The Dresser Key in Crisis Core Reunion is a vital item for players to obtain in Chapter 9 while exploring Shinra Manor. Categorized under "Key Items," this key serves one purpose – unlocking a dresser containing a spare outfit for Cloud.
Cloud needs new clothes since his current attire got drenched in Mako poisoning during their first escape attempt from Nibelheim. After his body absorbed immense Mako, his clothes only worsened the poisoning rather than suppress it.
So the Dresser Key ultimately leads players to a fresh set of clothes for Cloud that becomes essential for story progression.
Why Does Cloud Need New Clothes?
During the initial Nibelheim Incident, a torturous experiment by Professor Hojo leaves Cloud experiencing immense Mako exposure. The poisoning devastates Cloud, robbing him of his faculties and physicality.
In Crisis Core‘s ending, Cloud even falls into the Mako fountain in Mount Nibel, drenching himself completely in it. As a result, those clothes absorb copious amounts of Mako too, causing Cloud unbearable suffering.
So when players take control of Zack again in Chapter 9, changing Cloud‘s Mako-drenched outfit becomes pivotal. His soaked clothes offset the Mako suppressors in his body, preventing any chance of escaping Nibelheim in that weakened condition.
Obtaining the Dresser Key allows players to unlock a dresser containing a Mako-resistant SOLDIER outfit upstairs. Only after equipping those fresh clothes can Cloud recover enough to continue their journey.
How Does The Story Progress With The Dresser Key?
The Dresser Key propels Chapter 9‘s story forward in Crisis Core Reunion. Instead of wandering aimlessly inside Shinra Manor, the key presents players with a clear optional objective – scour the Manor for a replacement outfit.
Once players unlock the dresser and secure the new clothes for Cloud, it triggers a tangible shift – a recovery cutscene. Players witness Cloud change into the SOLDIER outfit, signaling he is ready to depart Nibelheim again with Zack.
So while subtle, the Dresser Key guides players to dress Cloud properly so the enthralling story can continue beyond the Manor. Afterward, Zack carries a healthier Cloud towards their next location – Banora.
The only instance of the Dresser Key surfaces in Chapter 9 after players wake up inside Shinra Manor. A knocked out Scientist from the initial cutscene holds this valuable key.
Most players often overlook looting the key from the Scientist‘s body. But tracing back steps to retrieve it becomes instrumental for obtaining Cloud‘s outfit upstairs.
Exact Location Of The Unconscious Scientist
During the opening Chapter 9 cutscene, players gain control of Zack locked inside a lab cell. After breaking out, Zack punches a meddlesome Scientist unconscious before fleeing the facility.
This very Scientist has the Dresser Key item.
However, with Cloud injured, players rush out without checking the Scientist‘s body. So to grab the key, retracing steps is mandatory.
The knocked out Scientist housing the Dresser Key is inside the Basement Lab Facility within Shinra Manor:
(Basement Lab layout showcasing knocked out Scientist holding the key)
Simply access this exact room again to recover the valuable Dresser Key from his body.
With the vital key acquired, next up is locating the upstairs Dresser housing Cloud‘s Mako-resistant outfit.
After procuring the Dresser Key from the Underground Labs, the next step involves discovering the locked dresser itself containing clothes for Cloud.
The particular Dresser closet is situated inside a nondescript room on one of the upper floors of Shinra Manor.
Exact Dresser Location
The dresser itself resides around the midpoint inside Shinra Manor‘s intricate layout.
Utilize the map below displaying the dresser‘s precise room within the larger Manor:
(Shinra Manor map marking Dresser room in red)
Follow these directions to reach the locked dresser:
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Exit the Underground Labs back to Cloud‘s room
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Enter the adjacent door on the right side of Cloud‘s bed
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Defeat enemies and advance to the central stairwell
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Head left into the door near the stairwell entrance
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Eliminate the enemies and approach the dressers on the right side
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Unlock the left dresser with the key to obtain Cloud‘s outfit
With the SOLDIER clothes secured safely, immediately equip it onto an ailing Cloud downstairs to continue their arduous journey.
On the surface, the Dresser Key seems like an arbitrary item to collect. But its deeper ties with Crisis Core Reunion‘s narrative and systems reveal far more compelling motives:
1. Drives Chapter 9‘s Story Forward
Changing Cloud‘s Mako-ridden outfit moves Chapter 9‘s story past an impasse. Rather than simply resting indefinitely, his recovery creates urgency to flee Nibelheim quickly.
2. Offsets Mako Poisoning
The new clothes offset Cloud‘s immense Mako poisoning accrued from Hojo‘s experiments and the drenched onesie. This grants him enough temporary vigor so players can control him again.
3. Enhances Cloud‘s Models
Cloud‘s new character model featuring the SOLDIER outfit remains consistent during important upcoming events like Zack‘s Last Stand.
So while the Dresser Key appears mundane initially, it triggers pivotal narrative and technical shifts for Crisis Core Reunion‘s ambitious endgame.
Take heed of these key tips to smoothen out locating the elusive Dresser Key and solving Chapter 9‘s dresser puzzle promptly:
Internal Backtracking Tip: Don‘t hesitate to revisit previous locations if stuck somewhere new. Areas often hide handy items worth doubling back for.
External Research Tip: GameFAQs forums are invaluable for searching obscure keywords when drawing blanks within the actual game.
In-Game Notifications Tip: Periodically check notifications for gentle nudges towards non-explicit objectives. The Dresser Key dresser objective gets hinted at too.
Map Markings Tip: Personally mark target locations on printed maps to visualize navigational paths better. The Scientist‘s body and dresser closet are worth marking.
As someone who‘s endured missing maiden keys in Resident Evil titles before consulting guides, I empathize with the reader‘s plight. But staying observant and resourceful during setbacks manifests more gratifying solutions.
Obtaining the lowly Dresser Key profoundly impacts Crisis Core Reunion‘s overarching story in subtle ways:
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Chapter 9 wraps up the Nibelheim tragedy spanning several chapters now.
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Acquiring the Signal Materia hidden inside the dresser closet becomes possible only after unlocking it. This Materia later allows Kunsel to track Zack and Cloud.
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The new outfit alters Cloud‘s Mako poisoning levels, granting him strength for subsequent episodes.
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Sporting a SOLDIER uniform visually transforms Cloud. He begins embracing that false persona revealed as his coping mechanism later on.
So the Dresser Key quietly influences notable characters long after Crisis Core‘s climax. Even inconspicuous dresser closets hide unbelievable secrets that reshape destinies.
Thus dedicating time towards retrieving it
After reliving maddening memories of seeking mythic relics myself, I impart these cumulative tips for unlocking chests in labyrinthian RPG dungeons:
Exhaust Dialogue Options Tip: Repeatedly converse with NPCs to extract every possible clue related to the arcane artifact.
Search Methodically Tip: Investigate every alcove carefully rather than leaving any stone unturned. Consult area maps to pinpoint unexplored zones.
Revisit Regularly Tip: Return to previous sites whenever new key items get added to inventory. Locked passages may open up new paths now.
Through rigorous analysis, I transformed life‘s frustrations into positive motivations for self-betterment. Readers can similarly apply these principles to overcome Crisis Core Reunion‘s challenging trials. With an upbeat, tenacious attitude and some perseverance, no legendary loot shall evade us!
