Rise Of The Tomb Raider Lost City Optional Tomb

Okay, so picture this: I’m crouched behind a snowdrift, practically vibrating with cold. My fingers are fumbling with the controller, and I’m pretty sure I’ve died approximately seventeen times already. All because I decided, in my infinite wisdom, to pursue another optional tomb in Rise of the Tomb Raider. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if Lara Croft secretly enjoys putting me through these near-death experiences. Is it just me, or does she smirk just a little bit when I screw up a jump and plummet into a pit of spikes?

But then, after what feels like an eternity of trial and error (mostly error, let's be real), I finally crack the puzzle. The mechanism whirs to life, the secret entrance creaks open, and… bam! Achievement unlocked. And that, my friends, is the sweet, sweet reward that keeps me coming back for more. It's that feeling of triumph, that sense of having outsmarted the ancient booby traps and deciphered the cryptic clues, that makes those optional tombs in Rise of the Tomb Raider so darn addictive.

Speaking of addictive, let's dive into one of the most memorable ones: the Lost City tomb! We're going to discuss the location, puzzle solutions, and rewards you can expect. Buckle up, because this one's a doozy!

Why Bother with Optional Tombs, Anyway?

Alright, so you might be thinking, “Why should I even bother with these optional tombs? Isn’t the main story enough of a challenge?” And to that I say… fair point! The main story in Rise of the Tomb Raider is pretty epic on its own. But let me tell you, those optional tombs offer so much more than just a quick diversion. They're the real treasure trove of the game (pun intended!).

Skill Points: Need to upgrade your weapon skills or learn that sweet dodge counter? Optional tombs are a fantastic source of skill points.
Unique Gear: Some tombs hold exclusive equipment or weapon parts that can’t be found anywhere else. Think of it as Lara Croft's own little fashion line, but with more ancient artifacts.
Lore and Backstory: Each tomb tells a little story of its own, adding layers of depth to the game’s world. You'll discover the secrets of the past and learn about the people who lived and died in these forgotten places. Prepare to feel like Indiana Jones, but with better hair.
Pure, Unadulterated Puzzle Fun: If you’re a fan of brain-teasers and environmental puzzles, these tombs are your happy place. Just try not to rage-quit when you’re stuck on the same puzzle for an hour. (We’ve all been there.)

Finding the Lost City Tomb: A Treasure Hunt Before the Treasure Hunt

Okay, so where exactly is this Lost City tomb lurking? It's not exactly advertised on the map. You won't find a giant neon sign pointing the way. (Wouldn't that be convenient, though?) To find it, you'll need to venture into the Geothermal Valley. Remember that area with the hot springs and the perpetually grumpy Trinity soldiers? Yeah, that's the one.

Here's the breakdown:

Travel to the Geothermal Valley: Duh, right?
Locate the Ruined Village: Look for a cluster of dilapidated buildings and rickety platforms. It’s fairly close to the main path, but you might need to do a bit of exploring to find the exact spot. (Think of it as a mini-treasure hunt before the actual treasure hunt!)
Search for the Entrance: The tomb entrance is hidden behind a waterfall. Classic Tomb Raider move, am I right? You'll probably need to swim through some frigid water and clamber up some rocky ledges to reach it. Consider it your pre-tomb workout.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for white paint markings on climbable surfaces. These are your best friends in this game! They're like little breadcrumbs guiding you towards your destiny (or, you know, a very well-hidden tomb entrance).

Conquering the Puzzles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, so you've found the entrance. Now comes the fun part (or the frustrating part, depending on your puzzle-solving skills). The Lost City tomb is all about water. Lots and lots of water. Prepare to get your feet wet (virtually, of course).

Puzzle 1: The Floating Platforms

The first puzzle involves manipulating water levels to raise and lower floating platforms. Here's how to tackle it:

Locate the Water Wheel: There's a large water wheel that controls the water level in the main chamber. Find it and interact with it.
Turn the Wheel: Turning the wheel will either raise or lower the water level, which in turn affects the position of the floating platforms.
Jump Strategically: Use the platforms to reach different areas of the chamber. Timing is key here. You don’t want to misjudge a jump and end up swimming with the fishes (or worse, falling into a bottomless pit).
Look for Hidden Mechanisms: Some platforms might be controlled by hidden levers or cranks. Explore every nook and cranny to find them.

Side Comment: I swear, I spent a good twenty minutes just trying to figure out the timing of the first jump. Don't feel bad if you struggle a bit. It's all part of the Tomb Raider experience!

Puzzle 2: The Waterlogged Gears

Once you've navigated the floating platforms, you'll encounter a set of waterlogged gears that need to be repaired. This puzzle requires a bit of ingenuity and some well-placed shots with your bow.

Find the Broken Gears: Identify the gears that are jammed or broken. They'll usually be covered in debris or frozen solid.
Use Fire Arrows: Equip your fire arrows and aim at the ice blocking the gears. A few well-aimed shots should melt the ice and free the gears.
Manipulate the Water Flow: You'll need to adjust the water flow to power the gears. Look for levers or valves that control the water supply.
Crank the Handle: Once the gears are working and the water is flowing, find the handle and crank it to activate the final mechanism.

Irony Alert: It's always ironic when you have to use fire to solve a water-based puzzle, isn't it? Lara Croft, the master of contradictions.

Puzzle 3: The Final Ascent

The final puzzle is a vertical climb to the top of the tomb. This involves a combination of climbing, jumping, and grappling. Get ready for some serious acrobatics!

Use Your Climbing Axe: Employ your trusty climbing axe to scale icy walls and rocky surfaces. Remember to listen for the audio cues that indicate a secure grip.
Grapple Your Way Up: Look for grapple points and use your grappling axe to swing across gaps and reach higher ledges.
Time Your Jumps: Precise timing is crucial for the final ascent. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different routes.
Avoid Falling: Duh! Falling from a great height is generally not a good idea. (Unless you’re into that sort of thing.)

Personal Confession: I definitely fell a lot during this final climb. My poor Lara Croft was probably seeing stars by the end of it. But hey, perseverance is key!

The Reward: What Awaits You at the End

After all that puzzle-solving and death-defying acrobatics, you’ve finally reached the end of the Lost City tomb. Congratulations! Pat yourself on the back. You deserve it. But what awaits you at the summit? What treasure are you about to unearth?

The main reward for completing the Lost City tomb is the Ancient Horn Bow. This is a powerful and versatile weapon that’s perfect for stealthy takedowns and long-range attacks. It's a definite upgrade from your starting bow, so definitely worth the effort!

But that’s not all! You’ll also receive a Skill Point and a healthy dose of Experience Points. Plus, the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve conquered one of the most challenging optional tombs in the game. Bragging rights, people! Bragging rights!

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

So, was it worth all the effort? Was it worth the hours spent scratching my head and cursing at the screen? Was it worth the controller-gripping stress and the near-constant fear of falling to my doom? In my humble opinion… absolutely!

The optional tombs in Rise of the Tomb Raider, and the Lost City tomb in particular, offer a unique and rewarding experience that goes beyond the main story. They challenge your problem-solving skills, test your reflexes, and immerse you in a world of ancient mysteries and forgotten secrets. And let's be honest, there's just something incredibly satisfying about outsmarting an ancient civilization. (Don't tell them I said that.)

So, if you're looking for a challenge, a dose of adventure, and a whole lot of fun, I highly recommend seeking out the Lost City tomb and giving it a try. Just be prepared to die… a lot. But hey, that’s all part of the Tomb Raider experience, right?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find another optional tomb. Wish me luck!