Resident Evil (1996)
Resident Evil (1996)

Collectibles & Secrets

Find hidden items and unlock secrets in Resident Evil (1996). This guide details significant collectibles and lore within the Spencer Mansion.

·Multi-source verified (74/74)

Collectibles & Secrets

Beyond simply surviving the horrors of the Spencer Mansion, Resident Evil (1996) offers a wealth of hidden items and intriguing secrets for the diligent player. Uncovering these can provide crucial advantages, unlock new gameplay experiences, or simply offer a deeper dive into the lore of the Umbrella Corporation. This section details the most significant collectibles and secrets you can find.

MO Disks (Jill's Scenario)

These specialized storage devices are exclusive to Jill Valentine's campaign and are essential for unlocking the true ending. There are two MO Disks to find:

  • MO Disk 1:
    • Location: This disk is found in the Laboratory B2, Control Room.
    • Walkthrough: After descending into the laboratory area via the elevator in the Courtyard, navigate through the various corridors until you reach the Control Room. The MO Disk is located on a desk near the computer terminals.
    • Strategy: Be prepared for encounters with Hunters and Zombies in the lab. It's advisable to clear the immediate area before attempting to pick up the disk, as the fixed camera angles can make combat tricky.
  • MO Disk 2:
    • Location: The second MO Disk is located in the Laboratory B2, Power Room.
    • Walkthrough: From the Control Room, you'll need to activate the power and then proceed to the Power Room, which is usually guarded by a Hunter or two. The disk is on a console within this room.
    • Strategy: This area is often dark. Consider bringing the Flashlight (found earlier in the mansion) to improve visibility. Conserve your magnum or shotgun ammo for the Hunters in this confined space.
  • Usage: Both MO Disks are required to unlock the door to the Tyrant's containment chamber in the Laboratory B3, allowing you to rescue Barry Burton and achieve the best ending for Jill.

Self-Defense Gun (Jill's Scenario)

The Self-Defense Gun is a powerful, single-shot weapon that can instantly kill most non-boss enemies. It's a one-time use item, so save it for a critical moment!

  • Location: This weapon is found in the Mansion 1F, Dining Room.
  • Walkthrough: After entering the Dining Room from the Main Hall, head towards the fireplace. Examine the fireplace closely.
  • Strategy: You must have Barry Burton with you when you examine the fireplace. He will notice something unusual and retrieve the gun for you. If Barry is not present (e.g., you are playing Chris's scenario, or Barry has been incapacitated/killed in Jill's scenario), this item cannot be obtained.
  • Usage: Ideal for taking down a particularly troublesome Hunter, a Cerberus pack, or even a Zombie that's cornered you. Remember, it's a single shot!

Special Key (Chris's Scenario)

This unique key is exclusive to Chris Redfield's campaign and is vital for unlocking Rebecca Chambers' special costume.

  • Location: The Special Key is located in the Mansion 2F, Small Library.
  • Walkthrough: After gaining access to the second floor of the mansion, navigate to the Small Library. This room is often infested with Zombies. The key is on a small table or shelf within this room.
  • Strategy: Clear out the Zombies in the library to safely retrieve the key. This key is small and can be easily missed if you don't thoroughly search the room.
  • Usage: Take the Special Key to the Mansion 2F, Dressing Room (the room with the mirror near the west staircase). Use the key on the locked cabinet inside. This will unlock Rebecca's alternate costume, which she will be wearing for the remainder of the playthrough.

Ink Ribbons (Saving)

While not strictly "collectibles" in the traditional sense, Ink Ribbons are a crucial resource that dictates your ability to save progress. Finding and managing them is a key survival strategy.

  • Locations: Ink Ribbons are scattered throughout the mansion, guardhouse, and laboratory. Common locations include:
    • Save Rooms: Every save room (marked by a typewriter) will typically have at least one box of Ink Ribbons.
    • Desks and Shelves: Many offices, studies, and storage rooms contain Ink Ribbons on furniture.
    • Enemy Drops: Rarely, certain enemies might drop Ink Ribbons upon defeat, though this is not a reliable source.
  • Strategy:
    • Conserve: Resident Evil is designed to make you ration resources. Don't save after every minor accomplishment. Wait until you've made significant progress, solved a puzzle, or defeated a tough enemy.
    • Inventory Management: Ink Ribbons take up one inventory slot per box (usually 3 ribbons per box). Plan your inventory carefully, especially when venturing into new areas.
    • Know Your Save Points: Familiarize yourself with the locations of all save rooms. This allows you to plan your routes and decide when it's safe to return to save.

Hidden Ammo & Health Items

Many rooms contain hidden supplies that are easily overlooked. Always examine every corner, piece of furniture, and wall fixture.

  • Under the Stairs: In the Mansion 1F, Main Hall, check the small alcove under the main staircase for hidden Handgun Ammo or a First Aid Spray.
  • Behind Paintings: Several paintings throughout the mansion can be pushed or examined to reveal hidden compartments with ammo or small keys. For example, the painting in the Mansion 1F, East Wing Dining Room (the one with the suit of armor) often hides items.
  • Crates and Barrels: In storage areas like the Mansion B1, Cellar or the Guardhouse B1, Basement, examine all crates and barrels. Some can be pushed to reveal items, while others simply contain them.
  • Plant Pots: Occasionally, small items like Herbs or Handgun Ammo can be found by examining plant pots in various rooms.
  • Statues: Interact with all statues. Many are part of puzzles, but some simply hide items or provide lore.

Alternate Costumes (Unlockable)

Completing the game under specific conditions can unlock alternate costumes for both Jill and Chris, adding replay value.

  • Jill's Alternate Costume:
    • Unlock Condition: Complete Jill's scenario in under 3 hours.
    • Effect: Jill will wear a new, more revealing outfit in subsequent playthroughs.
  • Chris's Alternate Costume:
    • Unlock Condition: Complete Chris's scenario in under 3 hours.
    • Effect: Chris will wear a new, more casual outfit (often a tank top) in subsequent playthroughs.
  • Rebecca's Alternate Costume:
    • Unlock Condition: As Chris, use the Special Key (detailed above) in the Mansion 2F, Dressing Room. This can be done on any playthrough, not just speedruns.
    • Effect: Rebecca will change into a unique outfit for the remainder of that specific playthrough.
  • Strategy: To achieve the 3-hour clear time, prioritize objectives, avoid unnecessary combat, and know the puzzle solutions. Saving frequently is recommended, but be mindful of the time spent in the menu.

Exploring every nook and cranny of the Spencer Mansion is not just for the completionist; it's often essential for survival. Happy hunting, S.T.A.R.S.!