IMPORTANT NOTE ON SAVING & CHECKPOINTS: Checkpoints are the spots in each level where the game auto-saves. These are noted in blue and numbered in the walkthrough text to correspond with PC, Macintosh, PSP & Wii savegame files available for download. (Please note that the number and location of checkpoints vary slightly for the Nintendo Wii game.) Although it is also possible to save manually, the save system in Anniversary is very different from the older Tomb Raider games and differs in several ways from the TR Legend save system. Please see the Anniversary Controls page for details. This may save you a great deal of frustration as you make your way through Lara's latest adventure.
ABOUT THE PC DEMO: The playable demo includes the first half of this level but ends after the first interactive cut scene. Unlike the full game, you cannot save manually in the demo, and some of the auto-save checkpoints do not work. As a result, you may need to play the entire thing in one sitting. Otherwise, everything should work as written here.
LEVEL 3: THE LOST VALLEY | Updated: 10/19/12(†) |
Kills: 17 Supplies: 21 Other: 3 COGS, SHOTGUN
Artifacts: 2 Relics: 1 Rubbing Rewards: 0(*)
Time Trial: 15:00(**)
OPEN AREA WITH WATERFALL AND HUGE MACHINE: CHECKPOINT 1 registers between levels. Crossing the low stone platform near the entrance triggers CHECKPOINT 2. If you drop down to the ground or step to the outer corner of the broken stairs, 2 wolves emerge from the area to the right of the platform (left when facing it). There's plenty of open space to move around as you fight, but you can also stay up on the broken stairs where it's safe while shooting them. Press and hold the Target Lock button if necessary to maintain a lock on each wolf while firing (as shown in this screenshot). Or, if you're playing on the Wii, do not hold Target Lock and instead just move the camera (C + remote) until you can sight on the wolves. Aim with the remote and fire when the targeting reticle turns red.
Alternatively, run across the open area and climb up on the rocks to the left of the pool and shoot the wolves from there. Here you'll also find the FIRST COG—one of three you'll need to repair the huge wooden machine on the cave wall. After picking it up, you could climb up and put it in its place on the machine, but it's not necessary yet. To save backtracking, wait until you get the SECOND COG.
Climb the rocks behind where you found the cog. Jump to grab the stone handhold next to the waterfall. Jump up to grab the handhold above. Climb around to the left, pull up, vault onto the ledge ahead and pick up some shotgun ammo. Grab the narrow ledge and climb as far as possible to the right then jump and grab the next handhold. Climb all the way around toward the falls until Lara's feet come up onto the wall. Then jump up to grab the ledge above and pull up. Climb up onto the wider ledge ahead.
ABOVE THE FALLS: Turn right, go up the steps and follow the short tunnel forward and around to the right. You emerge near the rapidly flowing stream at CHECKPOINT 3. Take a running jump across the stream to grab the ledge on the other side. It may help to hold the Jump key briefly while Lara is in the air to jump a little farther. Pull up. Climb the handholds on the right and jump back to grab the wooden ledge behind. Again pull up.
Follow the on-screen instructions to target the ropes holding the wooden platform above the stream. (If you're using Advanced Hold or Advanced Toggle combat mode, Lara should target it automatically when you shoot in its general direction. Otherwise, hold the Target Lock button to lock on, then shoot.) Shooting the ropes drops the rickety wooden platform into the water, leaving a horizontal bar.
Grab onto the light stone ledge, climb around to the left and jump back to grab the bar. Here it may help to move the camera behind Lara—either by tapping the HUD key or manually with the mouse or right analog stick—before swinging around and jumping to grab the next ledge. That way "forward" for Lara is the same direction the camera is pointing. Pull up and follow the tunnel around to the right. Grapple-swing across the gap above the rushing stream to the wooden platform ahead.
Go around the wall on the right, climb up three times, climb around to the right and then jump to grab the stone handhold on the other side of the wooden platform. Pull up and follow the tunnel around to the right. Cross the wooden bridge and pick up the SECOND COG. Taking it triggers CHECKPOINT 4, as well as the appearance of 2 bats, which approach from above the wide waterfall near the wooden bridge.
If you didn't already do so accidentally while firing at the bats, shoot the ropes supporting the bridge. This leaves a metal ring perfect for grapple-swinging, but don't do that. Instead go to the left side of the ledge), wait for the horizontal bar on the turning wheel to move toward you and then jump to grab it. Swing around and, when the wheel turns so Lara is nearest wood-and-rock structure in the middle of the waterfall ahead, jump to grab it. Climb around to the right and up to the highest rock handhold. Then jump back to grab the ledge behind. (This sequence is shown in a series of screenshots.) Follow the tunnel to a switch and use it to open a barred opening underwater somewhere. CHECKPOINT 5 registers here.
