Rise of the Tomb Raider - Challenge Tombs and Codices
Updated: 4/24/16(†)
Each of the 9 Challenge Tombs in the game contains a codex, which grants a special skill without having to spend a skill point. There's also an extra codex that is not a Challenge Tomb reward. This guide, along with the maps and walkthroughs linked below, will help you find every codex. If you want to learn more about the skills each codex unlocks, look for them in the Codices section of the Documents screen in your inventory.
CODEX: ANCIENT ABILITIES
This codex is found at the top of the Ice Ship Challenge Tomb in the Glacial Cavern level. The skill this codex confers allows Lara to quickly shoot up to two successive arrows without the delay of redrawing from the quiver. See the walkthrough and level map for details. (Click screenshot to enlarge.)
CODEX: NATURAL INSTINCTS
This codex is the reward for completing the Ancient Cistern Challenge Tomb in the Soviet Installation. The skill the codex unlocks reveals the location of nearby crafting resources on your map and causes them to glow as you approach. See the walkthrough and level map for details. (Click screenshot to enlarge.)
CODEX: INNER STRENGTH
This codex is in the Voice of God Challenge Tomb in the Soviet Installation. The skill it confers automatically restores Lara's health once per battle if she is critically injured. See the walkthrough and level map for help completing the tomb. (Click screenshot to enlarge.)
CODEX: BRIGHT EYES
This is the reward for completing the Red Mine Challenge Tomb in the Soviet Installation. Once you unlock this skill, nearby traps are automatically highlighted in red. See the walkthrough and level map for details. (Click screenshot to enlarge.)
CODEX: FAST HEALER
This codex is in the House of the Afflicted Challenge Tomb on the north side of the Geothermal Valley. The Fast Healer skill allows you to bandage wounds more quickly during combat. It is activated automatically. Check the map and walkthrough for help locating and beating the challenge tomb. (Click screenshot to enlarge.)
CODEX: ANATOMICAL KNOWLEDGE
This codex can be found in the Catacomb of Sacred Waters Challenge Tomb on the east side of the Geothermal Valley. Once you discover the Aqueduct Ruins Base Camp, you'll find the tomb entrance nearby. The walkthrough and map include more info. Unlocking this skill lets you see and target a prey animal's heart in Survival Instinct view. (Click screenshot to enlarge.)
CODEX: GEOLOGIST
You'll find this codex in the Pit of Judgment Challenge Tomb in the Geothermal Valley. The tomb entrance is just north of the Ruins Encampment Base Camp, but you must first unlock the WIRE SPOOL/GRAPPLE in order to complete the tomb. The Geologist skill allows you to find chromite ore, which is used to upgrade weapons and craft outfits with armor. See the map and walkthrough for details. (Click screenshot to enlarge.)
CODEX: IRON GRIP
This codex is the reward for completing the Baths of Kitezh Challenge Tomb, on the northwest side of the Geothermal Valley. You'll need the REBREATHER to enter the tomb, so you won't be able to complete it until about two-thirds of the way through the game. Iron Grip is a passive skill that increases your axe climbing speed. Check the walkthrough and level map for more info. (Click screenshot to enlarge.)
CODEX: CLASSICALLY TRAINED
This is the only codex that isn't a challenge tomb reward. You'll find it in a small room at the top of The Orrery. Check the walkthrough for help completing that level. The Classically Trained skill improves upon the Ancient Abilities skill from the first codex, allowing Lara to shoot 3 arrows in rapid succession. (Click screenshot to enlarge.)
CODEX: GREEK FIRE
The final codex unlocks the secrets of Greek Fire. Your fire arrows and molotovs now burn blue and do extra damage, including melting through armor. This codex is in the Chamber of Exorcism Challenge Tomb in the Lost City. See the map and walkthrough for details. (Click screenshot to enlarge.)
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†UPDATE HISTORY: 4/24/16 - Page first posted online.
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