Hiding from armed mercenaries in mud and overgrown vegetation is key to the game, because Lara rarely has the firepower to take down multiple enemies at once.Īs Lara, you can choose among four basic weapons: bows, pistols, shotguns, and rifles. When hidden, Lara can easily kill enemies with a single button press, preempting a fight. Thankfully, the game has frequent checkpoints, so missing a jump will usually just put you right back where you attempted it.Ĭombat is a standard part of the game, but Lara can almost always use stealth tactics instead to dispose of her foes. Understanding how to climb properly is essential, as a slipup means instant death for Lara.

The climbing mechanics are easy to pick up and the controls feel great as you jump and swing between rock walls, ledges, and trees. Later on in 'Shadow,' you can upgrade them with climbing boots and a rope ascender. You'll be able to use her familiar climbing axe and grappling hook to navigate most of the game's terrain. The gameplay in 'Shadow' feels like a natural evolution from 'Rise of the Tomb Raider.' Early on, 'Shadow' brings back all of Lara's usual tools and then builds from there.

Shadow of the tomb raider rope ascender