Resident Evil 2 STARS Badge Location And How To Unlock Its Secrets

Navigating the ominous corridors of the Raccoon City Police Department in Resident Evil 2 requires keen observation and careful resource management. Among the many key items scattered throughout the precinct, the STARS Badge stands out as a crucial tool for unlocking high-tier weaponry. Discovering its exact location and understanding how to interact with it properly allows players to significantly boost their firepower early in the campaign.

Finding the Jewels Box and the Bejeweled Box

Before acquiring the badge itself, players must obtain two distinct key items within the police station. First, head to the Art Room on the second floor of the east wing to claim the Red Jewel, which is detached from a statue using a decorative book arm. Next, locate the Observation Room or Interrogation Room on the first floor to collect the locked Bejeweled Box.

Combining the Red Jewel with the Bejeweled Box opens the container and reveals the hidden STARS Badge inside. This metal emblem serves dual purposes throughout your escape attempt, making it one of the most versatile items in the game. Storing it safely in your inventory until needed ensures you will not miss out on vital upgrades.

Transforming the Badge into a USB Dongle Key

Examining items within your inventory is a core mechanic in Resident Evil 2 that often reveals hidden functions. Inspecting the back of the STARS Badge allows players to press a small button, which retracts the badge portion and extends a USB connector. Converting the object transforms it into the USB Dongle Key required for computer terminals.

Take the modified USB key to the STARS Office located on the second floor of the west wing. Insert the dongle into the computer tower next to the armory door to open the security glass. Inside, Leon will find the powerful Lightning Hawk Magnum, while Claire gains access to the MQ 11 Submachine Gun.

Retrieving the Badge for Underground Facilities

Many players make the mistake of leaving the USB key in the STARS Office computer after opening the armory door. It is essential to interact with the terminal again to retrieve the badge before progressing deeper into the facility. Taking the badge back into your inventory unlocks a second major secret later in the game.

As you progress into the Underground Facility beneath the police station, you will encounter a locked glass case near the Worker's Break Room area. Converting the USB key back into its original badge form allows you to insert it into the case slot. Opening this case rewards Leon with a Long Barrel upgrade for his Magnum or Claire with a Suppressor for her submachine gun.

Maximizing Your Arsenal for Endgame Survival

Securing both the weapons and their corresponding upgrades using the STARS Badge vastly improves your combat efficiency. The extra firepower provided by these specialized armaments proves invaluable during intense boss encounters in the lower sewers and laboratory levels. Taking the time to solve this multi-step puzzle ensures you are fully prepared for the challenges ahead.