The Shield & Sword Keys — Resident Evil (1996) Walkthrough

The Shield & Sword Keys

With the Armor Key now in your possession, a significant portion of the mansion becomes accessible, allowing you to delve deeper into its mysteries. Your immediate objective is to locate two crucial items: the Shield Key and the Sword Key. These keys are essential for unlocking further areas and advancing the main storyline.

Acquiring the Shield Key

The Shield Key is typically the first of the two you'll encounter. Its location is tied to a specific puzzle involving a suit of armor.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Head to the Dining Room: From the Main Hall, take the double doors on the ground floor to the west, leading into the Dining Room.
2. Access the East Corridor: Exit the Dining Room through the door on its eastern side. This leads to a long corridor.
3. Enter the Armor Room: Follow this corridor until you reach a door on the north side. This door leads to a room featuring several suits of armor.
4. Solve the Armor Puzzle: Inside the Armor Room, you'll find four suits of armor. Each suit has a button on its chest. The puzzle requires you to press these buttons in a specific sequence. The correct order is often hinted at by paintings or notes found elsewhere in the mansion, but if you're stuck, the sequence is generally:
   • Top-left armor
   • Bottom-right armor
   • Top-right armor
   • Bottom-left armor
   (Note: The exact visual cues for the armor puzzle can vary slightly between versions of the game, but the solution remains consistent.)
5. Retrieve the Shield Key: Once the correct sequence is entered, a hidden compartment will open, revealing the Shield Key. Pick it up immediately.

Potential Hazards:

• Zombies: The corridors leading to and from the Armor Room may contain zombies. Be prepared to either engage them or skillfully evade them to conserve ammunition.
• Limited Inventory: Ensure you have an open slot in your inventory before attempting to retrieve the key.

Acquiring the Sword Key

The Sword Key is usually found in a different section of the mansion, often requiring you to navigate through more dangerous areas.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Return to the Main Hall: After obtaining the Shield Key, make your way back to the Main Hall.
2. Proceed to the Second Floor: Use the grand staircase in the Main Hall to reach the second floor.
3. Unlock the East Corridor Door: On the second floor, head to the eastern side. You'll find a door that can now be opened with your recently acquired Shield Key.
4. Navigate the East Wing: This new corridor often leads to a series of rooms, including a small library or study. Be cautious as this area can be populated by enemies.
5. Locate the Study/Library: Look for a room that resembles a study or a small library, often with bookshelves and a desk.
6. Find the Sword Key: The Sword Key is typically located on a desk or a small table within this study/library room.

Potential Hazards:

• Hunters (Later Game): Depending on your progress and character, this area might eventually be patrolled by Hunters, which are significantly more dangerous than zombies. Be ready for combat or evasion.
• Cerberus (Dogs): In some versions or playthroughs, you might encounter Cerberus (zombie dogs) in the corridors leading to this area.
• Traps: Keep an eye out for any subtle environmental clues that might indicate a trap.

Next Steps After Obtaining Both Keys:

Once you have both the Shield Key and the Sword Key, you will be able to unlock several new doors throughout the mansion, further expanding your exploration. These keys are crucial for accessing areas that lead to important plot devices, such as the four crests or other puzzle items necessary to escape the mansion. Consult the next sections of this guide for specific guidance on where to use each key and the challenges that await you in those new areas.