NOTE: This underwater opening, midway between the waterfall and the bend in the stream, is where you'll find the RELIC later on. The rushing current prevents you from reaching it now.
Return the way you just came to the higher tunnel opening, drop and hang from the edge, climb to the right and then drop to grab the handhold below. Climb to the right and jump to grab the handhold on the other side of the wooden platform, as you did earlier on the way to the wooden bridge. Pull up and follow the tunnel to the opening where the bridge was. Again ignore the metal ring and drop to grab the broken bridge hanging below the opening. Climb down until Lara is level with the small opening on the right (shown in this screenshot). Jump to grab it and climb inside. Follow the tunnel to where it widens. On the ground you'll find a large medipack and the SHOTGUN. (Whoo hoo!)
Near where you pick up the gun there's an opening overlooking the water. Position Lara near the right side of the opening, jump into the water and float downstream. As Lara goes over the falls, she does a sweet, spontaneous cannonball before landing in the pool near the start.
NOTE: I had no trouble just dropping from the ledge with the shotgun and floating downstream, but several players have reported that Lara will drown unless you jump out from the edge on the right side of the opening.
OPEN AREA WITH WATERFALL AND HUGE MACHINE (again): Before climbing out of the pool, go for a hidden pickup. With the waterfall behind Lara, swim down and forward through an underwater tunnel. Surface in the small cave at the end of the tunnel and pick up a small medipack.
NOTE: When you climb out of the water to get the medipack, a chime sounds, indicating you've found a secret. However, since the game doesn't seem to keep track of secrets other than the artifacts and relics, I've listed this as normal "supplies".
Return through the tunnel to the main pool. When you climb out of the water, 3 more wolves attack. If you want to, you can climb up on the rocks to the right, above where you found the FIRST COG, and shoot them from above.
NOTE: If you climb out of the pool on the far right side (when Lara's back is toward the falls), near the rocks where you got the cog, the wolves won't appear at all. However, they will show up when you return to this area later, so be careful if you choose to play it this way.
Now climb the wooden ladder to the first level of the big machine. Place the FIRST COG on the shaft and use the nearby switch to activate the first stage of the device and trigger CHECKPOINT 6.
In the Nintendo Wii game, this mechanism is a gear puzzle. After replacing the cog, you must rearrange the cog you found, along with several smaller cogs, in order to connect the two larger cogs at the sides of the screen. Then pull the switch on the right side of the screen to activate the machine.
Stand beneath the small moving wheel and jump straight up to grab the horizontal bar on the wheel when it comes within reach. Swing around and, when one of the horizontal bars on the big wheel comes within reach, jump to grab it. When the big wheel approaches the ladder ahead, swing around and jump to grab it. Climb up to the platform and place the SECOND COG on its shaft. Use the switch to activate the second part of the machine and trigger CHECKPOINT 7.
Again, in the Nintendo Wii game, this mechanism is a gear puzzle. After replacing the missing cog, you must rearrange the cogs until all of them connect. Then pull the switch on the right side of the screen to activate the machine.
Grab the narrow ledge to the right of the switch and climb to the right. Jump across the gap to grab on again where the ledge continues. Climb around the corner and on to the right. Jump up to the handhold above, then back to grab the wooden platform behind. Pull up.
You're still missing the THIRD COG, so don't bother climbing over to the third switch yet. Instead, turn around and locate the little stone building set into the valley wall below a big wooden structure. (There's a dangling rope above and to the right of it.) Take a running jump from the point of the ledge to grab the narrow stone ledge on the front of this little building (this screenshot shows the spot). Climb around the corner and continue to the right as far as Lara will go. There's another ledge above and the dangling rope is above and behind now.
If you don't mind missing a pickup, you can jump up to the higher handhold and then to the dangling rope (and skip down to the next paragraph). But if you want every item, instead drop down and grab the edge of the small opening below (shown in this detail from the same screenshot). (If Lara starts to lose her grip, press Interact to do a saving grab.) Climb to the right, pull up into the opening and slide into the room below. Climb onto the wooden platform and take the large medipack. Slide down the ramp to emerge on the ground near the pool. (Watch out for the 3 wolves if you didn't kill them earlier.)
Repeat the climb up the ladder and moving bars to the wooden platform above the one where you placed the SECOND COG. Repeat the jump from the point of the platform to grab the narrow ledge below the dangling rope. Again climb all the way to the right, but this time jump up to grab the handhold above. From there, jump back to grab the dangling rope.
NOTE: In the PSP game, there is no dangling rope here. Instead you'll find two vertical poles suspended from above. Lara needs to jump from one to the other and then to the narrow ledge on the far wall. Sorry I don't have screenshots, but hopefully you can get the gist of where to go based on the PC screens.
