it. You can then shift the bookshelves to create a path.
11. How do I get to the Basement in RE2?
From the Clock Tower, go across to the Break Room on the east side’s first floor, head back down the stairs, and follow the long hallway into the Basement.
12. What is the best weapon in RE2?
The ATM-4 Rocket Launcher is one of the most powerful weapons, dealing significant damage and often killing enemies in one shot. It also has unlimited ammo.
13. Is backtracking necessary in Resident Evil 2?
Yes, backtracking is a significant aspect of Resident Evil 2. You’ll often need to revisit previous locations to use newly acquired keys and tools.
14. What happens to Raccoon City at the end of RE2?
While not explicitly shown in the game, Raccoon City is presumed to be nuked by the government to contain the outbreak, following the original game’s plot.
15. How do I unlock infinite ammo in RE2 Remake?
You can unlock various weapons with infinite ammo by completing the game on specific difficulties with an S rank.
- Samurai Edge Handgun: Complete the game on Standard difficulty, with an S rank.
- LE 5 Submachine Gun: Complete the game on Hardcore difficulty, with an S rank.
- ATM-4 Rocket Launcher: Complete Leon’s campaign on Hardcore difficulty, with an S rank.
Conclusion: Mastering the Tools, Mastering Survival
The tools in Resident Evil 2 aren’t just items; they are keys to survival. Understanding their purpose, location, and application is crucial for overcoming the challenges and escaping the zombie-infested Raccoon City.
Resident Evil 2’s design subtly encourages problem-solving, strategic thinking, and adaptability. By mastering these skills, players not only enhance their gaming experience but also develop valuable cognitive abilities. For more insights on the educational and societal aspects of gaming, explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of gaming and learning.