Where to Find the Square Crank Handle in the Resident Evil 2 Remake

Capcom’s Resident Evil 2 remake is a faithful return to the series’ roots. That means it includes a host of puzzles. Some of them are real headscratchers, preventing your progress until later, like the one requiring the square handle crank. Getting it is actually a matter of story progression, so here’s how to find it.

Where to Find the Crank Handle in RE2

Note that whichever campaign you play, you’ll come across a few slots for the square crank handle, one of which opens the entire east wing of the Raccoon City Police Department. The location of the crank will depend on which campaign you are working through: Leon’s or Claire’s.

Note: The descriptions and information for the crank location below may contain slight spoilers. Continue reading at your own risk.

Square Handle Crank Location: Leon’s Campaign

In Leon’s campaign, you’ll find the square crank handle in the jail, which is located in the basement after you escape the RPD. You’ll eventually go to the jail after you visit the Underground Facility and face William Birkin for the first time. Once you make your way back up, you’ll traverse through the parking garage toward the jail (all while still following the main storyline).

You’ll walk down a very windy hallway, following the path all the way to a dead end. Here, you’ll see the jail cell with the journalist within. After a short scene, you can explore the surrounding area; the square crank handle will be on the table opposite the jail cell. You can use it to open some of the other cells in the jail, and you’ll want to hold onto it to unlock some other doors around the RPD, specifically the east wing.

Where is the Square Handle Crank in Claire’s Campaign?

If you’re playing Claire’s campaign, you’ll see the same slots for the square handle crank. However, you cannot find or use the square handle crank in Claire’s campaign. This means you’ll want to ensure you open all of them while playing as Leon so you don’t miss out on anything. As Claire, instead of entering the Generator Room, you’ll head up the staircase to the Break Room.

That’s all you need to know about finding the square handle crank in the Resident Evil 2 remake. There are plenty of other keys to collect in the game, so keep a sharp eye out and try to unlock everything you can with them before progressing out of the area.

Want some more helpful tips like this? Check out GameSkinny’s Resident Evil 2 guides hub!