Shadow of the Tomb Raider thrives on tension, atmosphere, and intricate puzzle design—and one of the most visceral sections in the game is the bloodletting chamber tied to the Serpent with the Silver Eye storyline. This sequence blends horror with archaeology, forcing Lara to navigate a gruesome sacrificial chamber while tracking down the elusive Silver Box. In this guide, we’ll break down the key events, environmental storytelling, and puzzle-solving elements needed to push through this section.

The Descent into Ritual Madness

From the very beginning of this segment, the mood shifts heavily into the grotesque. The blood-filled corridors, ominous chants, and claustrophobic tunnels set a disturbing tone. Lara’s initial reaction, “I’m gonna be sick,” speaks volumes. As she steps further into the chamber, tension builds with environmental cues—the chanting echoing in the background, the glistening red slick on the walls, and the sense that every step brings her closer to a dark historical truth.

Navigating this space is more than just stomach-turning; it’s mechanically engaging. Players are required to interact with multiple components, triggering mechanisms and solving rotation-based puzzles to move through.

Finding the Serpent with the Silver Eye

Your goal here is to follow the trail left behind by the rebels and decipher the significance of the “serpent with the silver eye.” Lara voices key discoveries along the way, noting how the smell intensifies—an unsettling confirmation that she’s headed in the right direction. A silver-eyed serpent statue serves as a beacon, and locating another one marks that you’re on the correct track.

Amidst the grotesque ritual site, she stumbles upon a Tu’tu box—but quickly realizes it’s not the real objective. There’s something more important buried beneath the gore and gold: the Silver Box that Trinity seeks. Progressing toward it requires a combination of problem-solving and grit.

The Bloodletting Chamber Puzzle – Mechanics and Strategy

The bloodletting chamber is among the most visually and mechanically striking puzzles in the game. It revolves around manipulating wheels, moving massive sacrificial containers, and channeling literal rivers of blood.

You’ll encounter a blocked path—your first objective is to burn away the barrier. Lara will repeatedly mention the need to clear the path, and players must locate flammable materials to destroy it. This sets the tone for a chamber filled with environmental interactivity.

Next comes the central puzzle: activating two wheels to channel blood into specific slots. One wheel alone isn’t enough—the second must be turned simultaneously. You’ll likely hear Lara comment, “Too heavy, needs more torque,” indicating that both mechanisms must be aligned for success.

Expect to deal with inventory limits—she notes multiple times when she can’t carry any more, so be ready to craft or offload items to keep progressing smoothly.

Emerging with the Silver Box – Revelations and Return

Once the bloodletting system is properly triggered and the wheels are aligned, the path forward opens. Deep beneath the ritual site lies the Silver Box, a sacred artifact and one of Trinity’s primary objectives. Retrieving it marks a major narrative milestone—and symbolically, Lara descends into the heart of darkness only to emerge with clarity and determination.

The chamber also underlines the scale of sacrifice performed by the ancient civilization—“Must’ve taken hundreds of sacrifices to fill these channels,” Lara observes, providing chilling insight into the cost of ritual power.

A Shift in Pace – Trading, Gossip, and Worldbuilding

After this heavy and disturbing segment, the game lightens the pace slightly as Lara returns to the Hidden City. Here, she’s met by villagers with stories, requests, and small moments of human drama.

One exchange hints at rising tensions—gossip about a confrontation between two locals, with visible anger crackling beneath the surface. Others speak of tribute and taxation to the Cult of Kukulkan, revealing the political oppression faced by commoners.

Trading returns here, and players are offered a chance to barter. “Will you trade?” one NPC asks, expressing concern over making enough for tribute. These quiet moments emphasize the human cost of power struggles and enrich the world beyond puzzles and combat.

Conclusion – From Ritual Horror to Cultural Intrigue

This segment of Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a strong example of how the game weaves atmosphere, puzzle-solving, and narrative into a cohesive experience. From the grotesque bloodletting chamber to the simmering tensions in the Hidden City, players are constantly shifting between physical challenges and moral complexity.

Lara’s progression through this sequence is not just forward momentum—it’s a descent into the extremes of belief and sacrifice, met with small glimmers of resilience and humanity on the other side. With the Silver Box in hand, a deeper confrontation with Trinity looms, and the stakes have never been higher.