- Primary Subject: Resident Evil Requiem
- Key Update: All four Grace inventory upgrades explained
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 26, 2026
- Quick Answer: Grace can increase her inventory by finding four Hip Pouches in Rhodes Hill and ARK. Each adds +2 slots (total +8), but they must be collected again every playthrough.
This article contains SPOILERS for Resident Evil Requiem
Inventory management is one of the biggest survival challenges in Resident Evil Requiem, especially while playing as Grace.
At the beginning, her inventory is incredibly tight, fitting little more than a gun, a small stack of ammo, and a couple of healing supplies, which immediately puts pressure on your decisions.
Unlike Leon, who uses a larger attaché-style case later in the game, Grace relies on traditional slot-based inventory, and expanding it is absolutely critical.
The only way to permanently increase Grace’s inventory capacity during a playthrough is by finding Hip Pouches. In total, there are four available in the main story, and each adds two inventory slots, giving you eight more spaces overall and significantly expanding your starting storage.
That significantly cuts down on stash runs and lets you carry more healing items, ammo, puzzle pieces, and key items at the same time.
However, these upgrades do not carry over into a fresh run or New Game Plus, so you’ll need to collect them again in every playthrough.
Below is a complete, detailed breakdown of where to find all four Hip Pouches and what you need to access each one.
Hip Pouch #1 – Care Center Parlor (West Wing, Ground Floor)
You’ll spot your first inventory upgrade in the Parlor at Rhodes Hill Care Center, though entry is blocked until you use a gemstone or relic.
As you progress through the Care Center, you’ll eventually obtain the red gem (often referred to as a ruby relic) from a decorative box in an upstairs office area.
Once examined and removed, that gem can be inserted into the Parlor door to unlock it. Inside the Parlor, you won’t immediately find the Hip Pouch sitting out in the open.
Instead of being directly obtainable, it’s secured behind a prize cabinet that requires three Antique Coins, which are distributed throughout the Care Center in safe rooms, side rooms, and inside safes.
If you explore thoroughly, you can gather three fairly early. Once you have enough, interact with the prize cabinet and purchase the Hip Pouch to gain your first two extra inventory slots.
Although the Parlor is part of main progression, it’s still possible to move past key exit points in the Care Center without buying the upgrade. Make sure you grab this before leaving the facility permanently.
Hip Pouch #2 – Filing Room Storage Closet (West Wing, Ground Floor)
The second Hip Pouch is located in the Filing Room behind a Level 1 security door, which you’ll probably encounter earlier in the story but won’t be able to access until you obtain the Level 1 ID Wristband.
This wristband is obtained naturally through story progression in the East Wing. Once you have the wristband, head back to the West Wing and move through the Dining Room until you reach the Filing Room.
Inside, use the Level 1 access door at the back to enter a small storage closet.
The Hip Pouch will be inside on a table. This is another upgrade you should collect before completing the Care Center’s major escape objective.
There are points later where returning becomes impossible, so it’s best to secure it as soon as you gain access.
Hip Pouch #3 – Basement Processing Area (Forklift Room)
The third Hip Pouch is located in the Care Center basement and is tied to the Processing Room section.
During this portion of the story, you’ll descend underground while following key objectives involving holding cells and power components.
Not long after, you’ll step into an industrial-themed room that houses the forklift key, recognizable by its strong visual storytelling elements. After picking up the Forklift Key, use it immediately on the nearby forklift to raise its platform.
Lifting the forklift opens access to a small side room that was previously blocked. Inside that newly accessible room, you’ll find the third Hip Pouch.
This one is particularly easy to miss because of a progression lock. After restoring power or inserting required plugs/cells to advance the story, you may permanently lose access to this section.
Make sure you grab the Hip Pouch before completing the full power restoration sequence in the basement.
Hip Pouch #4 – ARK Facility, Bioweapon Repository 05
The last Hip Pouch appears much later in the story during Grace’s ARK facility section, where acquiring the required access item (often called the Magnetic Key) lets you enter Bioweapon Repository 05.
This area is significantly more dangerous, containing multiple hostile enemies including Lickers and tougher zombie variants.
Carefully clearing or distracting enemies is recommended before attempting to loot. Once inside the repository, interact with the first containment pod or large Umbrella-style container near the entrance.
Activating its control panel will open it and reveal the fourth and final Hip Pouch. Picking this up completes Grace’s inventory expansion for the playthrough, giving her the full +8 slot increase.
Hip Pouches must be recollected in every new playthrough. If you restart on a higher difficulty or go for trophies, Grace will begin again with her base inventory size.
Does Leon Use Hip Pouches?
Leon does not use Hip Pouches.
His inventory functions differently, similar to a grid-based attaché case system.
Later in the game, he can purchase a case upgrade from supply boxes after earning credits, but that system is separate from Grace’s Hip Pouch upgrades.
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