STARS Office & Battery

STARS Office & RPD Exploration (Part 2)

Welcome back, S.T.A.R.S. operative! Having navigated the initial horrors of the Raccoon Police Department, your next objective involves a crucial visit to the S.T.A.R.S. Office. This section will guide you through accessing the office, securing vital items, and preparing for the next phase of your escape.

Navigating to the S.T.A.R.S. Office

From the Main Hall, your path to the S.T.A.R.S. Office is relatively straightforward but not without peril. Remember the locked door on the second floor, west side, that required the S.T.A.R.S. Key? Now is the time to use it.

1. Ascend to the Second Floor: Use the grand staircase in the Main Hall to reach the second floor.
2. Proceed West: Head through the double doors on the west side of the second floor. This leads to a short hallway.
3. Unlock the S.T.A.R.S. Office: At the end of this hallway, you'll find the S.T.A.R.S. Office door. Use the S.T.A.R.S. Key you acquired earlier to unlock it. (Pro-Tip: Once used, the S.T.A.R.S. Key will be discarded, freeing up an inventory slot. Always check if a key is marked as 'Discard' after use.)

Inside the S.T.A.R.S. Office: Items and Intel

The S.T.A.R.S. Office, once a beacon of hope for Raccoon City, is now a somber reminder of the tragedy that has unfolded. Despite the eerie silence, it holds critical items for your progression.

Upon entering, take a moment to survey the room. There are several key points of interest:

• STARS Card: This is your primary objective here. Locate the desk in the center of the room. On it, you will find the STARS Card. This electronic keycard is essential for accessing the electronic door in the Main Hall, which was previously impassable. (Critical Correction: Unlike RE2, the Battery is NOT used for this door in RE3. The STARS Card is the correct item.)
• Fax from Kendo: On a nearby desk or bulletin board, you'll find a document titled "Fax from Kendo." This file provides some lore and context regarding the unfolding disaster, specifically mentioning the situation at Kendo's Gun Shop. While not directly tied to immediate puzzle progression, it deepens the narrative and reinforces the dire circumstances. Read it for background information.
• First Aid Spray: Often found near the entrance or on a shelf, a First Aid Spray is a welcome sight. Always prioritize picking up healing items, especially in the RPD where resources can be scarce.
• Handgun Ammo: Check the various desks and lockers. You're likely to find a box or two of Handgun Ammo. Every bullet counts!
• Save Point: The typewriter in the corner serves as a crucial save point. Always save your game after acquiring important items or completing significant objectives.

Enemy Encounters and Strategy

While the S.T.A.R.S. Office itself is usually clear of enemies upon your first entry, the path to and from it is not. Expect the following:

• Zombies: The hallways leading to the S.T.A.R.S. Office, particularly the main corridor on the second floor, are often patrolled by standard zombies. Use your handgun to dispatch them efficiently, aiming for headshots to conserve ammo.
• Lickers (GameCube/Dreamcast/PC versions): In some versions of the game, Lickers may appear in the second-floor hallways after certain events or upon re-entering the area. These creatures are blind but have acute hearing. Walk slowly to avoid detection, or use the shotgun for a quick, decisive kill if engagement is unavoidable.

Recommended Loadout for this Section:

• Handgun: Your primary weapon for standard zombie encounters.
• Shotgun (if acquired): Excellent for groups of zombies or if you encounter a Licker.
• Healing Items: Always carry at least one First Aid Spray or a couple of Herbs.

Using the STARS Card and Continuing Exploration

With the STARS Card in hand, your next step is to open the electronic door in the Main Hall.

1. Return to the Main Hall: Head back down the grand staircase to the first floor.
2. Locate the Electronic Door: The electronic door is situated on the east side of the Main Hall, opposite the grand staircase, near the reception desk.
3. Use the STARS Card: Approach the electronic panel next to the door and use the STARS Card. The door will slide open, revealing a new path.

Common Pitfalls & Reminders:

• Inventory Management: The RPD section is notorious for tight inventory space. combine herbs, discard used keys, and deposit unnecessary items in the item box (if you've found one) to keep slots open for critical puzzle items.
• Ammo Conservation: Every shot counts. Practice headshots with your handgun and only use more powerful weapons when absolutely necessary.
• Map Awareness: Constantly check your map (press the appropriate button) to understand your surroundings, identify locked doors, and plan your routes.

Opening this new path with the STARS Card marks a significant progression in your RPD escape. Be prepared for new challenges and enemies as you venture into the previously inaccessible areas of the police station.