Making money quickly in Resident Evil Village is essential if you want to buy powerful weapon upgrades, ammo, and other useful items from the ever-present merchant, the Duke. Lay, the in-game currency, can be difficult to accumulate early on unless you know where to look. Thankfully, there are numerous hidden treasures, crystal fragments, and loot drops from enemies that can significantly boost your earnings. Here’s a guide to maximizing your income from the very beginning of the game.

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Finding Crystal Fragments for Quick Cash

One of the best ways to make money early on is by collecting crystal fragments scattered throughout the village and Castle Dimitrescu. These fragments appear as small, flickering white lights, often placed on walls, statues, or ceilings. Shooting them will cause them to drop, allowing you to pick them up and sell them to the Duke for 2,000 Lay each.

Crystal Fragment Locations in the Village

1. Maiden of War Statue – Located in the village’s main square, the crystal fragment is hidden behind her shield.
2. Inside the Church – Look at the collection of pictures on the wooden ceiling in front of the altar. The middle frame contains a crystal fragment.

Crystal Fragment Locations in Castle Dimitrescu

First Floor

• Entrance Hall (East Room) – Turn your back to the elevator and look up; a crystal fragment is high on the wall.
• Hallway to the Hall of the Four – In a glass cupboard at the end of the hallway. Smash it with your knife to collect the fragment.
• Dining Room (North Side) – Right in the center of the ceiling’s circular design.

Second Floor

• Portrait of the Nobleman – Crystal fragment is positioned above the painting.
• Hall of Pleasures – Center of the ceiling within the stone ornament.
• Opera Hall (South Side) – Visible on the ceiling above a small table upon entering.

Basement & Special Chambers

• Passageway between Tasting Room & Hall of War – Look up at the ceiling to spot it.
• Iron Insignia Key Chamber – Blow up the left wall of the room with a pipe bomb. The crystal fragment is on a wooden box.

Castle Roof

• Tower’s East Side – Positioned just above the window.

With these crystal fragments alone, you’ll rack up a considerable amount of Lay early in the game, allowing for immediate weapon upgrades.

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Additional Treasures for Fast Money

While crystal fragments provide a solid income boost, larger treasures scattered throughout the castle will yield even bigger rewards. Be sure to collect these before leaving the castle, as you won’t be able to return once you progress further in the game.

Must-Grab Treasures Before Leaving the Castle

• Crimson Glass – Found on Lady Dimitrescu’s bedside table. Worth 3,500 Lay.
• Ingrid’s Necklace – Dropped by a burning undead enemy in the Hall of War. Valued at 2,000 Lay.
• Crimson Skull – One of the most valuable early treasures, worth 8,000 Lay. To get it:
  • Collect the Flower Swords Ball from the northwest corner of the Opera Hall.
  • Use it to complete the labyrinth puzzle in the Duke’s merchant room.

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Defeating Special Enemies for Valuable Loot

Certain enemies drop lucrative treasures that can be sold for a hefty sum. Here are the best opportunities to farm money from enemy loot:

Crystal Skull Drops

Minor enemies sometimes drop crystal skulls, which aren’t the most valuable individually but add up over time. To maximize your earnings:

• Kill as many Lycans as possible during the first major village attack.
• Clear out the undead enemies in the Chamber of Solace in the castle’s basement.
• Farm enemy drops in high-spawn areas whenever possible.

Defeating Lady Dimitrescu’s Daughters

You will have to fight Lady Dimitrescu’s daughters as part of the story, but their drops make the encounters worthwhile:

• Each daughter drops a Crystal Torso, which sells for 5,000 Lay each.
• With three Crystal Torsos and multiple Crystal Skulls, you’ll easily accumulate around 20,000 Lay in no time.

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Final Money-Making Tips

1. Check the Map for Red Rooms – Rooms marked in red still contain valuable items or loot. Always double-check before leaving an area.
2. Sell Unneeded Loot to the Duke – The Duke buys everything, so sell off extra treasures and enemy drops regularly.
3. Upgrade Your Shotgun Early – Investing in firepower makes fights easier, leading to faster kills and more loot drops.
4. Save Valuable Treasures for Combinations – Some treasures can be combined for a much higher selling price, so read item descriptions before selling.

By following these strategies, you’ll ensure a steady flow of Lay, giving you the firepower and supplies needed to survive the horrors of Resident Evil Village. If you’re looking for more guides, be sure to check out our complete Resident Evil Village walkthrough!