Tomb Raider: Anniversary grapple and puzzles: wall runs, water levels and Midas’s gold
Read Anniversary’s traversal rings and solve mechanisms without losing track of the return route.
Edition covered
The 2007 Anniversary campaign reimagining the first Tomb Raider. Steam pictures show the original PC version. Wii-exclusive interaction puzzles, the 1996 original and Tomb Raider I–III Remastered are separate references.
Distinguish a swing from a wall run
A ceiling ring supports a hanging swing; a wall-mounted ring supports running along the wall. Adjust the rope while stationary when needed, then build movement toward the intended landing.
| Element | Action | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling grapple ring | Swing across the gap | Length and release direction |
| Wall grapple ring | Run along the wall and jump off | Next ledge’s height |
| Unsteady handhold | Use the secure-grip prompt | Do it before another jump |
| Vertical column | Climb and rotate | Face the next landing |
| Horizontal pole | Swing and release | Momentum and target ledge |
Recover a slipping grip promptly
Some catches leave Lara hanging precariously. Use the interaction prompt to secure the hold before choosing the next jump, especially after a long gap or a moving platform.
| Mechanism | What changes | Planning step |
|---|---|---|
| Cistern water wheel | Water level and access | Inspect the routes at each height |
| Movable crate on a plate | Gate or platform state | Position before flooding |
| Floating raft | Reachable stepping point | Pull it to the useful location |
| Midas’s hand | Lead bar becomes gold | Use the bar rather than standing on the hand |
Use water height as part of the route
The Tomb of Tihocan cistern changes access when flooded or drained. Place the required objects and move the raft into position before raising water, then use the altered height to reach the exit.
Keep Midas’s hand for the lead bars
At Midas’s Palace, the puzzle turns collected lead bars into gold for the mechanism. Use the intended item interaction at the hand; walking Lara onto the golden hand is a lethal mistake.
At Midas’s Palace, the puzzle turns collected lead bars into gold for the mechanism.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Tomb Raider: Anniversary publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Official Anniversary PC manual | store.steampowered.com |
| Stella’s Anniversary level index | www.tombraiders.net |
| T. rex adrenaline-dodge sequence | tombraiders.net |
| Centaur boss and cistern guide | tombraiders.net |