While hanging onto the rope, turn right so Lara's back is toward the spot where you placed the SECOND COG. Climb down the rope to the bottom. Then swing, jump and grab the narrow ledge on the wall ahead (shown in this screenshot). Climb all the way around to the right, jump to grab the wooden lintel above the doorway and drop down. Lara's weight shakes the wooden platform, causing the ladder to fall down and break away, leaving only a horizontal bar. Ignore that for now unless, for some reason you need to get back to the area above the falls.
CAVES LEADING TO THE VALLEY: Go forward, climb over the boulder that's partially blocking the tunnel and continue past CHECKPOINT 8 to a low overhang. Crouch or roll under it and draw weapons—the shotgun is nice here—to kill the bear that charges at you. If you want conserve shells, you can also roll back under the overhang and shoot the bear with your pistols. It won't come through the low opening. You can also climb onto the structure on the left side of the cave. The bear also can't reach Lara there, but after taking a few hits, it will hide and you'll have to draw it out again by dropping down to the ground or climbing up to the top of the structure and back down again.
NOTE: A few players have reported climbing the stone structure and continuing on with the level, avoiding the bear altogether. When returning here later on, they found the bear had disappeared and they were able to pick up the artifact and return to the beginning of the level without fighting it at all. If you want to try this, skip the next two paragraphs, but remember to make the pickup on the return trip.
ARTIFACT #1: On the right side of the cave is a raised opening containing an artifact. You can't reach the edge from below, so climb to the top of the wood and stone structure. Pick up the 50 caliber pistol ammo. Then turn left (so the cave opening where you entered is behind Lara and the wooden ramp is on her right) and walk to the edge of the wooden platform. (This series of screenshots shows both methods described below.)
Now you need to position Lara carefully so she'll be able to make the next jump. She should be standing at the edge of the wooden ledge just above the stone handhold on the structure below. Shift the camera in front of her and point it downward to see if she's lined up with that handhold. Now jump down onto the sloping wooden roof. Just as Lara starts to slide, immediately jump again to grab the stone handhold near the corner of the structure.
Alternatively, instead of jumping from the top ledge directly to the sloping roof, climb the first of the two vertical wooden poles (i.e., the one protruding from the stone part of the structure). Jump from there to grab the second vertical pole. At this point, Lara should be positioned correctly to make the next jump without changing her angle or height on the pole at all. Move the camera directly behind her and then jump straight forward off the pole to land on the sloping roof. (Lara will lose a tiny bit of health when landing.) Just as she starts to slide, immediately jump again to grab the stone handhold near the corner of the structure.
Once Lara is hanging from the corner of the wood and stone structure climb around the corner to the left and jump back to grab the opening behind. Pull up and get ARTIFACT #1 (13/44). Notice the medipack behind the wooden beams. You can't get it from this side, but you'll have another chance soon. So drop down to the ground and climb back up the wood and stone structure.
DEEPER INTO THE CAVES: Turn around to face the two vertical poles and take a running jump to grab the stone ledge to the left of the poles. Climb around to the right, jump up to grab the higher handhold and then jump back to perch on top of the first pole. Jump to the second pole, then to the doorway ahead. Slide down the slope into another cave and go forward to CHECKPOINT 9.
Ahead, you'll see stone steps with some ammo. If you want to, before heading that way, you can take a brief detour to pick up the medipack you saw near the artifact: Go to the right to the two vertical poles, one tall, one short. Climb to the top of the taller pole and jump to perch on the shorter pole. From there, jump into the opening. Step out onto the wooden walkway and look to the left. There's a hole with wooden handholds on the back wall. jump to grab one of the handholds, climb down, pick up the small medipack. Climb back up the handholds and jump to grab the wooden platform.
Pull up, go to the right and drop down near the two vertical poles. Continue to the right toward the stone steps. (You'll pass CHECKPOINT 9, but unless you didn't trigger it earlier, it won't register now.) Climb up and take the shotgun ammo.
NOTE: If Lara will not pick up these shells, don't worry. This isn't a bug. You've just reached the maximum number of shells she can carry: 40 rounds. Either shoot a few rounds (to get down to 32) so Lara will reload, or reload manually by equipping the shotgun, holding the Target Lock key and then pressing Interact. After reloading, you'll be able to pick up the new shells to top off your supply. Or wait and get them on the return trip.
From the ledge with the shotgun ammo, take a running jump onto the wooden slope that angles down to the left. Slide and quickly jump to grab the handhold on the wall ahead. (This screenshot shows the spot.) Climb to the right and jump to grab the wooden platform. Pull up and get another box of shotgun ammo. (Again, if you already have 40 shells, you can get these on the way back.) Take a running jump to grab the horizontal pole, swing, jump and grab the lower handhold on the wall ahead. Jump up, climb around to the left and pull up near CHECKPOINT 10.
