Croft Manor - Tiger Thrall Alternate Strategies

Here are a few alternate strategies if you prefer not to mix it up with these nasty beasts:

Tomb Raider Underworld screenshot
When the cut scene ends, turn right, run and jump onto the small, wooden platform with the tall crate next to it. To get on top of the platform easily, draw weapons (Target Lock) when Lara is a few steps away from it. Then take a running jump forward. With guns drawn, Lara will flip up onto the safe platform.

Tomb Raider Underworld screenshot
You can shoot the thralls from above and jump down to finish them off, or destroy them with a grenade or two.

- OR -

Tomb Raider Underworld screenshot
When the cut scene finishes, run to the left and grab the narrow ledge running around the fat column that the thralls used to climb down. Be careful not to run past it, since the deep pit lies just beyond. Pull up onto the ledge.

Tomb Raider Underworld screenshot
If necessary, dangle from the ledge to get one of the thralls' attention. Then pull up when the thrall approaches.

Tomb Raider Underworld screenshot
Sidestep around to the back of the column. The thrall should follow right to the edge of the pit. Shoot it with pistols to knock it into the hole. Then repeat the process with the second thrall. (Thanks to Peterking for sharing this great strategy.)

- OR -

Immediately after the cut scene, leap over the desk and run back down the stairs. The thralls won't pursue and instead retreat farther back into the room. Now return to the doorway, move cautiously forward, get a target lock on one of the thralls and toss a grenade. Then run back down the stairs again. Repeat for the second thrall. I have no screenshots for this, but hopefully you won't need them. (Thanks to sham for this suggestion.)

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