Halls of Ascension

Navigate the Halls of Ascension in Tomb Raider (2013) with this guide. Overcome environmental puzzles and Solarii forces to find hidden treasures.

Welcome, survivor! The Halls of Ascension present a significant challenge, combining environmental puzzles with some intense combat encounters. This section will guide you through every step, ensuring you collect all hidden treasures and overcome the Solarii forces.

Initial Ascent and First Encounter

• As you enter the Halls, proceed forward until you reach a large, open chamber. Immediately look to your left for a small alcove containing a Relic: Jade Statue.
• Continue along the main path. You'll soon encounter a group of Solarii patrolling a crumbling bridge. Take cover behind the stone pillars.
• Combat Strategy: Prioritize headshots with your Recurve Bow to conserve pistol ammo. There are three enemies: two with rifles and one with a shotgun. Eliminate the riflemen first from a distance, then close in on the shotgunner using a combination of dodge and melee attacks if necessary.
• After the fight, cross the now-clear bridge. Before proceeding through the archway, look for a small ledge to your right. Jump across to find a Document: Ancient Scroll (Part 1).

The Water Wheel Puzzle

This central puzzle requires careful manipulation of the environment to create a path upwards. The goal is to raise the water level to access higher ledges.

1. Upon entering the water wheel chamber, immediately dive into the water. Swim to the far side, underneath the main platform, to discover a hidden Survival Cache (1/3).
2. Return to the main platform. You'll see a large, wooden water wheel. To its right, there's a mechanism with a rope. Use your Rope Arrow to pull the lever, which will release a counterweight and partially raise the water level.
3. Now, look for a climbable wall to the left of the water wheel. Ascend it and follow the narrow ledge around. You'll find another rope mechanism. Use your Rope Arrow again to fully activate the water wheel, causing the water level to rise significantly.
4. With the water level high, swim across to the newly accessible platform on the opposite side of the chamber. Here, you'll find a Crate of Salvage.
5. From this platform, jump and grab onto the rotating spokes of the water wheel. Time your jump carefully to avoid being crushed. Climb to the top of the wheel.
6. At the apex, jump across to the next stable platform. Here, you'll find a Campsite: Water Wheel Overlook. Rest and upgrade your gear if needed.

Upper Chambers and Final Ascent

• From the Water Wheel Overlook campsite, proceed through the narrow passage. You'll enter a smaller chamber with several collapsed structures.
• Optional Collectible: Before moving on, look up and to your left. There's a hanging Effigy (1/2). Shoot it down with your bow for XP.
• You'll encounter another small group of Solarii here, typically two with melee weapons and one with a pistol. Use the environment for cover and engage them. The close quarters make the Shotgun highly effective here.
• After clearing the enemies, look for a climbable wall on the far side of the chamber. Ascend it.
• As you reach the top, you'll find a precarious wooden beam. Walk across it carefully. Halfway across, look down to your right for a hidden ledge. Drop down to find a Relic: Ceremonial Dagger.
• Climb back up and continue across the beam. You'll reach a final platform leading to the exit of the Halls of Ascension. Before exiting, turn around and look back across the chamber. There's a second hanging Effigy (2/2) high up on a crumbling archway. Shoot it down.
• Proceed through the exit to complete this section.