When playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider, you will eventually reach the Mission of San Juan, which is the last available location in the game. This area contains two challenge tombs that you will come across during your exploration of the zone.
- Thirsty Gods
- Tree of life
Thirsty Gods
The Thirsty Gods tomb is situated in the eastern part of the location, in the middle of a lake. To access it, you must take a long swim underwater. Although the route is straight, it is free from any opponents.
Once you reach a closed room that is full of water, you will need to break the gates to allow the water to flow out. Use your bow to shoot an arrow towards the rope knot. Lara will pull the rope and break the boards that block the passage. This will cause the water level to drop.
The water current will carry you to the next room. There, you will need to cross a gap to reach the puzzle.
Your first task is to cut off the ropes from the raft. To do this, dive underwater and cut off the ropes. However, be careful as there are piranhas in the water that can attack you and decrease your chances of survival.
To release the second raft, dive and enter a small cave. The rope that holds the raft is hidden there. Cut the rope and use it to jump on the rocks. From there, proceed to the second part of the puzzle.
A machine is waiting for you. Direct it so that the water flows into the bucket (marked blue in the screen), then quickly rotate it to the mill (marked red), and finally move it so that it flows into the water, making sure it does not touch either the bucket or the mill. This will allow you to proceed to the newly opened passage, which will not close under the influence of water.
Completing this challenge tomb will reward you with Sip’s Strike, which increases the damage dealt by a “mighty shot” to armored enemies. A mighty shot is one of Lara’s abilities that is related to the bow.
Tree of life
The Tree of life tomb is located in the western part of the location and is one of the most complex and challenging objects in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. This tomb has many enemies and traps.
To enter the tomb, you must destroy the entrance using your bow. Aim at the rope and Lara will remove the beams that obstruct the passage. Your next task is to descend the rocks.
This is the first instance where you will encounter poisonous traps. To eliminate them, you must use fire arrows.
To activate the traps, you need to use your axe to open the machines. This will release the traps, giving you the chance to shoot an arrow towards it. Doing so will open a passage for you to proceed through.
Follow the path and to jump across the cliff, you need to connect the ropes. In the preceding screenshot, we have indicated the location of the second rope strand. Once you have connected them, Lara can cross to the other side of the cave.
The path will then take you through the rocks. Traverse on the rocks and bales. At times, you will need to use a rope with your axe to jump over.
As you proceed, you will come across another trap. Shooting at it will cause the platform to move towards you. Quickly jump on it and cross to the other side of the cave.
To progress further, you need to descend and use a machine. This will cause your enemies to appear. Defeat them all, or they will hinder your progress.
After eliminating your opponents, return to the top and shoot down the trap. This will cause the platform to slide down. Jump onto it and proceed to the next side of the tomb.
As you continue, you will come across a blocked platform. To unlock it, cut the rope. Jump across the platforms to the next part of the cave and start the machine that you encounter there. This will trigger the trap and spawn a group of enemies. Defeat them all and return to the platform. From there, shoot the trap, causing Lara to fall down with the platforms. You will be attacked by enemies again. Defeat them and then ascend once more.
After reaching the top, you can cross the bridge made of boards. This will lead you to the chapel, where you will receive Kinich Ahau’s Boon skill. This skill allows Lara to immediately regenerate her health during combat. It works once and regenerates between battles.
FAQ
1. What are Challenge Tombs?
Challenge Tombs are optional puzzle-filled areas that can be found in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Each tomb contains a unique challenge that must be completed in order to unlock rewards such as skills, outfits, and weapons. These tombs are meant to test the player’s problem-solving skills and provide a break from the game’s main story.
2. Where is the Mission of San Juan located?
The Mission of San Juan is located in the southwestern part of the map in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. It is one of the larger areas in the game and features several side missions and collectibles to discover. The area is also home to one of the game’s Challenge Tombs, the Temple of the Sun.
3. What is the Temple of the Sun Challenge Tomb?
The Temple of the Sun Challenge Tomb is one of the seven challenge tombs in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. It is located in the Mission of San Juan and requires the player to solve a series of puzzles in order to gain access to the tomb. Once inside, the player must navigate a series of traps and obstacles to reach the end and claim their reward.
4. What rewards can be obtained from completing Challenge Tombs?
Completing Challenge Tombs in Shadow of the Tomb Raider rewards players with a variety of items such as skills, outfits, and weapons. These rewards can provide the player with a significant advantage in combat and exploration. Additionally, completing all seven Challenge Tombs in the game unlocks the “Tomb Raider” achievement/trophy.
5. Are Challenge Tombs required to complete the game?
No, completing Challenge Tombs is not required to finish the main story in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. However, they do provide a fun and rewarding challenge for players who want to test their skills and obtain additional rewards. Additionally, completing all seven Challenge Tombs is required for the “Tomb Raider” achievement/trophy.
James, a young and enthusiastic gamer. With a passion for gaming, he personally plays and experiences the games he writes about, providing authentic and insightful content to fellow gamers.