Turn right onto the wooden part of the ledge and jump to grab the handhold ahead. Climb to the left then jump backward across the deep pit to grab the opposite wall. Climb to the right. (This is a good place to tap Interact repeatedly to climb faster.) Drop down near the large medipack and quickly draw guns to shoot 2 bats that fly in from the area from which you came.
If you're not in a hurry, take a brief detour for a pickup: Turn to face out over the pit. On the opposite wall, you'll see some stone handholds. Take a running jump to grab the upper handhold. The one below is broken off on the left side, so climb to the right and then drop down twice. Climb back to the left. It's hard to see it, but if you press Back/Down to make Lara lean away from the wall, you can just glimpse an opening on the wall behind her. Jump back to grab the edge. Climb in and follow the tunnel to the end where you'll find another large medipack. Return to the opening, take a running jump across the pit to grab the lowest handhold. Climb to the right, then up twice, then to the left. From the left end of the highest handhold, you can jump back to grab another handhold above and to the right of the tunnel opening. Jump up to grab the ledge and pull up. (These screenshots show the path from the ledge to the opening and back.)
Now cross over the wooden part of the ledge and climb into the raised opening. Follow the mossy tunnel to CHECKPOINT 11. Just beyond the checkpoint is a wooden platform, which collapses as soon as Lara steps on it. There's no way to avoid this. Just slide down into the lower tunnel and continue forward to CHECKPOINT 12.
GREEN VALLEY WITH WATERFALLS & WOODEN BRIDGES: There are a few pickups to be had in this area, but as soon as you step into the open, 3 velociraptors appear ahead on the left side of the valley and charge toward Lara. It may be possible to get all the items before confronting the raptors, however, by avoiding the spots that trigger their appearance. (These screenshots show the safe spots and the location of each item.)
From CHECKPOINT 12, don't go straight forward. This will trigger the appearance of the first 3 raptors. Instead turn right and walk between the wall and the 50-caliber clips. Don't step too close to the ammo or try to pick it up yet. Get the small medipack on the ground near the waterfall. Then turn around and either climb over the boulder or go around it, staying close to it so Lara doesn't step on the trigger area. Follow the right valley wall to the double waterfall and pick up another small medipack between the two boulders. Turn around and cross the valley to find a large medipack in a sheltered area beneath the crumbling ruins. Then head back to the cave opening where you came in. Pick up the 50-caliber ammo. The first pack of raptors should then appear.
If the raptors appear as you're exploring and you don't want to fight them yet, just save the game, reload at CHECKPOINT 12 and try again. But don't worry if you don't get all the items now. You'll have another chance later in the level.
NOTE: One player reported following the right valley wall from the cave mouth to the end of the valley and triggering the interactive cut scene (below) without encountering any of the raptors. I have not been able to do that, but thanks to Riddle Meister for the tip.
If this method doesn't work for you, or if you just want to get down to business, step forward from the cave mouth to trigger the raptors. Then, if you prefer not to run out and confront them, climb onto one of the small boulders on either side of the valley just beyond the cave opening. The one on the left (shown in this screenshot) is completely safe. The one on the right is just beyond the 50 caliber ammo. (This screenshot shows the spot.) Most of the time the raptors will be unable to reach Lara if she's standing there—especially if you jump up there immediately before the raptors approach.
Or, if you prefer the direct approach, just run out into the open with guns blazing. Avoid letting the raptors corner Lara. If she is knocked down tap the Jump key quickly several times to spring back up. Employ the adrenaline dodge if you can; otherwise, just keep your distance, circle around the raptors and keep shooting until they all fall.
When the raptors are dead, head toward the far end of the valley. If you missed any of the item pickups, you can go for them now. But stay alert. As you near the double waterfalls, 3 more raptors appear ahead.
When you've killed the last of these dinosaurs, CHECKPOINT 13 registers and a cut scene starts.
Interactive cut scene: As Lara surveys the valley before her, a single velociraptor emerges from the undergrowth, followed by the rest of its pack. They seem more intent on fleeing something behind them than on attacking her. The reason for their panic soon becomes clear: A titanic Tyrannosaurus rex thunders into view. It grabs one raptor in its massive jaws and flings it against the ruins before continuing the chase. (NOTE: The PC demo ends here.)
As the action unfolds, you must use the controls that correspond to the icons that appear on screen. When you press the correct key or button—or, in the case of the Wii, perform the correct motions with the controllers—a chime sounds and Lara manages to evade the danger heading her way. If you press the wrong one, or press the correct one too soon or too late, Lara dies. Then the game reloads at the last checkpoint and you must try again. The correct controls are as follows:
NOTE: Many players have difficulty with this section. Also, there is a potential bug in which the icons showing which controls to use do not appear in the interactive cut scenes. For more info, please see the footnote below.
This entire section, from the start of the first interactive cut scene, through the T. rex fight and second cut scene, is shown in a video tutorial, as well as in the screenshots linked in the text below.
