Resident Evil 2 Remake Heart Key Location And How To Find It
Navigating the eerie corridors of the Raccoon City Police Department is one of the most intense experiences in the Resident Evil 2 Remake. Among the various key items required to unlock new areas and progress the story, the ornate red Heart Key is vital for uncovering hidden secrets. Knowing how to secure this item efficiently can save players from unnecessary encounters with terrifying creatures wandering the hallways.
A Character Exclusive Item
Before launching a thorough search across the multi-story precinct, it is important to understand that certain progression items are bound to specific campaigns. The item in question is entirely exclusive to Claire Redfield's playthrough, meaning players selecting Leon Kennedy will find a completely different route and toolset. Attempting to locate this particular key while playing as Leon is a common mistake that leads to wasted time and resources.
For Claire, obtaining this tool is an absolute requirement that naturally unlocks subsequent sections of her journey. The game structure ensures that you cannot bypass this step if you wish to see her story through to the end. Keeping this character dynamic in mind helps streamline your navigation choices right from the beginning.
Reaching the Chief's Office
Your journey toward the item begins after surviving the tense events in the underground Parking Garage and the creepy basement Morgue. Once you obtain the Diamond Key from the morgue drawers, you can activate the elevator controls to access the upper levels. This elevator takes Claire directly up to the second floor, opening up a pathway to Chief Brian Irons' private domain.
The Chief's Office acts as a crucial safe zone where players can organize their inventory and save their progress. Two interesting files rest on the central tables, offering deeper lore regarding the local police department's sudden downfall. However, the door leading out toward the eastern stairwells remains locked until you explore the immediate surroundings further.
Navigating the Private Collection Room
To find the precise location, exit the main office area and walk down the short, narrow corridor heading south. This path leads directly into the Private Collection Room, an eerie space filled with stuffed taxidermy animals and expensive artifacts. At the very end of this room, resting near a stuffed owl, you will spot an item called the Lovers Relief portrait.
Pick up the portrait frame and open your inventory screen to examine the newly acquired artifact closely. Rotating the frame to view its backside will reveal a hidden prompt that allows Claire to interact with the object. Pressing the button releases the ornate key with the red handle directly into your active item slots.
Unlocking Hidden Precinct Paths
Securing this item opens up several critical areas throughout the police station that were previously inaccessible to Claire. You can immediately unlock the door inside the Chief's Office to establish a clean shortcut to the East Stairway. Additionally, it grants access to the Interrogation Room on the first floor and a locked door inside the East Storage Room.
Most importantly, it allows Claire to enter the Records Room to obtain crucial puzzle components required for the main story arc. Remembering to discard the item once its map icon shows a red checkmark will keep your limited inventory space free for ammunition and healing herbs.