Navigating the tense, shadow-drenched corridors of the Raccoon City Police Department is a hallmark experience for survival horror enthusiasts in Resident Evil 2. Among the most iconic progression hurdles players face early in the campaign is deciphering the intricate three-part medallion puzzle hidden within the main hall and surrounding rooms. Securing these ancient crests is absolutely vital for unlocking the secret underground escape route and surviving the initial onslaught.
Decoding the Proud Lion Statue
The first monument players naturally encounter stands prominently on the upper landing of the majestic Main Hall. To extract its hidden prize, survivors must input a specific sequence of symbols that reflect the noble beasts depicted in official police notebooks. Aligning the carvings of the regal lion head, the lush branch, and the soaring bird will immediately release the valuable Lion Medallion from its stone base.
For players tackling the more complex second playthrough or B scenario, these solutions shift to test your observation skills under increased environmental pressure. In this alternate timeline, entering the crown, the burning torch, and the flying bird symbols will yield the same essential key item. Memorizing these direct inputs can save you from backtracking through dangerous hallways packed with aggressive zombies.
Unlocking the Mystical Unicorn Monument
Venturing into the eastern wing leads investigators to the cluttered Lounge area located just past the library. Here rests the elegant unicorn carving, which bars further progression until its localized riddle is solved by the player. Inputting the twin profiles, the large crescent moon, and the small bird symbols will successfully unlock the mechanical tray holding the second crest.
When exploring the station during an alternate route, the puzzle shifts parameters to challenge returning veterans with a completely new combination. Under these specific scenario conditions, turning the dial to showcase the children holding hands, the traditional scales, and the coiled snake will release the medallion. Securing this object efficiently ensures you minimize your exposure to the terrifying threats wandering the nearby corridors.
Cracking the Hidden Maiden Puzzle
The final and most heavily guarded monument is hidden deep within the dark West Storage Room behind a weak barricade that requires explosive preparation to breach. Once inside the claustrophobic chamber, players must carefully align the worn symbols representing the female bust, the archery bow, and the long slithering snake. Completing this interaction grants you the elusive Maiden Medallion, which serves as the final piece of the initial escape puzzle.
This particular trial becomes significantly harder during the secondary campaign because the physical stone dial is heavily damaged and obscured by grime. Survivors must bypass the visual confusion by directly entering the ram head, the musical harp, and the traditional bird icons into the rusted mechanism. Gathering all three distinct seals allows you to open the heavy floor gates and find a temporary safe haven underground.