Tomb Raider I-III Remastered updates are in progress but will take time. For levels that have not yet been updated, I will continue to link to the ORIGINAL WALKTHROUGHS, which cover all the basics. Please check the introductory notes at the start of the first level for info on my process, modern vs. classic tank controls, etc. Note that I do not cover every possible achievement/trophy in this guide.

Secrets: 1  Pickups: 29, including a key, 2 Ankhs, the Uzis, a Scarab and a piece of the Scion  Kills: 15
Save Crystals: 7 (New Game+ only)

NOTE: The regular pickups here will include the MAGNUMS if you didn't get them earlier.>

LEVEL MAP by VGCartography (used with permission)

Sanctuary of the Scion Video Walkthrough by Eldincy

OBJECTIVES: First get into the area near the giant sphinx. Then locate 2 Ankh artifacts to unlock the door at the base of the sphinx. Enter and find the way back to the top of the area to get a Scarab artifact. Use it to open the final gate of the level. Inside, confront Larson and take the third and final piece of the Scion.

LONG STAIRCASE WITH MUTANTS: As you descend the steps into the room with the blue floor, the doors close behind you. Pick up 2 sets of magnum clips (1-2), one in each corner at the base of the stairs. Notice the closed gates. One has a SCARAB artifact behind it, the other some supplies. The gates don't open yet, but you'll return later. (screenshots)

NOTE: If you didn't find the MAGNUMS earlier, you'll get them here instead of one of these ammo pickups.

Advance up the stairs and 2 Atlantean mutants (1-2) will start down toward you. If you run forward, get a pistol lock on one of them, then walk backwards down the stairs while shooting, they may be mesmerized and not attack. When the first one explodes, continue to hold Walk and move backwards, as you release and re-press Action to change targets. If you release Walk, the spell will be broken, and the second mummy will attack. (screenshots)

If this doesn't work for you, you'll need to fight them the old-fashioned way. Use the shotgun if you have ammo to spare. Run forward, blast one of them, backflip, and repeat. Three hits at fairly close range should take down each one. (screenshots)

If you're conserving ammo or doing a pistols-only run, use the same basic strategy. Run forward and lock on. Then backflip away firing. This will take longer, so after backflipping away, continue shooting as you jump from side to side to confuse the mutants and avoid their attacks. (screenshot)

When the way is clear, continue to the room at the top of the stairs. Pick up more magnum ammo (3) in the dark corner to the right of the blocks. Climb up through the opening in the ceiling to emerge on the back of a huge sphinx. (screenshot)

CAVERN WITH SPHINX: If you're low on health, pick up the large medi pack (4) on the ledge opposite the opening you just climbed out of. Then turn around to face the sphinx. Go around the left side of its head onto its shoulder. Then hop down onto the small ledge—the sphinx's collarbone? Another mutant (3) is lurking below. You'll be seeing more of these creatures shortly. Sometimes they throw fireballs, sometimes they shoot small energy projectiles, and they'll physically attack Lara if they can reach her. Try to get a lock on this one early, and you may be able to destroy it before it attacks. If it starts shooting, step back from the edge to avoid taking damage. Then, when it moves off, step forward and try again. If you like, you can drop down onto the sphinx's paw and target the mutant from there, but don't go all the way down unless you want a brawl. (screenshots)

Afterwards, hop down onto the sphinx's paw and from there to the ground. Between the sphinx's paws are some magnum clips (5) and a closed door. Your next goal is is to open that door. Naturally, there's no doorknob. This is Tomb Raider, after all. We'll need to work for it. (screenshots)

NOTE: While climbing on the sphinx, you'll probably notice some goodies off to the south, including what looks like guns floating in midair. (screenshot) Yes, that's exactly what they are, and we'll retrieve them shortly. If you're keen on retrieving them a.s.a.p., check the footnote.

