How to Complete the Trial of the Serpent in Shadow of the Tomb Raider

The Trial of the Serpent is a complex puzzle in Shadow of the Tomb Raider that is solved in the Head of the Serpent location. To access this location, you must first complete a portion of the main plot and the Belly of the Serpent location. In this puzzle, Lara must figure out how to set two large barricades on fire.

• Setting the first barricade on fire
• Setting fire on the second barricade

Setting the first barricade on fire

The puzzle begins after entering the Head of the Serpent location and sliding down a rope to a large hall with a barricade, as shown in the picture above.

Start by finding the lever with a rope coil to the left of the barricade, as shown in the picture above. Use the bow to aim and fire a rope arrow at the lever. Lara can then pull the lever to spill flammable substance into a container in front of the barricade.

Approach the central device shown in picture 1 and interact with it to spread fire over the barricade. The barricade will soon burn, revealing the way forward, as shown in picture 2.

Setting fire on the second barricade

To reach the second barricade, Lara must climb a wall again and slide down a rope. The location of the second part of the puzzle is shown above.

Approach the barricade and examine the two columns. Stand next to the lower column and aim an arrow at the rope coil and the taller column, as shown in picture 1. Connect both columns with a rope, as shown in picture 2.

Approach the lever next to the taller pole and push it to set the grooves around the shorter pole in the correct configuration, as shown in the picture above.

To shift the grooves on the taller column, disconnect the two columns by cutting the rope with a knife.

Go back to the lever and set the grooves in a way that allows the flammable substance to pour through, as shown in the picture above.

Return to the upper part of the hall and find a new lever with a rope coil, as shown in the picture above. Shoot it with a rope arrow and pull the lever to pour the flammable substance. If the grooves are set correctly, the container next to the second barricade will be filled.

The final step is to interact with the mechanism shown in picture 1 to set the substance alight. The barricade will be destroyed, as shown in picture 2, and you can proceed further, completing the challenge. In the last chamber, a cut-scene will automatically commence.

FAQ

What is the Trial of the Serpent in Shadow of the Tomb Raider?

The Trial of the Serpent is a challenge tomb in Shadow of the Tomb Raider that requires players to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles to reach the end. It is located in the Hidden City of Paititi, and is unlocked after players have completed the main story mission in the city. The tomb is dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, and features intricate carvings and murals depicting agricultural scenes.

How do I complete the Trial of the Serpent?

To complete the Trial of the Serpent, players must solve a series of puzzles and navigate through various obstacles, such as rotating platforms and spiked walls. The puzzles require players to use their problem-solving skills and pay attention to their surroundings, as clues and solutions are often hidden in the environment. In addition to puzzles, players must also use their platforming skills to jump and climb through the tomb. At the end of the tomb, players will face a boss battle against a serpent-like creature.

What rewards do I receive for completing the Trial of the Serpent?

Players who complete the Trial of the Serpent will receive a skill point, as well as access to a new outfit and weapon. The outfit is called the Serpent Guard outfit, and provides increased resistance to melee attacks. The weapon is a powerful shotgun called the Umbrage 3-80, which deals high damage and has a wide spread. Additionally, completing the Trial of the Serpent will contribute to the completion percentage of the game, and may unlock achievements or trophies.