Navigating the Past: A Comprehensive Guide to Backtracking in Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Yes, you can go back to previous areas in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. After completing the main story, the game allows you to freely roam and explore previously visited locations. This is crucial for achieving 100% completion, collecting any missed items, completing side missions, and generally soaking in the beautiful and intricate world Crystal Dynamics created. The game even provides a helpful warning before the final act, indicating that after that point, there will be no more fast travel camps until the game is completed, encouraging players to mop up loose ends.
Understanding Backtracking Mechanics
Backtracking is a core element of the Tomb Raider experience, particularly in the rebooted trilogy. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is no exception, offering a robust system that encourages exploration and rewards thoroughness. Fast travel is your best friend here. Base camps scattered throughout the world act as fast travel points, allowing you to quickly move between different regions once they’ve been discovered. This makes revisiting areas a breeze, removing much of the tedium associated with retracing your steps.
However, there’s one notable exception: Croft Manor. You cannot return to Croft Manor after you complete it, but the collectibles found there are not required for 100% completion of the game. Consider this a self-contained tutorial area, so be sure to explore it thoroughly the first time around!
Maximizing Your Backtracking Experience
To truly get the most out of backtracking in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, consider the following:
- Utilize the Map: The in-game map is your invaluable guide. It highlights uncollected items, incomplete challenges, and undiscovered tombs. Use it to pinpoint areas you need to revisit.
- Upgrade Your Gear: As you progress through the game, Lara acquires new tools and abilities that allow her to access previously inaccessible areas. Make sure you’ve fully upgraded your gear before embarking on a comprehensive backtracking run. For example, certain areas may require the rope ascender or a specific type of arrow.
- Complete Side Missions: Many side missions require you to travel to specific locations, offering an excellent opportunity to explore and uncover hidden secrets. Speak to the villagers and inhabitants of Paititi to uncover these quests.
- Consult a Guide (If Necessary): While exploring on your own is rewarding, sometimes a little help is needed. If you’re struggling to find a specific item or solve a puzzle, don’t hesitate to consult a guide.
Backtracking isn’t just about ticking boxes on a checklist; it’s about deepening your appreciation for the world of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. It allows you to appreciate the intricate level design, discover hidden details, and fully immerse yourself in Lara’s final chapter. Consider this approach when you revisit locations in the game. The connection between learning and gaming is profound. As highlighted by organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org), video games can be powerful educational tools, fostering problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of complex systems.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about backtracking and related aspects of Shadow of the Tomb Raider:
1. Can I return to Syria after completing the game?
Yes, you can return to Syria after completing the game. You unlock a free-roaming mode that allows you to revisit this location and search for any missed items.
2. Are there any missable collectibles in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Nothing is permanently missable in terms of preventing story progression. However, for the 100% completion trophy/achievement, you need to collect everything within a single playthrough, as progress doesn’t carry over to a New Game Plus.
3. How do I get back to Etzli’s location in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
To get back to Etzli’s location, use fast travel to a base camp near The Hidden City. From there, navigate the environment until you reach his specific area. Consult your map for specific landmarks.
4. Are side missions missable in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
No, side missions are not missable. You can complete them even after finishing the main story. The side missions become available as you enter the area of the quest giver.
5. How many optional tombs are there in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
There are nine optional tombs in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Completing them rewards you with skills and contributes to your overall completion percentage.
6. What happens when you achieve 100% completion in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
When you achieve 100% completion, you unlock an achievement/trophy signifying your dedication. There are no other in-game rewards directly tied to 100% completion beyond the satisfaction of fully exploring the game.
7. Is there a point of no return in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Yes, the game warns you before the final act that proceeding will restrict fast travel until the main story is completed. This is your cue to wrap up any remaining exploration or side quests.
8. Do enemies respawn after beating the story in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Yes, enemies respawn in certain areas after you complete the main story, allowing you to continue practicing combat and gaining experience.
9. How long does it take to 100% Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Achieving 100% completion in Shadow of the Tomb Raider typically takes around 38-42 hours, depending on your playstyle and familiarity with the game.
10. Can you replay chapters or specific areas in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
No, there’s no direct chapter select or area replay feature. You can only explore previously visited areas via fast travel after completing the main story.
11. What is the difference between the two endings in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
There are two variations of the ending. One is the official ending which shows the post-credit scene and the other “unofficial” ending is played by doing the exact same thing but by not having the Day 1 patch installed on your game.
12. What was the removed ending in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
The now-removed ending for Shadow of the Tomb Raider (avoiding major spoilers), the post-credit scene showcases Lara’s iconic dual pistols in the background, as well as an unopened letter from the original game’s main antagonist, Natla.
13. What are some things to do after finishing Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
After finishing Shadow of the Tomb Raider, consider completing all side missions, exploring optional tombs, collecting remaining artifacts, and upgrading your skills and equipment.
14. Does Shadow of the Tomb Raider have any DLC?
Yes, Shadow of the Tomb Raider has DLC that unlocks all of the Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition Content. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition experience the final chapter of Lara’s origin as she is forged into the Tomb Raider she is destined to be.
15. Are there any jumpscares in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?
Yes, Shadow of the Tomb Raider contains jumpscares. These range from sudden enemy encounters to environmental surprises. If you’re sensitive to jump scares, be prepared for unexpected moments!