Where to Find All Letters from 1998 in Resident Evil 9

Jessica Turner

Jun 22, 2026

Finding all the Letters from 1998 in Resident Evil 9 gives players one of the most emotional side stories in the whole game. These five short files, tucked away in the ruined streets of Raccoon City, follow a little girl named Meryl as she tries to reach her father during the 1998 outbreak. They’re strictly Deluxe Edition and Deluxe Kit content, so you won’t see them without that version.

This guide, cocers location for every single Letter from 1998, the heartbreaking story they tell, and the useful reward you get for finishing the set. If you’re planning to jump into any popular PC game, plenty of players grab Steam keys from Lootbar to get started without any extra hassle.

What Exactly Are the Letters from 1998?

These aren’t regular files you can find in the standard edition. They’re five handwritten notes titled From Meryl to Mommy. They appear only if you own the deluxe content, and they must be collected in order. Skip one and the later ones won’t even let you interact with them.

The letters expand on classic Resident Evil 2 lore. Meryl Branagh is the daughter of Lieutenant Marvin Branagh — the same wounded cop Leon meets in the RPD in the older games. Through her eyes we see a child’s desperate attempt to find safety while everything falls apart around her. It’s short, it’s sad, and it sticks with you.

Collecting all five RE9 letters from 1998 also unlocks the R.P.D. Charm, a weapon attachment that boosts Leon’s damage output whenever he’s close to dying. It’s surprisingly handy on higher difficulties.

All Letters from 1998 Locations

Here’s the precise order and spots for all letters from 1998 in Resident Evil 9. I’ve double-checked these against multiple playthroughs and community reports so you don’t waste time wandering.

Letter 1 – Applegate Hotel (East Raccoon City)

This letters from 1998 in Resident Evil 9 one is super early, right where Leon starts moving through the city.

Head into the Applegate Hotel lobby.
Look for the red couch or sofa area on the right side.
The first note is sitting right there on the cushions.

It’s easy to rush past because the game is pushing you forward. Take two seconds to check the seating area before you leave the building.

Letter 2 – Gas Station Shelf (East Raccoon City)

After the hotel you’ll hit the gas station area pretty naturally.

Go inside the gas station store.
Watch for the zombie that lunges up from the floor — that’s your landmark.
Just past that spot, check the shelf on the left or right wall.

The note is plain as day once you’re looking for it. Grab it before you move on to the next district.

Letter 3 – Wrecked Car Past Kendo’s (Raccoon City Center)

Once you reach the Gun Shop Kendo area in the city center, keep going a little farther.

Move past Kendo’s shop.
You’ll spot a wrecked or abandoned car nearby.
The third letter from 1998 in Resident Evil 9 is on the dashboard inside that car.

This one marks the point where Meryl actually finds her dad. After you pick it up, the game basically tells you to backtrack a bit.

Letter 4 – RPD Garage Ramp (Backtrack Required)

This is the one most people miss the first time.

After grabbing Letter 3, head back toward the RPD Underground Parking Garage entrance.
It’s on the ramp leading down — not inside the garage itself.
Look near the first car on the left side, tucked in the corner between the car and the wall, right by the rear left wheel.

Two pink-bordered papers on the ground. That’s your spot. You have to come back here after visiting Kendo’s area, so don’t stress if you didn’t see it on the first pass.

Letter 5 – Kendo’s Gun Shop Alley (Final Note)

Once you have the first four letters from 1998, return to the Kendo area one more time.

Go to the alley on the east side or rear-right of Gun Shop Kendo.
You’ll see a pair of small children’s shoes in the rubble.
The final letter is right there on the ground (it’s blank).

After you pick it up, Resident Evil 9 R.P.D. Charm appears nearby — usually a short distance ahead in a straight line from where you found the shoes. There might be a couple of boxes and a small Raccoon statue to shoot for good measure.

How to Get the R.P.D. Charm Reward

Finish all five letters from 1998 in Resident Evil 9 in order and the charm spawns automatically near Kendo’s shop. Equip it on any weapon and you’ll notice the damage bump when Leon’s health gets low. It’s not game-breaking, but it has saved me in a couple of tight Insanity Mode runs when I was one hit from death.

Quick Tips So You Don’t Miss Any Letters from 1998

Own the Deluxe Edition or Deluxe Kit — otherwise they simply don’t exist in your game.
Collect them in order. The later notes won’t be readable until you have the previous ones.
Expect to backtrack at least once, especially around the Kendo and RPD garage section.
Check your in-game map or files menu after each pickup so you know you’re still on track.
The letters don’t show up in the regular files list on new game plus sometimes, but the charm stays unlocked.

Final Thoughts

Hunting down every letter from 1998 in Resident Evil 9 Requiem is one of those optional things that actually makes the game feel bigger and sadder. It connects the new story directly to Marvin Branagh and the original Raccoon City incident without feeling forced. Plus you walk away with a solid charm for your trouble.

In case you don’t own the game yet, grabbing a Resident Evil 9 Steam key from Lootbar is one of the easier options available. The platform is safe, fast, and often cheaper than other alternatives.