Introduction
Welcome, S.T.A.R.S. operative, to the Spencer Mansion! This guide will navigate you through the terrifying halls and treacherous puzzles of the original Resident Evil (1996). Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned veteran looking to relive the horror, this walkthrough aims to be your comprehensive companion, ensuring your survival against the Umbrella Corporation's abominations.
Character Selection: Jill Valentine vs. Chris Redfield
Your first critical decision is choosing your character. This choice significantly impacts your gameplay experience:
- Jill Valentine:
- Inventory: Starts with 8 inventory slots, allowing for more item carrying capacity.
- Lockpick: Possesses a Lockpick from the start, enabling access to certain locked doors and drawers without needing specific keys. This often streamlines progression.
- Weaponry: Generally has access to more powerful weapons earlier in the game, including the Grenade Launcher.
- Companion: Often paired with Barry Burton, who provides assistance and occasionally ammunition.
- Difficulty: Considered the "easier" character due to her larger inventory and lockpick.
- Chris Redfield:
- Inventory: Starts with only 6 inventory slots, requiring more careful item management and frequent trips to item boxes.
- No Lockpick: Must find specific small keys to open locked doors and drawers.
- Weaponry: Primarily relies on the Combat Knife and Handgun for a significant portion of the early game. Shotgun acquisition is a priority.
- Companion: Often paired with Rebecca Chambers, who can heal Chris but offers less direct combat support than Barry.
- Difficulty: Considered the "harder" character due to limited inventory and lack of a lockpick.
For your first playthrough, especially if you're new to the classic Resident Evil mechanics, we recommend starting with Jill Valentine. Her advantages will provide a more forgiving introduction to the mansion's horrors.
Initial Steps & Essential Mechanics
Regardless of your character choice, the opening moments are crucial. Pay close attention to these immediate actions:
- Follow Your Team: After the opening cinematic, you'll find yourself in the Main Hall. Follow your S.T.A.R.S. teammates.
- Investigate the Dining Room: The first significant area you'll enter is the Dining Room.
- Jill: As Jill, immediately head to the far end of the Dining Room. On the small table near the back, you'll find the Handgun Ammo. Collect it.
- Chris: As Chris, you'll primarily rely on your Combat Knife initially. Conserve your Handgun Ammo for critical encounters.
- First Zombie Encounter: The infamous first zombie will appear.
- Strategy: For your first encounter, it's often best to conserve ammo. If playing as Jill, you can use a few Handgun shots to stun it, then run past. As Chris, a few well-placed knife slashes can take it down, but be prepared to take damage. Alternatively, simply turn around and exit the Dining Room back into the Main Hall to trigger the next event.
- Acquire Your Weapon:
- Jill: After the initial zombie encounter, Barry will give you the Handgun. Equip it immediately.
- Chris: You'll start with the Handgun and Combat Knife.
- Explore the West Wing (First Floor): Your immediate objective is to explore the rooms accessible from the Main Hall. Prioritize the doors leading to the West Wing.
- Item Management: The original Resident Evil features limited inventory space.
- Item Boxes: Learn to utilize the ubiquitous Item Boxes. Items placed in one box are accessible from any other Item Box in the mansion. This is your primary method for storing excess items and managing your inventory.
- Conservation: Ammunition and healing items (Green Herbs, First Aid Sprays) are scarce. Use them wisely. Avoid unnecessary combat, especially against single zombies, if you can simply run past them.
This introduction sets the stage for your terrifying journey. Remember to save frequently at Typewriters (you'll need Ink Ribbons!) and always be aware of your surroundings. Good luck, and try not to become another victim of the mansion's horrors!