FIGHTING THE TYRANNOSAURUS REX: You didn't think it would be that easy, did you? When the game resumes, Lara is standing in the middle of the clearing with the Tyrannosaurus practically breathing down her neck. The chime for CHECKPOINT 14 sounds and the real fight begins.
There are a few items scattered around this area. Ignore them for now, unless you're completely out of health packs, in which case, you can try and pick up the small medipack on the ground to the left of the temple. Just don't hesitate too long or Lara will be lunch.
NOTE: The adrenaline dodge maneuver is also covered in detail on the Anniversary Controls page and is broken down visually in the walkthrough video.
IMPORTANT: If you do not complete the adrenaline dodge tutorial with the bear at the beginning of the City of Vilcabamba level it may result in a bug later on in the game, in which the maneuver does not work correctly during the T. rex and subsequent boss fights. See that walkthrough for more info.
ALTERNATE STRATEGIES: I strongly recommend learning and using the adrenaline dodge maneuver described above, since you will need it for all subsequent boss fights. But if you can't do it, or just want to try something different when replaying this level, it's your choice.
If you want to avoid head-to-head combat, there are at least a few spots around the arena where the T. rex can't reach Lara and she can shoot it from relative safety. I've heard about many such safe spots from other players, including the areas on both sides of the temple, as well as other crannies and boulders around the arena's perimeter. One player was even able to get up onto the ledge opposite the temple (i.e., at the edge of the GREEN VALLEY area, described above, overlooking the arena where you'd normally fight the T. rex). I wasn't able to do this. Another player managed to defeat the T. rex several times by standing beneath and slightly behind it and shooting from below. I couldn't manage that either, but maybe you'd like to give it a try.
So far have only found one safe spot that works consistently for me every time. This is described on a separate page with screenshots.
Second interactive cut scene: When you've beaten the T. rex using either the regular or alternate method, the huge beast makes one last angry charge at Lara. Use the controls indicated on-screen to evade it. When you press the correct buttons, the Tyrannosaurus smashes into the temple creating a gaping hole in the wall. If you fail, Lara dies and you must try the cut scene again. The correct sequences are:
THE KING IS DEAD: After the interactive sequence, the game saves at CHECKPOINT 15. Pick up the small medipack on the ground near the temple if you didn't get it earlier. There are also 2 sets of 50 caliber pistol clips—one in the bushes to the left of the spiky wooden things and one in plain sight opposite the temple.
Climb up into the temple, cross CHECKPOINT 16 and get the THIRD COG. Turn right, hop into the pool and swim through the underwater tunnel, first forward then to the right, to a room where you can surface and climb out of the water. Climb up the vertical pole and jump onto the wide ledge. Grab onto the light-colored stone handhold on the wall. Jump up to grab the next handhold, climb to the left, then jump to grab the bottom of the small alcove. Jump back to perch on the vertical pole. From there jump to grab the lower handhold on the opposite wall. Jump up to the higher handhold, then climb to the left and jump to grab the doorsill. Pull up and cross CHECKPOINT 17.
NOTE: There is a possible bug in the above section in which Lara cannot grab onto the vertical pole to climb it. If this happens, try changing the Manual Grab setting in the Options menu. (Press Escape/Start then select Options > Controls > Manual Grab and set this option to Off.) With auto-grab enabled, Lara should be able to climb the pole. Then you can switch back to manual grab later if you like. (Thanks to Chris G. for this tip.)
ON TOP OF THE TEMPLE: Vault up onto the darker stone ledge on the right and cross over to the front of the temple to find another small medipack (circled in this screenshot). Return to the doorway where you climbed up from inside. Climb the rocks to the left of the doorway (indicated by arrows in the previous screenshot) onto the roof of the temple and cross over to the other side. Take a running jump to grab the edge of the ledge beyond.
Follow the ledges along the cliff wall above the spiky wooden things, jumping the gaps as you go. (Apparently, in the PSP game, this path takes you through a short tunnel.) On the last ledge, jump to grab the vertical pole, climb up and jump to the ledge on the right. Cross between the high walls and jump to grab the light stone handhold on the ivy-covered wall ahead. Jump to the left, climb around the corner, jump to the left again. Don't climb any farther to the left. Just jump back to grab the wooden platform behind and pull up.
GREEN VALLEY WITH WATERFALLS & WOODEN BRIDGES (again): Now you are above the valley where you encountered the first raptors. Follow the wooden platform around to the right, slide down the slope and jump to grab the vertical pole. Climb to the top and jump into the jagged opening in the wall ahead. Drop down into the room ahead and continue forward to CHECKPOINT 18. Pick up the small medipack in the fire pit ahead. Go through the doorway on the right and continue over the uneven floor. Where it starts to flatten out, turn right and go through a small opening overlooking the valley.
