Each version of Resident Evil contains many secrets, most of which require a prerequisite to unlock or some kind of button combination. Every secret in each version will detailed below, and the process to unlock them will also be shown.
PlayStation, Saturn, and Nintendo DS versions
Unlimited Rocket Launcher
Simply beat the game in under three hours, and the unlimited Rocket Launcher will appear in your next save game. It does not matter which ending you get.
Special Key
Receive the best ending for either character in order to get the Special Key. This key unlocks the dressing room in the mansion (found in the room next to the first floor gallery), where players will have the ability to change their outfits. PlayStation and Saturn players will receive civilian outfits for Chris and Jill, while Rebirth (not classic) mode players can receive an additional ninja outfit for Chris and a policewoman outfit for Jill. Director's Cut players cannot receive the key, as the room is already unlocked.
Director's Cut only
Unlimited Colt Python
Save every character in Advanced mode with either Jill or Chris, and on your next save, you'll receive the Colt Python with unlimited ammo!
Double the Ammunition
In the main menu, highlight Advanced mode and hold down the right directional pad for about ten seconds. It should change to green, meaning you'll receive double the ammo once you start a new game! For example, instead of finding 15 rounds in a clip, you'll get 30!
Colt Python ammunition bug
Due a mistake in development of the Arrange-mode, when you get to the Tiger Statue room and use one of the gems to reveal ammunition for Colt Python, they'll respawn endlessly as long as you don't take them all. What you do is to take one or two drums of it, but always leave at least one drum of it behind and exit the room. When going back to the room, they all have respawned back. This way you can get endlessly Colt Python ammo when you just repeat the process. NOTE: This only works in the Arrange/Advanced-mode.
Saturn only
Alternate Costumes
Hold the L and R triggers on controller 2 at the "July 1998" screen, and while holding them down, press start on controller 1. The game will then start with your character wearing the alternate costume. Chris gets a SWAT-like uniform while Jill gets a military outfit.
Battle Mode
Make a save file for either character and restart the game. At the title screen simultaneously press and hold X, Y, and Z and press start on controller 2, causing the screen to flash. Press start on controller 1 and go to options, where there should be an option called Battle Game. Pick it and load the data from your saved game. Each time you go back to the title screen, you'll have to re-enter the code.
PC only
Exclusive weapons
Beat the game in under three hours to receive the Minimi (for Chris) or the Ingram MAC-10 (for Jill).
Nintendo DS
Master of Knifing
Simply beat the game once to unlock this extra feature.
Double the Ammunition
In the main menu, highlight classic or Rebirth mode and hold down the right directional pad for about ten seconds. It should change to green, meaning you'll receive double the ammo once you start a new game! For example, instead of finding 15 rounds in a clip, you'll get 30!
Extra Characters in Multiplayer Mode
- Richard Aiken: Beat all of the Versus levels in wireless play.
- Barry Burton: Beat Jill's Rebirth mode.
- Rebecca Chambers: Best Chris's Rebirth mode.
- Enrico Marini: Beat all of the Co-op levels in wireless play.
- Chris Redfield: Already unlocked.
- Forest Speyer: Beat Jill's classic mode.
- Kenneth J. Sullivan: Beat Chris's classic mode.
- Jill Valentine: Already unlocked.
- Albert Wesker: Obtain a B ranking in Master of Knifing.