When video games don't start you off armed, they equip the player before they meet an enemy who can kill them. This is reasonable, since no one wants to fight a battle they not only can't win, but can't even fight. However, it does make it obvious when you can expect your first fight, since if you see a pistol lying on the floor in front of a closed door, you know you'll have to use it. Also occurs at the end of a No-Gear Level segment. When you get your inventory back, you know it's because you'll have to start relying on it again.