Navigating the eerie corridors of the Raccoon City Police Department in Resident Evil 2 Remake requires a mix of steady aim and sharp puzzle-solving skills. Early in the game, players encounter a prominent puzzle in the West Office involving Leon Kennedy's welcome desk, which is tightly secured by two combination padlocks. Cracking these locks is highly beneficial as it rewards players with an inventory upgrade or crucial ammunition depending on the character scenario.
Understanding the Puzzle Clues
The solution to unlocking the desk is hidden in plain sight within the office itself, detailed in a note left behind by Leon's new colleagues. The memo explains that the combinations correspond to the first initials of the fellow officers' first names who sit to the left and right of the desk. Inspecting the nameplates around the room reveals the names needed to crack the code.
For the left padlock, players must look at the desks to Leon's immediate left, which feature the names Neil Carlsen, Elliot Edward, and David Ford. Taking the first letters of their names yields the initial combination sequence. This structural environmental storytelling encourages thorough exploration rather than relying on external assistance.
The Final Lock Combinations
By compiling the initials from both sides of the workstation, players can quickly deduce the exact inputs required to open the desk. The combination for the left padlock is NED, which aligns with the names of the officers stationed on that side of the room. Inputting this code will successfully release the first latch holding the drawer shut.
To unlock the right side of the desk, players need to gather the initials from the nameplates on the opposite side, which belong to Marvin Branagh, Rita Phillips, and George Scott. This produces the combination MRG, completing the puzzle requirements. When exploring the station further, understanding your tools and items can streamline future puzzles across the massive layout.
The Rewards of Unlocking the Desk
Successfully opening Leon's desk provides an immediate tactical advantage that can change the trajectory of your early survival efforts. If you are playing as Leon, the desk rewards you with a High-Capacity Mag upgrade for the Matilda handgun, allowing you to hold more rounds before reloading. This is an essential item for dealing with the aggressive zombie hordes blocking the hallways.
For players navigating the campaign as Claire Redfield, the desk yields a Speed Loader for her SLS 60 revolver instead. This modification significantly decreases the time it takes to reload during frantic encounters with dangerous monsters. Gathering these upgrades ensures your character remains resilient as the threat level increases throughout the police department.