Drop down on the right onto a wooden ledge with another small medipack. If you want to, you can now hop down to the ground and pick up any goodies you may have missed earlier. If you got all the pickups here before the first raptor encounter, just skip the next two paragraphs.
If you need help locating all the items in this area, see the first GREEN VALLEY section, above. As you explore, do not drop down into the area where you fought the T. rex. It's too high to climb back up, so you'll have to go back through the temple, across the ledges, etc., to get back to this side of the valley. Or save, the game manually and reload to place Lara back at CHECKPOINT 18.
When you have everything, return to the square, carved stone block and wooden ledge where you dropped down earlier. (This screenshot shows the spot.) Jump onto the carved block—or climb onto the rounded rock to the left then take a running jump onto the carved block—and then jump to grab the wooden platform. Pull up and then climb up onto the ledge above.
Enter the room with the uneven floor, where you were before, and climb the ledges on the right. Step out onto the broken wooden bridge. Take a running jump to grab the other side (hold Jump to keep Lara in the air longer and if Lara grabs the far edge of the bridge with only one hand, press Interact to do the saving grab) and then pull up. Enter the ruined room ahead to get a large medipack. Then turn around and return to the opening.
Go around the hexagonal column on the right and grab onto the lowest handhold. Climb around to the left and drop to grab the handhold below. Climb about halfway along the ledge to the left and jump up once. Climb to the left then jump to grab the handhold in the corner. Climb around the corner to the left, jump up, then jump back to grab the ledge above and behind. Climb to the left, jump to grab the ledge above and pull up. (The sequence above is shown in this series of screenshots.)
ARTIFACT #2: Now a small side trip to claim an artifact. Turn left and take a running jump over the slope to land on the dark hexagonal stone ledge beyond (this screenshot shows where to jump). This is quite a long jump, so it may help to stand back from the edge a bit, position the camera behind Lara (rather than above her as in the screenshot), run, jump as close to the edge as possible and then hold the Jump key to keep Lara in the air a little longer. Then she'll be able to clear the slope and land on the hexagonal ledge. If Lara falls short and starts to slide, either complete the sliding sequence (below), climb back up and try again. Or, save manually, reload at the previous checkpoint and continue from there.
Once you make it to the dark hexagonal ledge, look down to spot the artifact (shown in this screenshot). Hop down onto the stick-covered wall with the light stone edges. (Lara won't grab the edge.) Then drop down and take ARTIFACT #2 (14/44).
NOTE: If you're unable to make the long jump onto the hexagonal ledge, or if you find that Lara tends to veer to the left, rather than going straight, try this tip from Izzie: Instead of aiming straight for the hexagonal ledge, overcompensate by aiming a running jump to the right of it and also leaning in the air a little to the right. That way Lara bypasses the ledge and ends up safely below on the stick-covered wall. Then drop down near the artifact.
After retrieving the artifact, climb over the wall to where you got the large medipack earlier. Go around to the right and repeat the climb back to the ledge near the slope.
This time jump onto the slope, slide and jump to the next slope, then slide nearly to the end of the second slope, jump and grab the horizontal pole ahead (as indicated in this screenshot). If you miss and Lara lives, you can climb back up via the carved block and wooden ledge (screenshot), cross the broken bridge, climb up and try again. Once you master the slopes and reach the horizontal poles, swing from the first pole to the second, then to the wooden ledge ahead. Pull up and jump to the next wooden ledge. Enter the tunnel and cross CHECKPOINT 19.
BACK THROUGH THE CAVES TOWARD THE START: Ahead, between the rocks, is the tunnel where you slid down into the valley earlier. You can't reach it now. So head to the left and follow the tunnel through various twists and turns to an opening on the right. Pass it and continue up the slope and around to the right to a higher opening and CHECKPOINT 20. Slide down the ramp and jump across the deep pit to grab the handhold on the wall ahead. Jump back to grab another handhold below the slope. Drop down once and traverse around the corner to the right. Jump back to land on the wooden ledge. (On the far side of the pit, you can see the ledge where you got the large medipack and killed 2 bats earlier.)
Go around the corner to CHECKPOINT 21, on the ledge overlooking the wooden ramps. (This is the same as CHECKPOINT 10 on the trip toward the valley.) Drop and hang from the ledge. Climb to the right and around onto the small stone handhold. Drop to grab the handhold below. Jump back to grab the wooden pole. Then swing over to the wooden ledge. Get that shotgun ammo now if you have room for it.
You'll have trouble if you try to jump all the way to the lower wooden slope. So jump to grab the handhold on the right, which is a little closer. Jump up to the handhold above, climb to the left and drop onto the slope. Slide and jump to grab one of the handholds on the wall ahead. Jump up to grab the one above. Climb around the corner and jump up twice to reach the ledge above.
