Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Resident Evil 2 (1998)

RPD Clock Tower Puzzle

Resident Evil 2 (1998): Conquer the RPD Clock Tower puzzle to acquire a crucial medallion. This guide details steps for Leon and Claire's scenarios.

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RPD Clock Tower Puzzle: Unlocking the Medallion

The RPD Clock Tower presents a crucial puzzle that, once solved, grants access to a vital medallion needed for progression. This guide will meticulously detail the steps, item locations, and outcomes for both Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield's scenarios in Resident Evil 2 (1998). Be prepared for potential enemy encounters, especially zombies and Lickers, as you navigate the RPD's upper floors.

Overview of the Clock Tower Puzzle

The Clock Tower puzzle involves finding two specific gears – the Large Gear and the Small Gear – and correctly placing them into the clock mechanism. Successfully activating the mechanism will cause the clock to chime, revealing a hidden compartment containing a unique medallion. The specific medallion obtained depends on your chosen character and scenario.

Required Items & Their Locations

Before you can even begin to tackle the Clock Tower mechanism, you'll need to acquire two essential gears. Their locations are consistent across both Leon and Claire's scenarios.

  • Large Gear: This item is found directly within the Clock Tower itself. After ascending the initial stairs in the Clock Tower, you'll reach a platform with a large, inactive clock mechanism. The Large Gear is usually found lying on the floor or a nearby ledge in this immediate area. It's often overlooked due to its proximity to the puzzle itself.
  • Small Gear: Similar to the Large Gear, the Small Gear is also located within the Clock Tower mechanism area. After placing the Large Gear and activating the first part of the mechanism (as described below), a section of the clock will shift, revealing the Small Gear. It is not found in the Waiting Room or Library as previously misstated.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Accessing the Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is located on the 3rd Floor of the RPD, accessible from the East Side. You will typically reach this area after obtaining the Spade Key (Leon A/Claire A) or the Diamond Key (Leon B/Claire B) and navigating through the Library or the Main Hall's upper levels. Be wary of Lickers and zombies in the corridors leading to the Clock Tower entrance.

2. Initial Clock Tower Exploration & Large Gear Retrieval
  1. Upon entering the Clock Tower, proceed up the first flight of stairs.
  2. You will arrive on a platform with a large, intricate clock mechanism dominating the center.
  3. Locate the Large Gear: Carefully search the immediate vicinity of this platform. The Large Gear (sometimes referred to as the "Large Cog Wheel") will be visible, often on the floor or a low ledge. Pick it up.
3. Inserting the Large Gear & Revealing the Small Gear
  1. With the Large Gear in hand, approach the main clock mechanism.
  2. Identify the large, empty slot within the mechanism. This is where the Large Gear needs to be placed.
  3. Insert the Large Gear: Interact with the slot to place the Large Gear.
  4. Activate the Mechanism: Once the Large Gear is in place, a section of the clock mechanism will shift or activate briefly. This action is crucial as it will reveal the Small Gear.
  5. Locate and Retrieve the Small Gear: Look closely at the newly revealed section of the clock mechanism. The Small Gear (or "Small Cog Wheel") will now be accessible. Pick it up.
4. Inserting the Small Gear & Solving the Puzzle
  1. Now that you have both the Large and Small Gears, return to the main clock mechanism.
  2. Identify the smaller, empty slot within the mechanism. This is where the Small Gear needs to be placed.
  3. Insert the Small Gear: Interact with the slot to place the Small Gear.
  4. Activate the Clock: With both gears correctly inserted, the clock mechanism will fully engage. The clock will begin to chime, playing a short musical sequence.
5. Retrieving the Medallion

After the clock finishes chiming, a hidden compartment will open on the side of the clock mechanism, or a nearby wall. This compartment contains the reward for solving the puzzle:

  • For Leon S. Kennedy (Scenario A/B): You will obtain the Unicorn Medal. This is one of three medallions required to unlock the secret passage beneath the Goddess Statue in the Main Hall.
  • For Claire Redfield (Scenario A/B): You will obtain the Maiden Medal. This is also one of three medallions required to unlock the secret passage beneath the Goddess Statue in the Main Hall.

Important Note: Ensure you pick up the medallion immediately after it is revealed. It is a critical item for advancing through the RPD and escaping the nightmare within.

Common Pitfalls & Tips

  • Missing the Gears: Both gears are found within the Clock Tower itself. Do not waste time searching the Library or Waiting Room for them. Always thoroughly inspect the area around the clock mechanism.
  • Enemy Encounters: The corridors leading to the Clock Tower, particularly the 3rd Floor East corridor, are often patrolled by Lickers. Be prepared with a shotgun or grenade launcher, or practice careful evasion.
  • Inventory Management: The gears take up two inventory slots temporarily. Make sure you have space before heading to the Clock Tower.
  • Visual Cues: Pay attention to the visual and auditory cues. The shifting of the mechanism and the clock chimes are clear indicators of progress.

By following these detailed instructions, you will successfully navigate the RPD Clock Tower puzzle, secure your essential medallion, and take another crucial step towards surviving the horrors of Raccoon City.