Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition Beginner’s Tips

Last year, Square Enix’s Tomb Raider reboot made big waves on various platforms. This week, the game returns, this time as a new Definitive Edition for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. In this enhanced version, you’ll experience new gameplay perks on both systems, as well as exquisitely refined visuals and sound.

In case you’ve forgotten some of the basics – or need a refresher course – we put together some Beginner’s Tips to help get you back into Lara Croft’s adventure. We’ll follow up with some Advanced Tips later this week.

Tools of the Trade

The first thing you’ll have to learn is how to use the tools Lara comes across over the course of her adventure. Just starting out, the only thing she’ll have access to is a torch once she breaks free from captivity. You can relight it using any fire source in the area. Sometimes you’ll need it to set things aflame, such as nets that are holding up salvage crates (which we’ll get to later) and barricades that block your path.

Sometimes the torch can be a burden, though – especially when you’re hiding from enemies. You can extinguish it by holding down the B or circle button, depending on your platform of choice.

The next tool you’ll want to watch out for is the axe. Initially, Lara will use it to pry open doors, which you can do by mashing the X or square button. Later on, however, she can modify it to open larger crates, which hold necessary tools to move on, or in some cases, secrets. She can also use it to climb up craggy rock walls – ideal for quickly reaching a ledge. 

When it comes to jumping from wall-to-wall, simply hold the direction you’re leaning towards, and when you’re close enough to the wall, press the action button to grapple onto it. In some cases – like getting across a decaying bridge – you’ll need to make a flying leap and grab onto the wall at the last second. Don’t worry – the axe is a useful enough tool to get the job done, no matter what your trajectory.

Weapons of Choice

Lara won’t have much in the way of weapons at first, but she’ll soon have access to a bow, enabling her to take quiet, powerful shots at enemies. This is an ideal stealth weapon, especially when you’re trying to take down guards on patrol. The thing to watch for, however, are nearby guards who see you killing their buddies. Try to separate groups with a stray shot, and then quietly pick off your targets.

The bow is also useful for sneak-up attacks. By quietly going up to a guard and pressing Y or triangle, you can strangle them without alerting the others. You’ll simply need to tap the X or square button enough times to get the job done – otherwise, they’ll break free and you’ll have a problem.

Eventually, Lara will have access to other firearms, including a pistol and assault rifle, among others. These are helpful in firefights, but not when you’re trying to raise attention, as they make all sorts of noise. If you can, stick with the bow and arrow unless you’re in a heavy fire situation. In that case, switch to a gun and take out your targets.

In addition, you won’t have to worry about running out of ammunition. Arrows and bullets are strewn throughout each stage, and can be picked up simply by walking over and pressing X or the square button. Don’t forget to loot dead guards as well, since they have plenty on hand.

Remember that you can use items in the environment as well, including torches that can be shot to create a fire, which can burn enemies, as well as rope, which you can pull to bring down guard posts and other structures. Sometimes it pays off – and saves you precious ammunition.

Scramble for Your Life

Finally, let’s cover the scramble technique. This not only allows you to avoid a devastating attack, but also lets you get the jump on an enemy after they attack.

You’ll first learn this technique as you come across some wolves in the middle of the second stage. When they attempt to lunge at you, press B or circle button to quickly move out of the way, then take them down with an arrow or other weapon. In addition, after performing the dodge, you can hit B or circle again to initiate a roll, in case you don’t get out of an enemy’s proximity. 

This maneuver is very helpful against large melee-based enemies, like the shielded guard you’ll run into at the radio tower. Simply dodge his attack – you can time it from about a mile away – and then counter-attack with your gun. A few shots in, and they should go down easily.

Another tactic you’ll want to master is shoving. You can do this by pressing Y or triangle when an enemy gets close, then after they’re stunned, pull your weapon and bring them down quickly. This is a good tactic, especially if you’re surrounded and need to figure out your next move.

We’ve got even more techniques, including leveling up your skills, in our Advanced Tips article.

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition is available now for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.