Cross this ledge, pick up the other box of shotgun shells if you didn't get it earlier and head down the steps to CHECKPOINT 22 (same as CHECKPOINT 9). Ahead on the left are 2 vertical poles, one tall, one short, a wooden slope and an opening. Climb up the taller pole, jump onto the slope, jump to perch on the shorter pole and from there jump into the opening. (Or climb the short pole, jump to the slope, jump back to perch on the pole and then jump to the opening.)
Cross the wooden ledge toward the slope. If you didn't get the small medipack in the area below on the left the last time you passed this way, you can climb down the wooden handholds on the wall to get it now. Climb back up the same way and slide down the ramp. Drop to the ground, taking a little of damage, or jump across to the stone and wood structure and climb down. (This is the area where you killed the bear earlier.)
NOTE: If you didn't get Artifact #1 earlier, you can still do that now. See the relevant section above.
Duck to pass under the low rock overhang and follow the tunnel to CHECKPOINT 23 (same as CHECKPOINT 8). Climb through the raised opening to emerge above the pool.
OPEN AREA WITH WATERFALL AND HUGE MACHINE (again): Now that you have the THIRD COG, you'll need to take it to the top of the machine. To get there, dive or jump into the pool, climb out of the water and then climb up the ladder. Use the moving wheels to swing across to the ledge where you placed the second cog. CHECKPOINT 24 registers here. Grab the narrow ledge and climb around the corner to the right. Jump up, then jump back to grab the higher wooden ledge. With the second part of the machine running, there's a rotating wooden platform protruding from the big wheel ahead. Wait until the platform is almost level and then run and jump onto it. Keep running and jump to the small wooden ledge beyond. Place the THIRD COG on its shaft and pull the final switch to fully activate the machine.
Again, this is a gear puzzle in the Nintendo Wii game. Press Interact to examine the gear box and place the cog you found. Then rearrange the movable cogs so they connect the two larger cogs at the edges of the puzzle. Pull the switch to activate the machine.
A cut scene shows the massive stone sluice gate being lowered into place, damming the stream above the falls. With the flow of water slowed, the passageway behind the waterfall is now accessible.
CHECKPOINT 25 registers after the movie. Dive or jump into the pool but don't head for the exit yet. Instead get out of the water and climb the rocks above where you got the first cog (to the left of the falls when facing them). Climb the handholds and ledges to the top of the falls. Roll under the big wooden log and follow the path forward and around the corner to CHECKPOINT 26 (same as CHECKPOINT 2).
UNDERWATER TUNNEL TO RELIC: Now that the stream isn't running quite so quickly, you can jump into the water and not be swept downstream. Find the underwater tunnel opposite the stairs near the checkpoint. (This screenshot shows the spot.) Swim through to a small room where you'll find a RELIC (2/8), the Kero Mug.
NOTE: If the tunnel opening has bars across it, then you missed a switch earlier. Surface, swim downstream toward the sluice gate and climb out on the right. Turn right and follow the path back to the steps. Now follow the instructions at the beginning of the walkthrough to get from the CHECKPOINT 3 (now 28) to where the SECOND COG was. If you destroyed the wooden bridge earlier, just grapple-swing across to the ledge. (You can also obtain the SHOTGUN if you missed it earlier. The walkthrough above describes how.) There's another CHECKPOINT on the ledge where you got the SECOND COG. From there, continue to the switch, as described. Use it to raise the bars blocking the underwater tunnel. Then drop into the water, head downstream to the tunnel and get the relic.
This gameplay video shows how to reach the switch, if you missed it on the first pass, and then obtain the relic.
After obtaining the relic, swim back out to the stream. Surface and head downstream to the sluice gate. Climb out of the water on the right, roll under the log and then jump or swan dive into the pool below. Climb out on the steps between the waterfalls and follow the passage to the end of the level.
†UPDATE HISTORY: 6/1/07 - First draft of walkthrough posted online.
6/2/07 - Added the PC savegame for after the T. rex fight.
6/4/07 - Made slight refinements to the T. rex battle strategy.
6/11/07 - Fine tuned description of the adrenaline dodge. Added alternate "safe spot" strategy for the T. rex fight. Replaced T. rex savegame file with one that hopefully works.
6/22/07 - Added info on the bug involving the interactive cut scenes.
6/30/07 - Changed T. rex savegame file to include saves for both before and after the fight.
9/13/07 - Made many revisions, including reformatting the T. rex battle section and including additional tips there. Fixed kills count. (Apparently I had imagined one extra raptor in the green valley section.) Added several tips from other players, including alternate method for obtaining artifact #1 and the pickups before the raptor encounter, detailed instructions for the PS2 interactive cut scenes, and much more. Those players are all credited below.
1/21/08 - Added additional suggestions for fixing the interactive cut scene bug in the PC game, thanks to JAMMES56.
2/5/08 - Added Nintendo Wii edition info.