CLIMBING TO THE FIRST SWITCH: Go to the northwest corner of the cave, beyond the sphinx's right paw, to a sandy area with square pillars of various heights. High above on the right is a switch. That's where we're headed. Climb onto the lowest block. Take a running jump to the next block, up the slope near the cave wall. Pull up onto the ledge above. Take a running jump to land on (or grab) the second tallest pillar. Turn left and take a running jump (or a standing jump from the corner) to land on top of the tallest pillar. Turn right, walk to the edge, and pull up onto the jutting ledge above. (There's a save crystal here in New Game+.) Proceed forward carefully. To avoid the metal jaw trap just around the next corner, take a running jump over to the walkway on the right, just beyond the small medi pack (6). Grab it, turn around, and follow the ledge toward the switch. Be careful to jump across the gap in the path just before the switch. (screenshots)

Throw the switch to open a gold door in the southeast corner of the cave. A winged mutant (4) is supposed to fly in from the south (beyond the sphinx), but many remaster players have found that it gets stuck in the cavern wall, so you're unable to fight it until you get closer. If the mutant does spawn correctly, I still recommend making a quick descent so you don't have to fight on the high ledge. Take a standing jump from the edge of the switch ledge down to the one with the large medi pack (7). Turn around and hang from the far edge of that ledge (so Lara's back is toward the sphinx). Drop and slide down the sloping rocks to the ground, pressing and releasing Action as Lara slides to break her fall. (screenshots)

If the winged mutant (4) did spawn correctly, shoot it as it flies toward you. Try to kill it before it touches down, and keep your distance as you fight, since the explosion when it dies can injure Lara. If the mutant is still bugged, don't worry. It will activate as we get closer, so you'll still get the kill. Return to the front of the sphinx. (screenshots)

NOTE: If you save the game on the ground near the left paw and reload, the stuck mutant might un-stick so you can fight it. Otherwise, just keep going.

CLIMBING TO THE SECOND SWITCH: Along the west cave wall, opposite the sphinx's left paw, is a light-colored block just the right height for climbing. Pull up onto that block, turn right, then take a standing jump over the shorter angled block onto the next taller block. Turn around and take another standing jump to grab the brownish ledge above the ledge you just came from. Pull up. Turn around and take another standing jump to grab the brownish ledge above the ledge you just came from. Pull up. Then walk along the ledge to get the magnum clips (8) ahead on the left. (screenshots)

Turn around and make your way back along that same ledge to the spot where you just pulled up. Turn left (toward the cave wall) and vault onto the low ledge above. Turn right and jump over the steeply sloped block onto the flat block beyond. From there, take a running jump to the next higher ledge. (This one has a pebbled texture on its flat surface.) (screenshots)

If the first winged mutant (4) bugged out on you earlier, it should mobilize as Lara climbs around here, so keep an eye out for it. If you have to fight it on the high ledges, keep Lara's back to the wall and try to shoot the mutant before it gets close. If possible, climb down to the ground so you'll have room to maneuver as you fight. Then retrace your steps back to the pebbled ledge. Turn to face the cave wall. Climb onto the ledge above, then to the block on the right, where you'll find more magnum ammo (9). (screenshots)

There are more climbable ledges ahead, but no goodies. So, after picking up the ammo, turn around so the cave wall is on Lara's right. Climb or jump onto the angled block ahead. Then take a standing jump across the next slope onto the flat block beyond. Do the same again. Then continue down and left to the switch. (There's a save crystal here in NG+.) (screenshots)

Use the switch to open a carved stone door on the left side of the sphinx (not the one between its paws). When you do, another flying mutant (5) approaches from the area near the first switch. Here it may help to move back around the corner to the right of the switch and vault up onto the low block, so you can target the mutant as it approaches. Use magnums if possible to take it down more quickly, and hop back into the corner if necessary to prevent the mutant from pushing Lara off the ledge. (screenshots)

When the coast is clear, face the switch, angle Lara a little to the left and then jump over to the ledge with the shotgun shells (10). Take a running jump to grab the next thin, jutting ledge. Pull up and get more shells (11). Return to the spot where you just pulled up and take another running jump to the next ledge. (screenshots)

SECRET ON INVISIBLE PLATFORM: From here, you should be able to see a gold door high on the east cavern wall, behind the sphinx. This is the one you opened earlier using the first switch, and it's where you're headed next. But first, go after the level's only SECRET, the UZIS and some Uzi ammo (12-13). They're fairly easy to spot in the remastered game, floating off to the left on an invisible platform. (screenshot)

To get there, turn to face the sphinx, walk to the edge, face the pickup squarely (use Look and adjust Lara's angle if necessary). Hop back once. Save the game. Then take a running jump to grab the edge of the invisible platform and pull up. Hold the Walk button while on the platform. This way you can maneuver Lara around without fear of accidentally stepping off. Pick up the guns and ammunition (two items, one pickup). (screenshots)

NOTE: Taking the Uzis unlocks the "Do Uzi This One?" achievement/trophy, and if you've found all the other secrets in Egypt, you'll get "Codex of Egypt" as well.

