If you’ve just picked up Rise of the Tomb Raider, prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure across the snowbound wilds of Russia. Before you dive into the loot-laden landscapes and lethal encounters, here are seven essential tips that will elevate your gameplay from scavenger to master explorer. These aren’t just quick tricks—they’re foundational insights to make your journey smoother, deadlier, and far more rewarding.
1. Master Lara’s Survival Instinct
The environments in Rise of the Tomb Raider are overflowing with hidden treasures—coins, survival caches, crafting materials, and much more. Luckily, Lara comes equipped with a crucial ability: Survival Instinct. By pressing Qwhenever you enter a new area, you’ll highlight all nearby points of interest, whether it’s loot or enemies.
This mechanic isn’t just useful for hoarding supplies. It’s a tactical advantage in stealth situations. When enemies are visible to others, they glow red; if they’re isolated, they appear yellow. Use this to silently pick off threats one by one and prevent any sudden crossfires. It’s the difference between a clean infiltration and a hailstorm of bullets.
2. Prioritize the Bow for Stealth and Upgrades
Yes, you’ll acquire an arsenal of firearms throughout the game—pistols, rifles, and shotguns—but Lara’s true edge lies in her bow and arrow. You begin with a simple makeshift longbow, but this weapon can evolve. Scattered across the world are strongboxes containing critical parts, including components for the powerful Compound Bow.
Not only does the bow allow silent takedowns, but its versatility grows with upgrades: rapid fire, increased draw speed, and various arrow types, from poison to explosive. If you’re aiming to take control of combat on your terms, this should be your primary focus.
3. Become a Resource Hoarder
Survival means crafting, and crafting means materials. Fortunately, Siberia is rich in wildlife and natural resources. From bird feathers and saplings to animal hides, mushrooms, and ores, each element serves a purpose—especially for creating ammo, gear upgrades, and healing items.
One pro tip: craft a pouch upgrade as soon as possible to expand your inventory. This lets you carry more of every essential item, so you’re always ready for battle. And remember, a lot of items—like ammo and throwables—can be crafted on the fly, no campfire needed. Always be stocked.
4. Don’t Sleep on Lara’s Wardrobe
While fashion might seem secondary in a blizzard-filled war zone, some of Lara’s outfits offer gameplay bonuses. Whether found, earned, or bought, these outfits aren’t just cosmetic.
For instance, the Battle Worn outfit boosts health regeneration—a game-changer during extended firefights. Others might increase resource gathering or stealth efficiency. Check every new unlock and side quest reward; sometimes, your gear can be just as vital as your weapons.
5. Be Smart with Skill Points
As you gather XP through exploration, combat, and story missions, you’ll unlock skill points—but spend them wisely. Some skills offer huge advantages, while others are barely useful. Always tailor your upgrades to your preferred playstyle, but do take a moment to plan ahead.
For example, investing early in resource and animal tracking, stealth finishers, or faster crafting pays dividends. Don’t just unlock whatever sounds cool—think about long-term benefits. (For a deeper breakdown, there’s a dedicated upgrade guide available if needed.)
6. Explore Optional Challenge Tombs
Rise of the Tomb Raider lives up to its name. Scattered throughout the game world are optional challenge tombs—self-contained puzzle spaces filled with loot, relics, and unique skill rewards. While easy to skip during main missions, it’s always worth the detour.
Some tombs are well-hidden, marked only by faint symbols or subtle environmental cues. Inside, you’ll find clever platforming and puzzle challenges that test your thinking and reward your curiosity. The payoff? Powerful abilities that can’t be earned anywhere else.
7. Keep Your Eyes on Every Opportunity
Everything in Rise of the Tomb Raider—from enemy ambushes to side quests and supply drops—offers something worthwhile. Be proactive. Talk to locals, explore every hidden crevice, and engage with the world beyond the main path. The better you know the land, the better you can dominate it.
You’re not just surviving—you’re thriving. And Lara’s journey, while perilous, becomes all the more rewarding when you take full advantage of everything around you.
So go forth, bow in hand, inventory brimming, and instincts sharp. Siberia awaits—and it’s full of secrets just begging to be uncovered.
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