Tomb Raider Level Lowdown: How Many, How Hard, and How to Cheat (Just Kidding… Mostly)
So, you’re diving headfirst into the blocky, beautiful world of classic Tomb Raider? Smart choice. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer dusting off your dual pistols or a newbie, knowing the lay of the land is crucial. This includes levels, secrets, and how much pixelated pain Lara Croft will endure. Let’s crack open the tomb and explore Tomb Raider 1 and 3.
Level Count: Are We There Yet?
First things first, how many tombs are we raiding exactly?
- Tomb Raider 1 has a total of 15 levels. That means 15 chances to jump off cliffs, get chomped by wolves, and solve puzzles that would confuse a Rubik’s Cube.
- Tomb Raider 3 adds more excitement. The number feels vast, like counting grains of sand. Officially, it has a meaty adventure filled with a generous helping of levels across diverse locations. It’s enough to keep you busy, possibly questioning your life choices.
Need a Shortcut? Level Skipping Cheat Codes to the Rescue! (Maybe)
We’ve all been there. You’re stuck on a level and the puzzles mock you. Sometimes, you need a little nudge to keep going. Enter cheat codes – your occasional allies.
Tomb Raider 1 & Remastered Level Skip Shenanigans:
For both versions, the level skip code feels like a dance move. Get ready to groove in your inventory:
- Pause the game and go to the inventory screen (hit ‘Select’).
- Now, input this sequence with the D-Pad: L2, R2, Triangle, L1, L1, Circle, R2, L2.
- Exit the inventory screen (press ‘Select’ again).
- Voila! Level skipped. Use this power wisely, young raider.
Some describe it with actions, “One step forward, one step backward, turn around three times.” However you remember it, this sequence is your key.
Tomb Raider 3 Level Skip – Prepare to Pistol-Whip the System:
Tomb Raider 3’s cheat code is more dramatic. It involves pistols and spinning. Get ready to look silly, but it works:
- Draw your pistols.
- Perform this sequence: Walk back, walk forward, crouch, release crouch, turn three times, jump forward.
- If done right, you’ve bypassed the troublesome level.
Difficulty: Prepare to Die (A Lot)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: classic Tomb Raider games are not easy. They feel like obstacle courses built by someone who really dislikes Lara Croft. But in a good way, right?
Tomb Raider 1: Brutally Fair Beatdowns
The original Tomb Raider is known for its difficulty. It’s brutally difficult, yet fair. The game punishes errors. Miss a jump? Face-plant into spikes. Forget traps? Dart to the face. But it’s all logical. You learn and adapt. This challenge makes victory feel earned.
Tomb Raider 3: The Trilogy’s Toughest Test
Many say Tomb Raider 3 is the hardest of the original trilogy. Here’s why:
- Unforgiving Level Design: Levels are sprawling and complex. Expect traps, hidden pitfalls, and puzzles challenging your sanity.
- Challenging Platforming: Remember those jumps in TR1? TR3 takes them further. Prepare for precarious leaps over bottomless pits with instant death for a miscalculation.
- Limited Saves (PlayStation Version): Save crystals are few and precious. Run out? Enjoy replaying sections. This adds tension that modern games lack.
Level Design & the Longest Trek
Tomb Raider 3’s level design is its own beast. It’s less linear than predecessors, offering branching paths and exploration. Speaking of sprawling levels, let’s discuss the longest:
Lud’s Gate in London is widely considered the longest level in Tomb Raider 3. It’s a complex masterpiece filled with secrets and puzzles that might delight or frustrate you. Conquering Lud’s Gate earns you lifetime bragging rights.
Tomb Raider 3: Globe-Trotting Adventure
Tomb Raider 3 offers a whirlwind world tour of danger and excitement. Lara’s passport gets a serious workout as she visits these deadly locales:
- India
- South Pacific
- London
- Nevada
- Antarctica
Each place has its own flavor of hazards, enemies, and puzzles. From India’s jungles to Antarctica’s icy plains, boredom is off the itinerary.
Bonus Round: All Hallows – The Secret Level
Did you think Core Design would let you off easily? Nope! Tomb Raider 3 hides a secret bonus level called All Hallows. It’s a treat for dedicated players.
How to Unlock All Hallows:
Simple (not really): Collect all secrets in the main game. Yes, all of them. Every hidden item tucked away in every corner. It’s a completionist’s dream and a casual player’s nightmare. But bragging rights are immense.
Level Order in Tomb Raider 3: Mix and Match Mayhem
Tomb Raider 3 mixes up linear level progression. In each location (India, South Pacific, London, Nevada), you can choose the order of levels. Complete all levels in a location, then move to the next continent. It adds player choice to the adventure.
For example, in India, you can tackle “The River Of Ganges,” “Jungle,” “Temple Ruins,” and “Caves of Kaliya” in any order. Then onto Antarctica for the final five levels testing your Tomb Raider skills.
Secrets Within Secrets: Tomb Raider 1 Level Examples
Secrets are Tomb Raider’s lifeblood. Those hidden goodies make exploration rewarding. Tomb Raider 1 is packed with them. Here are levels where you’ll hunt for treasures:
- Caves
- City of Vilcabamba
- Lost Valley
- Tomb of Qualopec
- St Francis’ Folly
- Colosseum
- Palace Midas
- The Cistern
Each level is hiding secrets, often multiple ones. Explore every corner and listen for that telltale chime that signals a secret nearby.
Tomb Raider 3’s Secret Count: A Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma (Slightly)
Originally, Tomb Raider 3 had 59 secrets. But like good conspiracy theories, things shifted. Current consensus is that there are actually 60 secrets. Perhaps someone found an extra nook or maybe a secret multiplied. Whatever the reason, know you’re hunting for 60 treasures in TR3. Happy hunting!
So there you have it, a deep dive into the level goodness of Tomb Raider 1 and 3. Now go forth, raid those tombs, skip those levels (if needed), and avoid falling into spike pits. Good luck, you’ll need it.