After the secret chime sounds, 2 winged mutants (6-7) fly in from the other side of the sphinx. If you use the Uzis (keyboard hotkey 4), you can kill both before they get close enough to push Lara off the platform. On normal difficulty, it takes about 50 rounds to bring each one down. If you're using tank controls, remember to release Walk in order to pivot on the spot instead of sidestepping. This makes it easier to track the mutants as they circle around the platform. Alternatively, to conserve ammo, quickly descend from the platform (next paragraph) and kill the mutants with pistols or magnums from below. (screenshots)

To get down, turn back toward the cave wall. Walk to the edge and line Lara up so she's squarely facing the jutting ledge where you started. Hop back and then take a running jump to grab that ledge. Let go to drop to the rocks below. (Or, to avoid losing a tiny bit of health in the fall, instead hang from the left side of the ledge, traverse left, and then drop.) (screenshots)

CLIMBING TO THE GOLD DOOR (FIRST ANKH): Now you'll be making your way to the gold door you opened earlier using the first switch. Turn so the sphinx is again on Lara's left. Walk forward along the sandy ledge. Jump the gap, continue forward a few steps, and then climb up the sandy blocks on the right. Jump across one more gap and enter the dark area ahead. Follow the path around the corner and climb two low blocks to emerge on a ledge overlooking the back of the sphinx. There's a drop-off ahead. Take a standing jump to the flat spot ahead on the right. Climb the rocks to the gold door. (NG+ players will find another save crystal here.) (screenshots)

Enter and go to the right. Find the movable block and push it through to the other side of the wall. Go around the wall, climb onto the block and from there to the ledge. A centaur mutant (8) stands guard in the next room. Of course, you can run in blasting if that's your style. But if you like a more cautious approach, move onto the tile just to the left of the doorway, and the centaur will animate. Draw weapons (pistols work fine) and hop back a bit. Then sidestep to the right just far enough so you can see inside. You should then be able to target the centaur without prompting it to attack. Once you get a lock on it, hold Action and Lara will keep shooting every time it runs past the opening. If it does decide to throw a fireball, side flip down onto the block. Then climb back up, sidestep toward the doorway, and continue firing. When the mutant explodes, enter and pick up a small medi pack (14) from the floor and the ANKH (15) from the pedestal. (screenshots)

Exit through the gold door, where you came in, and slide down the ramp on the right. If you didn't take it when you entered this area, there will be a large medi pack (4) on the path. Another mutant (9) lurks on the back of the sphinx. Kill it quickly before it starts shooting or throwing fireballs. Or, if that happens, back up into the alcove until it calms down. Then step out and continue firing. When it's dead, hop down onto the sphinx's back. Slide down the right side of the sphinx to land near the carved stone door. Pick up some magnum clips (16) on the ground near the door and enter. (screenshots)

SIDE AREA WITH SLOPES, POOLS, AND BRIDGE (SECOND ANKH): This carved stone door is located on the cavern floor below the north side of the sphinx (i.e., the right side if you've just come from getting the first ANKH, the left side when facing the sphinx, as shown in this screenshot). You should have opened this door earlier using the second switch.

Enter and proceed to a slope above a pool. Turn around, slide down backwards, and grab the end of the slope. Traverse left and drop onto a manmade ledge, where you'll find more magnum ammo (17). (If Lara falls in the water while exploring, just climb out on the step to the right of the slope, climb back up into the hallway, and try again.) (screenshots)

After picking up the ammo, climb the tall block steps above. Ignore the next set of steps directly ahead. Instead turn left and hop down another series of block steps to a second pool. Swim down to the bottom to find a GOLD KEY (18). The lock for that key is at one end of the bridge overhead. Climb back up the block steps, turn left, then go up the smaller steps to another ramp. In the remastered game, Lara can do a midair roll, so this section is now much easier. Turn around, slide down facing uphill, and grab the end of the slope. Continue to hold Action as you pull up and immediately press Jump + Roll to backflip off the slope, roll in midair, and grab the edge of the bridge. Pull up. (If you miss and fall into the water, swim to the left, climb back to the top of the ramp and try again.) (screenshots)

On the bridge, use the GOLD KEY in the keyhole to open the door at the opposite end. There's another centaur (10) in the room beyond. Again, you can run in and fight it if you like. Or, take a few steps toward the door with weapons drawn, get a lock on it, and step back toward the keyhole. As with the last centaur, if you don't get too close, it won't start to throw fireballs. Maintain the target lock by holding Action and Lara will shoot whenever the centaur runs past the door. When it explodes, enter the room and pick up another small medi pack (19) and ANKH (20). (There's also a save crystal here in New Game+.) (screenshots)

To get back to the SPHINX CAVERN, take a standing jump from the edge of the bridge into the opening below on the right, pressing Action to lower Lara's arc so she nails the landing. (screenshot) Or, drop into the water and swim to that opening. Climb the block steps, turn right, and go down more steps to the other pool. Swim to the doorway, climb out of the water, go up the steps, and turn left, then right, to reach the exit.

