Mountain Temple

Navigate the Mountain Temple in Tomb Raider (2013). Face hostile humans and adapt to combat and environmental puzzles using stealth and tactics.

The Mountain Temple marks a significant turning point in Lara Croft's harrowing journey. This area introduces her to her first hostile human encounters, forcing players to adapt to more complex combat scenarios and environmental puzzles. Stealth and tactical engagement become paramount for survival as you navigate the treacherous paths and ancient structures.

Area Overview & Key Challenges

Upon entering the Mountain Temple, you'll immediately notice the shift in atmosphere. The environment is more open in some sections, allowing for flanking maneuvers, but also features tight corridors and elevated positions that enemies will exploit. The primary challenges here include:

• First Human Combat: Expect encounters with Solarii cultists armed with various weapons.
• Environmental Puzzles: More intricate puzzles involving physics, fire, and structural manipulation.
• Platforming: Challenging jumps and climbs across crumbling structures.
• Collectibles: A significant number of Relics, Documents, and GPS Caches are scattered throughout.

Walkthrough: Navigating the Mountain Temple

Initial Ascent and First Encounters

After the cutscene where Lara is ambushed, you'll find yourself in a precarious position. Your first objective is to escape the immediate threat and make your way upwards.

1. Stealth Section: You'll encounter your first human enemies, Solarii cultists. This initial encounter is designed to be stealth-focused. Use the environment for cover.
2. Eliminate the Guards:
   • There are typically two guards patrolling the initial area. Wait for one to separate, then perform a stealth takedown.
   • The second guard can often be lured or taken down with a headshot from your bow.
3. Proceed Upwards: Climb the wooden structures and ledges. You'll need to jump across gaps and use your axe to scale certain walls.

The Burning Temple Puzzle

One of the first major environmental puzzles involves a burning section of the temple. Your goal is to clear a path through the flames.

1. Locate the Obstruction: You'll see a wooden beam blocking your path, engulfed in flames.
2. Find the Counterweight: Look for a large, suspended cage or platform. You'll need to use your bow to shoot a rope arrow at it, pulling it towards you.
3. Create a Draft: Once the counterweight is in position, you'll need to find a way to create a strong draft to fan the flames away from the wooden beam. This often involves manipulating a nearby mechanism or shooting a specific object to release air.
4. Timing is Key: Once the flames briefly recede, quickly shoot a rope arrow at the burning beam to pull it down, clearing your path.

Combat Strategies: Solarii Cultists

The Solarii cultists are more organized and aggressive than the animals you've faced so far. Here are some tips for engaging them:

• Stealth is Preferred: Whenever possible, use stealth takedowns with your bow or melee attacks. Headshots with the bow are often one-hit kills.
• Cover System: Utilize the cover system effectively. Pop out, shoot, and retreat.
• Environmental Hazards: Look for explosive barrels or weak structures that can be used to your advantage. A well-placed shot can take out multiple enemies.
• Melee Counters: When enemies get close, be prepared to use your melee counter. Timing is crucial for these quick-time events.
• Weapon Variety: Experiment with your weapons. The bow is excellent for stealth and precision, while the pistol and shotgun are better for close-quarters combat.

Collectibles in Mountain Temple

The Mountain Temple is rich with collectibles that provide valuable XP and insights into the island's lore. Keep an eye out for these:

Relics

There are several Relics hidden throughout the area. These often require a keen eye and sometimes a bit of backtracking or creative platforming.

• Jade Statue: Often found near the initial stealth section, tucked away in a small alcove.
• Hannya Mask: Located within the burning temple puzzle area, usually on a higher ledge accessible after solving part of the puzzle.
• Japanese Dogu: Can be found near the waterfall section, often requiring a jump to a hidden ledge.

Documents

Documents provide backstory and character development. Listen to Lara's commentary when you pick them up.

• Sam's Journal (Part 1): Often found early in the temple, detailing her experiences.
• Whitman's Journal (Part 1): Provides insight into his research and motivations.
• Solarii Propaganda: Gives context to the cultists' beliefs and presence on the island.

GPS Caches

These small, blinking devices are often cleverly hidden. Collecting them contributes to your overall completion and provides XP.

• Look for them off the main path, behind waterfalls, or on elevated platforms.
• The Survival Instinct ability (press Q/L1/LB) will highlight them if you are close enough.

Challenges: Non-Stop

The "Non-Stop" challenge requires you to destroy specific objects in the Mountain Temple. For this area, it typically involves destroying a certain number of effigies or lanterns. Pay attention to your surroundings; these are often hanging from ropes or placed on ledges.

• Effigies: Look for hanging wooden figures. Use your bow to shoot them down.
• Lanterns: Some areas will have hanging lanterns that can be shot.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

• Don't Rush Combat: The Solarii are more dangerous. Take your time, use cover, and prioritize targets.
• Explore Thoroughly: Many collectibles are just off the beaten path. Use your Survival Instinct frequently.
• Upgrade Your Bow: The bow is incredibly versatile. Upgrading its damage and draw speed will make stealth and combat much easier.
• Save Often: While the game auto-saves, manually saving before difficult sections can save you frustration.
• Listen to Lara: Her dialogue often provides hints about puzzles or upcoming dangers.

By mastering stealth, utilizing the environment, and diligently searching for collectibles, you'll successfully navigate the treacherous Mountain Temple and continue Lara's journey of survival.