Bartoli's Hideout - Shortcut to the End of the Level

IMPORTANT: Do not use this shortcut unless you've already beaten the level once by the usual route or don't care about getting all kills, items and secrets. If you take it you'll, bypass most of the rest of the level and you will miss the Gold Dragon secret.

First, we'll be using the fence bug to get through the balcony railing outside the room at the top of the stairs in the BACK DOOR section of Bartoli's Villa. If you're unfamiliar with this technique, check out my Useful Bugs page for more info. One of the sections on that page uses this very spot to illustrate the mechanics of the bug.

Save the game before continuing. If you make a mistake and land in the canal below, instead of on the ledge, you'll need to reload and try again. Position Lara so she's facing just to the left of the corner of the fence. Then take two hops back. Run at the fence and hold Action. . .

. . . to pass through it. . .

. . . and fall onto the brick ledge below.

Drop down into the dark, flooded area behind the wall to find the UZIS.

Climb back out, drop down and go around to the front of the BOATHOUSE. Shoot the bad guy inside and take the DETONATOR KEY off the table. Then jump or swim across the canal to the small wooden door. When it opens, shoot the thug standing inside.

Shoot out one of the windows and enter the LIBRARY. The doors on the left open automatically from this side.

Cross to the other side of the entrance area and pull the switch to open the doors. Enter, shoot the 2 thugs behind the windows and go out into the other small garden.

The small, wooden door opens as you approach. The final area, with the ABANDONED BUILDING and DETONATOR, is just beyond. The main walkthrough lists another shortcut to the finish that you can take from there.

Thanks to the many players who sent in advice about using this shortcut. I've been aware of it for some time but haven't had a chance to add it to the walkthrough until now.

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