Choosing a Character
At the outset of the game, you're given the choice of playing through Resident Evil 2 as either Claire Redfield or Leon Kennedy. Both characters have entirely different scenarios to play through and feature different weapons and character interactions. Choosing to start the game as Leon means you'll obtain weapons such as a shotgun and machine gun, while also being able to play a portion of the game as Umbrella spy Ada Wong. If you choose to play as Claire, you'll obtain a crossbow and eventually have access to a grenade launcher with several different types of ammunition. You'll also have times when you're playing as Sherry Birkin, a child who can only dodge zombies and has no way of attacking them. Both character scenarios are similar in difficulty, and playing through one of them unlocks a separate scenario for the other. In all, you'll have to play through the game four times to see the entire story.
Fight or Flight
The key to making it to the end credits alive in Resident Evil 2 is knowing when to engage in battle with the zombies and when to run away. The game provides your characters with a limited supply of ammunition and health regeneration supplies. Your characters will not heal on their own, and dying means having to restart from your last save. Often times, it is best to run past zombies, especially when there is only one or two between you and your destination. If you find yourself in a room with multiple enemies, it is wise to take them out, as you won't have to worry about them later in the game. Always aim for the head, as a well-placed head shot can lead to an instant kill. When fighting quicker enemies such as Lickers, you should only fire when you know your shot will hit. Wasting ammo on tough enemies can lead to a quick demise.
Solving Puzzles
When you aren't fighting, you'll be wandering around the Raccoon City Police Department looking for keys that unlock certain doors, and objects that reveal new passageways. When you come across a locked door, a statue that requires a medal to be placed within, or a power station needing a battery, write down the location and the missing piece. Make use of your map to remember these locations, so when you obtain the necessary item you can quickly make your way back. While there is no time limit, getting lost in the game can be frustrating, especially when you don't know where to go next. Cross off found items on your list and be sure to fully search every room in the game, as often times items are well-hidden.