Navigating the treacherous world of Resident Evil 4 Remake requires players to scavenge for valuable treasures to keep Leon equipped with top-tier gear. Among the many gemstones scattered throughout the game, the Scratched Emerald is a unique item tied to a specific merchant request. Finding this elusive jewel can prove tricky if you do not know where to look during your journey through the village.
Understanding the Jewel Thief Merchant Request
The quest to find the Scratched Emerald begins in Chapter 12 when you encounter a blue request note titled Jewel Thief. The Merchant asks Leon to retrieve a stolen gemstone that was snatched by a troublesome local crow. Completing this request rewards you with valuable Spinels that can be traded for rare weapon upgrades and exclusive items.
Unlike standard treasure drops that sit inside obvious chests, this gemstone requires a bit of environmental tracking. Players must locate the bird nest where the crow has stashed its glittering prize. Knowing the exact location saves time and prevents you from moving forward into point-of-no-return areas.
Locating the Crow Nest in the Courtyard
To track down the stolen jewel, head toward the Courtyard area located in Castle grounds. Make your way back through the maze-like paths until you reach the central courtyard section near the Merchant shop. Look upward toward the roofs and high stone arches surrounding the area to spot the nest resting on a ledge.
Aim carefully with your handgun or rifle and shoot the nest to dislodge the stolen item. Once the nest breaks, the gemstone will tumble down to the ground for Leon to pick up. Take caution to clear out any nearby enemies before lining up your shot so you remain uninterrupted.
Selling and Utilizing the Scratched Emerald
Once you retrieve the gemstone from the ground, return to the nearest Merchant location to turn in the request. Handing over the jewel completes the quest objective and immediately grants you the promised Spinel reward. You can also sell extra treasures and manage your inventory effectively to purchase powerful weapons.
While standard gems are typically slotted into treasure inlaid items to maximize profit, this specific emerald fulfills a quest duty. Turning it in ensures you do not miss out on vital completion progress for your overall playthrough. It remains one of the most memorable environmental tracking tasks in the castle area.
Tips for Successful Treasure Hunting
Always inspect blue request notes carefully whenever you enter new main chapters. Purchasing treasure maps from the Merchant using Spinels will also reveal general locations for hidden valuables across the map. Keeping your eyes peeled for crows perched above can often lead to extra hidden items and ammo drops.
Taking the time to hunt down every request drastically improves Leon's survival capabilities throughout the campaign. With fully upgraded weapons, tackling boss fights and large infected swarms becomes significantly more manageable. Make sure to collect all regional treasures before advancing to the island phase of the story.