Unlocking the Ultimate Achievement: A Comprehensive Guide to 100% Completion in Tomb Raider

Achieving 100% completion in a Tomb Raider game is a testament to dedication, exploration, and mastery of the game’s mechanics. It’s not just about finishing the main story; it’s about delving into every nook and cranny, solving every puzzle, and uncovering every secret the game has to offer. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what it takes to achieve that coveted 100% completion:

• Finish the Main Story: This is the foundation. Completing the main narrative unlocks areas, skills, and weapons essential for tackling the remaining challenges.
• Collectibles: This is where the real work begins! Collect all documents, relics, GPS caches, and treasure maps. These items not only enrich the game’s lore but often lead to further discoveries and unlockables.
• Challenge Tombs: Find and raid all Challenge Tombs. These optional areas present unique puzzles and platforming challenges, rewarding you with valuable skills and gear upon completion.
• Complete Challenges: Each area of the game typically features several Challenges, ranging from killing enemies in a specific way to finding and interacting with hidden objects. Completing these adds to your overall completion percentage.
• Skill Upgrades: Earn all Skill Upgrades by acquiring experience points (XP) through combat, exploration, and completing objectives. Strategically choose skills that complement your playstyle.
• Weapon Upgrades: Fully Unlock and Upgrade all Weapons. Gathering resources and salvage allows you to enhance your weapons, making you a more formidable force against the game’s enemies.
• Explore Every Area Fully: Explore every area fully to reveal hidden secrets, side quests and additional challenges to increase your progress.
• Complete All Side Quests: Engage in the side quests to gain additional experience points, skills, and weapons upgrades that will help you along the way.

Mastering the Completionist Mindset

Reaching 100% completion requires more than just following a checklist. It demands a specific mindset:

• Patience: Some collectibles are incredibly well-hidden, requiring meticulous searching and backtracking.
• Observation: Pay close attention to your surroundings. Environmental clues often point to hidden passages or interactive elements.
• Resourcefulness: Utilize all of Lara’s abilities, including her climbing skills, rope arrows, and survival instincts, to overcome obstacles.
• Planning: Break down the completion process into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on one area or objective at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

• Use In-Game Maps: The in-game maps are invaluable for tracking your progress and identifying areas with incomplete objectives. Fully explore an area to reveal all map details.
• Listen Carefully: Audio cues can often lead you to hidden collectibles or challenges. Pay attention to Lara’s dialogue and environmental sounds.
• Consult Online Guides and Communities: If you’re stuck on a particular puzzle or collectible, don’t hesitate to consult online guides or communities. However, try to avoid spoilers if you want to preserve the sense of discovery.
• Save Frequently: Saving your progress frequently can prevent frustration if you make a mistake or encounter a glitch.
• Enjoy the Journey: While the goal is 100% completion, remember to enjoy the process of exploring the game world and experiencing Lara Croft’s adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 100% Completion in Tomb Raider

How long does it take to 100% a Tomb Raider game?

The time required varies depending on the specific game and your playstyle. Generally, expect to spend anywhere from 30 to 60 hours to achieve 100% completion. Rise of the Tomb Raider takes about 35 Hours.

Which Tomb Raider game is the hardest to 100%?

Many players consider Tomb Raider III to be the most challenging to 100% due to its unforgiving difficulty and complex level design.

Do difficulty settings affect 100% completion?

In most Tomb Raider games, difficulty settings do not affect your ability to achieve 100% completion. You can complete all objectives and earn all achievements regardless of the difficulty level you choose.

What happens when you reach 100% completion?

Upon reaching 100% completion, you’ll typically unlock an achievement or trophy, showcasing your dedication and skill. You may also unlock bonus content, such as concept art or developer commentary.

Are there any missable collectibles?

In some Tomb Raider games, there may be missable collectibles or challenges that can prevent you from achieving 100% completion if you progress too far in the story. It’s essential to explore each area thoroughly before moving on.

Do I need to complete DLC content for 100%?

Whether DLC content is required for 100% completion depends on the specific game and the platform. Some games may include DLC content in the overall completion percentage, while others may treat it as separate.

How do I find all the Challenge Tombs?

Challenge Tombs are often hidden and require careful exploration to discover. Look for environmental clues, such as unusual rock formations or hidden passages, that may lead to these optional areas.

What are the best skills to upgrade first?

The best skills to upgrade first depend on your playstyle, but generally, skills that enhance your combat abilities, such as improved weapon handling or increased damage, are a good starting point.

Can I use cheats and still get 100% completion?

Using cheats may disable achievements or trophies and prevent you from achieving 100% completion. It’s best to avoid using cheats if you’re aiming for full completion.

Are treasure maps essential for 100% completion?

Treasure maps reveal the locations of hidden collectibles, such as GPS caches, relics, and documents. While you can find these items without the maps, they make the process much easier and more efficient.

How do I track my progress towards 100% completion?

Most Tomb Raider games feature an in-game progress tracker that displays your completion percentage and provides a breakdown of completed objectives.

What should I do if I encounter a glitch?

If you encounter a glitch that prevents you from progressing or collecting an item, try restarting the game or reloading a previous save. If the problem persists, consult online forums or support resources for assistance.

Is it possible to get 100% completion on my first playthrough?

It is possible to achieve 100% completion on your first playthrough, but it requires careful planning, thorough exploration, and a willingness to consult online guides and communities when needed.

Where can I find a comprehensive walkthrough?

Many websites and online communities offer comprehensive walkthroughs for Tomb Raider games, providing detailed instructions and maps to help you find all collectibles and complete all objectives.

What is the most important aspect of achieving 100% completion?

The most important aspect of achieving 100% completion is patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you encounter challenges or setbacks. Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and keep enjoying the game!

The educational potential of gaming, including series like Tomb Raider, extends beyond mere entertainment. The Games Learning Society champions the integration of games into educational settings to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Final Thoughts

Achieving 100% completion in a Tomb Raider game is a rewarding experience that tests your skills, patience, and dedication. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the ultimate achievement and proving yourself as a true Tomb Raider master! Remember that Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org supports the educational value of such gaming experiences.