Well of Tears

Navigate the dimly lit caverns of Tomb Raider (2013)'s Well of Tears. Solve environmental puzzles and locate the ancient artifact using light platforming.

Upon entering the Well of Tears, you'll find yourself in a dimly lit cavern. The objective here is to navigate the treacherous environment and locate the ancient artifact rumored to be hidden within. Be prepared for some light platforming and a few environmental puzzles.

Initial Descent and Exploration

• First Steps: From the entrance, proceed forward. The path is linear initially.
• Salvage Crate (1/3): As you descend, keep an eye on the left side of the cavern. You'll spot a small alcove containing a Salvage Crate. Smash it for valuable resources.
• Climbing Wall: You'll soon reach a sheer rock face. Use your Climbing Axe (press X/Square) to scale it. Be mindful of crumbling handholds; quick reflexes are key.
• Relic (1/1): Jade Statue: After the first climb, you'll land on a small ledge. Look to your immediate right, behind a cluster of stalagmites, to find the Jade Statue relic. Examine it for some XP.

The Water Puzzle

The main challenge in the Well of Tears involves manipulating water levels to access new areas. This requires some careful observation and interaction with the environment.

1. Lower Platform: After collecting the relic, continue along the path until you reach a large chamber with a central pool of water. A wooden platform is suspended above the water.
2. Rope Mechanism: Look for a large, rusted Rope Mechanism on the far side of the chamber, opposite where you entered. You'll need to shoot the counterweight to activate it.
3. Activating the Mechanism:
   • Equip your Bow.
   • Aim at the glowing red Counterweight attached to the rope mechanism.
   • Fire an arrow to sever the rope. This will cause the wooden platform to lower into the water, creating a new path.
4. Crossing the Water: Jump onto the newly lowered platform and use it to cross to the other side of the chamber.
5. Salvage Crate (2/3): Once across, turn left. There's another Salvage Crate tucked away near some ancient pottery.

The Final Ascent

With the water puzzle solved, the path to the artifact is almost clear. Be ready for a final climb.

• Crumbling Ledge: Proceed forward from the second Salvage Crate. You'll encounter a crumbling ledge. Sprint and jump across it quickly to avoid falling.
• Climbing Wall (Second): Immediately after the crumbling ledge, there's another vertical rock face. Use your Climbing Axe to ascend. This climb is longer and requires more sustained input.
• Document (1/1): Solarii Journal (Entry 3): At the top of the second climbing wall, before entering the final chamber, look to your right. You'll find a Solarii Journal (Entry 3) resting on a small stone altar.
• Salvage Crate (3/3): Just before the entrance to the artifact chamber, look to your left. The final Salvage Crate for this area is hidden behind a large rock.

Retrieving the Artifact

You've made it! The artifact is within reach.

• The Ancient Relic: Enter the final chamber. The ancient artifact, a glowing Jade Serpent Statuette, will be prominently displayed on a pedestal in the center.
• Interaction: Approach the pedestal and interact with the artifact (press E/Triangle) to collect it. This will trigger a short cutscene and complete the Well of Tears section.

Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the Well of Tears and secured another valuable artifact. Prepare for what lies ahead, as the island's secrets are far from fully revealed.