2/11/08 - Changed the numbering system for artifacts, relics and rubbings, as explained in the note below.
2/16/08 - Added Xbox 360 interactive cut scene controls, thanks to James S. Also PSP interactive cut scene controls, along with the PSP variations in the sections following checkpoints 7 and 17, thanks to Chris, Brian and Russell M.
4/29/08 - Added Macintosh save files and info. Thanks to Andrew W. and Chris H.
6/9/08 - Minor tweak to the adrenaline dodge instructions recommending changing the PC Crouch control to Alt instead of Shift.
11/7/08 - Added links to Wii and PSP save files.
10/11/09 - Added videos for all relics.
10/18/09 - Added T. rex battle video.
2/25/11 - Added note on adrenaline dodge bug (hot pink text in T. rex walkthrough section).
7/13/11 - Added additional info on pausing/un-pausing game to bypass missing icons glitch in interactive cut scenes. Thanks to Jonathan C. for this idea.
10/19/12 - Added alternate method for retrieving the second artifact, thanks to Izzie.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Thanks to the following players for their helpful contributions to this level's walkthrough: ac_troll, Anders, Andy M., Ben, Brian, two Chrises, Dusty, Eli, ellymelly, Geoff, Gloveman, Harvey, hgurdyev, Isaac, Izzie, Ivan M., James S., JAMMES56, Jane S., Jen, Jenn, John B., Jonathan C., Jorge, Kim W., Patsy, Rabid Metro, Rachel, Randy 54, Richard E., Riddle Meister, Robert M., Roger, Spong, Steven B., Tesseract, Tiri Li and Treeble.
*ABOUT ARTIFACTS, RELICS & RUBBING REWARDS: Finding artifacts and relics (formerly known as "secrets") unlocks various extras like outfits and concept art. The Nintendo Wii game also includes "rubbing rewards" in some levels. I have numbered each of these bonuses in the walkthrough. So, for example, "Artifact #2 (10/44)" means that this is the second artifact in this particular level and the 10th out of 44 artifacts in the whole game. Please see Anniversary Rewards page for more info on all of these.
**ABOUT TIME TRIALS: After completing a level, you will be able to replay it in Time Trial mode to unlock cheat codes. For more info, please see the Time Trials and Rewards pages. For help beating this level's time trial, see Eldin's Lost Valley - Time Trial Tips.
PROBLEMS/BUGS DURING INTERACTIVE CUT SCENES: As far as I know, the bug with the missing icons only happens in the PC game. One player suggested a work-around in which you repeatedly press the Escape key to pause and resume the cut scene. This can cause the icons to appear so you can press the correct keys and move on. This bug may be related to a corrupted installation. If you noticed a freeze-up at 95% when installing the game—or even if you didn't—the solution described on the Eidos UK support site may also fix the cut scene bug.
One possible temporary fix is to radically lower your graphics settings. Try switching off all video enhancements (e.g., in the Options menu under Display, turn off features like Full-Screen Effects, Depth of Filed, Anti-Aliasing, etc.), and under Display Mode set the screen resolution as low as it will go (i.e., 640x480). Doing this frees your processor to better handle the basic game mechanics and should allow you to see the icons during the interactive cut scenes. Then, once you've beaten that section, you can turn the enhanced graphics on again. (Special thanks to JAMMES56 for this tip.)
If neither of these suggestions work, you can download my PC savegame files for the checkpoints before and after the T. rex fight. Then you can skip both cut scenes and either play or skip the actual battle. Macintosh, Wii and PSP save files are also available here. (Instructions are included with the downloads as well as here.)
If you are having trouble with the interactive cut scenes in the PS2 version, please begin by reviewing this help page. Many people find they are making simple mistakes, rather than experiencing actual bugs in the game. That page also includes several troubleshooting tips that may be helpful.
For the PS3 Trilogy version (and perhaps others as well), it may help to repeatedly press the Pause button throughout the cut scene, which may enable you to catch a glimpse of the button icons on screen. Then, when you do see the icon, un-pause and quickly press the button called for.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SAVEGAME FILES: The PC save files linked to this walkthrough include instructions for use. Additional save files can be found on a separate Anniversary save page. Please note that my saves were made using the North American DVD version of the game. As far as I know, they are compatible with most other DVD versions and with the Direct2Drive download version. They will not work with certain unofficial versions, which use a different source code. Saves for one of the torrent versions are available on my Anniversary save page.
WAS THIS WALKTHROUGH HELPFUL? If not, I apologize and invite you to contact me with any questions. If you need help right away, I recommend the r/TombRaider subreddit. Other fan-run forums are listed at tombraiders.net/stella/community.html. If this site was useful, please consider supporting it financially or in other ways. For details, visit tombraiders.net/stella/support.html. As always, I welcome your corrections/suggestions. Thank you!
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