At this point you should have TWO ANKHS. If not, see above for the FIRST ANKH and SECOND ANKH to find whatever you're missing.

CLIMBING TO THE TOP OF THE SPHINX: Go around to the far side of the sphinx and climb up onto its left paw (i.e., the one on the right when facing it). Climb the ledges on its shoulder to reach its back. Step up onto the low, angled block on the sphinx's back. From there, take a running jump to grab the ledge on the back of its head. Hold Walk while hanging from this ledge, then press Forward to pull up into a handstand walkover. The "Pet This Cat" achievement/trophy should now pop. (The official text says, "Do a handstand on the Sphinxes face," and it definitely works here, at the front of the sphinx, but the back of the head is also fine.) (screenshots)

Climb to the top of the head. Place one of the ANKHS in the receptacle here. Go around either side of the head, hop down onto the ledge above the sphinx's forehead, and put the second ANKH in its matching receptacle. This opens the door between the sphinx's paws. (NG+ players also find a save crystal on this ledge.) (screenshots)

NOTE: If you haven't already gotten SECRET #1, the UZIS and accompanying ammunition (12-13), you can do that now, as described in the footnote.

To descend quickly and safely, first climb back on top of the sphinx's head, on the right side when facing the rear of the sphinx. Face the ledge in front of the first Ankh receptacle. Hold Action and hop back so Lara slides down the side of the head and grabs the edge. Let go to land on the sphinx's shoulder. Then hop down onto the "collarbone" ledge, then the ledge below, then the sphinx's paw, and finally the ground near the door you just opened. If you didn't already get the magnum clips (5) on the ground here, pick them up now. (screenshots)

UNDERGROUND POOL BENEATH THE SPHINX: Step through the door and fall into a deep pool. Here you'll find huge submerged statues of two Egyptian gods: Horus, on the left with the falcon's head, and Set, on the right with the head like an aardvark crossed with a jackal. Swim down and pick up some Uzi ammo (21) on a ledge between the two statues and shotgun shells (22) on the lap of the statue on the left. Note the doors between each statue's feet and the switch on the arm of the statue on the right. This is one of those switches that doesn't work underwater. The lever you're looking for is down in the tunnel between the feet of the statue on the right. Pull it to open the gold door nearby and partially drain the pool. In the process, Lara will be sucked through the door and whisked along to a room where you can surface. (screenshots)

A strong current prevents you from swimming back the way you came. So get out of the water and climb up onto the lowest square pillar. Stand at the front left corner of this pillar and take a standing jump to grab the front right corner of the next taller pillar. Pull up. Turn right and take a running jump to grab the bottom of the stairs. Pull up, climb the stairs and follow the ledge to the end, but don't slide down the slope yet. You'll hear and see a winged mutant (11) rise up in the area beyond the doorway. If possible, shoot the mutant with pistols from the safety of the doorway. Then, after it explodes, slide down the slope. Or, if the mutant flies off and you're unable to target it, slide down the slope and immediately step to the left and back up against the wall. If the mutant lands near Lara before you can shoot it down, this will make it harder for it to knock Lara off the ledge. (screenshots)

You're now on a ledge above the two statues. (There's a save crystal here in NG+.) Go to the left and drop down onto the small, square ledge below. Turn around and take a running jump to grab the Set statue's head. Pull up. On top of Set's head, hidden inside his pointed right ear (i.e., the ear on the left if you're facing the cavern wall), is a large medi pack (23). If you enable Action Indicators in the Options menu (as described in the Caves walkthrough), you should see the hand icon when Lara is close enough to pick it up. (screenshots)

The quickest way down is to jump into the water. Aim past Set's nose and jump forward. The game should then bump Lara forward so she splashes down between the statue's legs without taking any damage. (Alternatively, climb down the ledges between the statues and jump into the water.) Climb up onto Set's arm and use the switch there to open the door at the base of the Horus statue. Swim down and through it. (screenshots)

LONG, WINDING PASSAGEWAY TO TOP OF SPHINX: Surface in the small, square opening above and follow the long, winding passageway all the way to the top. On the way, pick up 2 sets of magnum clips (24-25). At the top is a SCARAB (26) artifact. You saw it behind the closed gate at the beginning of the level, remember? When you pick up the SCARAB, the gate opens, and 2 catlike mutants and a centaur (12-14) spawn in the In the stairway beyond the gate. These guys can be tough, so save the game before confronting them. (There's a convenient save crystal here in NG+.) (screenshots)

I found it helpful to deal with the cat mutants first before taking on the centaur. The centaur won't enter the narrow passageway, so it shouldn't be a problem. If you have health packs and ammo to spare, pick up the SCARAB, immediately draw the shotgun or Uzis, and backflip away from the gate a few times. Now shoot the mutants, hopping or flipping back as they approach. You'll definitely need to use at least one medi pack, since the mutants will be upon you before you reach the first bend in the corridor. (screenshots)

Alternatively, turn so Lara's back is toward the gate. Then take the SCARAB and run/jump along the passageway, around the first corner, and halfway down the first ramp, as fast as you can. The mutants should not follow Lara past this point. Now use Photo Mode to scout ahead. When the mutants have left the passageway and returned to the stairway, draw the Uzis (if you have sufficient ammo, magnums or pistols if not) and step out just as far as the corner. Face the gate and use Look to watch for the mutants' approach. As soon as Lara gets a lock on a mutant, start firing. Before the mutants can reach her, side flip twice to the right into the safe spot on the ramp. You may be able to get in a few extra shots if the mutants linger at the corner, but they should not pursue Lara down the ramp. Repeat this tactic as many times as needed to destroy both cat mutants. (screenshots)

Now deal with the centaur, which should still be whinnying and trotting around the staircase. Use Photo Mode to track it. When it moves up the stairs, draw weapons and run out. (Uzis or magnums work faster, but pistols will do.) Stand at the bottom looking up the stairs. Get a lock on the centaur and begin side-flipping from left to right while shooting. If you keep moving side to side, its fireballs will miss, and you should be able to destroy it fairly quickly. (screenshots)

Or, if you prefer a more cautious approach, advance toward the gate to attract the centaur's attention. Get a lock on it then back down the passageway about halfway. Its fireballs won't reach this far, and you can shoot it as it runs past. You may need to advance into the room a few times to attract the centaur. This will take a while but can be done with pistols only. (screenshots)

NOTE: If you missed any of the earlier kills or pickups, or the "Pet This Cat" achievement/trophy, you should still be able to get them now. Once you slide down into the final area, this will not be possible. The right gate leads back to the UNDERGROUND POOL. The opening in the ceiling at the top of the stairs leads back to the SPHINX CAVERN. The footnote describes how to get the secret and the achievement. The walkthrough above should help you find anything else you may have missed.

SCION ROOM: When you're ready to move on, place the SCARAB in the receptacle to open the left gate. Pick up the large medi pack and magnum clips (27-28), then slide down the sloping steps. (screenshot) Climb through the larger opening on the left and prepare to take on Larson (15) once again. (Apparently Lara only stunned him back in the Lost Valley.) He is lurking behind the pillars on the right but emerges spouting threats and lead as soon as Lara hits the ground. (screenshots) He's not too tough, so pistols should do. Just keep shooting, back away from him if necessary, jump from side to side to dodge his bullets, and try not to let him get behind Lara. You'll be done fairly quickly. (screenshots) When he falls, the "Pain in Your Brain!" achievement/trophy unlocks.

Go to the top of the stairs and take the THIRD PIECE OF THE SCION (29) to end the level. (screenshot)

†UPDATE HISTORY: 4/10/24 - First major update for the Remastered version. Updates made prior to the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered release are tracked in the original guide.

DARK MODE: I plan to add optional dark mode for these pages, but my current priority is updating the walkthroughs. Meanwhile, may I suggest a reputable dark mode browser extension, such as Dark Reader? (Download only from trusted sites, like darkreader.org or your browser's web store.)

ALTERNATE METHOD FOR GETTING UZI SECRET: Ideally this alternate method for reaching the level's only secret, the Uzis, should be used after obtaining both Ankhs. Then you only have to climb to the top of the sphinx once. Of course, you can go for the guns at any time and then return to the top of the sphinx later. The idea is to jump from the sphinx's head to the invisible platform, get the Uzis, and then jump back over to the sphinx's shoulder. Details and screenshots appear on a separate page.

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