Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Tips for New Players
Start by mastering the dodge-roll and learning to read enemy tells, because Legacy of Atlantis is a combat-heavy expansion where positioning matters more than raw firepower. This guide gives new players the early-game essentials: what to buy first, which skills to prioritize, and how to avoid the most common mistakes that lead to wasted resources and frustrating deaths.
Background: What Is Legacy of Atlantis?
Legacy of Atlantis is a downloadable expansion for Tomb Raider (2013), adding a new story chapter set on a lost island. It introduces a new skill tree, a new weapon (the Hades Claw), and several new enemy types, including armored guards and a final boss. The expansion is designed for players who have completed the main game, but it can be started earlier if you want a challenge. It uses the same core mechanics as the base game, but the new enemies and environments demand a slightly different approach.
How to Start: What to Bring Into the Expansion
Before you enter the Legacy of Atlantis, make sure your character is reasonably upgraded. The expansion assumes you have at least a few skills and weapon upgrades. Here is what to prioritize:
- Weapon upgrades: Focus on the pistol and the assault rifle. The pistol is your reliable headshot tool; the rifle is for sustained damage on tougher enemies.
- Skills: Get the “Agility” skills that improve dodge-rolling and climbing speed. Also grab “Survivalist” skills that increase healing item effectiveness.
- Resources: Carry as much salvage and as many healing items as you can. You will find more in the expansion, but starting with a full stock helps.
Early Game Strategy: The First 30 Minutes
The expansion opens with a linear section that teaches you the new enemy patterns. Do not rush. Use the environment to your advantage – there are explosive barrels and vantage points. The key is to stay mobile. The new enemies, especially the armored ones, will punish you if you stand still. Use the dodge-roll to avoid their attacks, then counter with headshots when they are recovering.
In the first major combat encounter, you will face a group of guards. A good strategy is to climb to the high ground and pick them off with the rifle. If they get close, switch to the shotgun for a quick knockdown. Always keep an eye on your surroundings for escape routes – there are often ledges you can climb to break line of sight.
Skill Tree: What to Unlock First
Legacy of Atlantis adds a new skill tree called “Atlantean Knowledge.” These skills are powerful but require special tokens found in the expansion. Here is the order to unlock them:
- Hades Claw Mastery: This unlocks the full potential of the new weapon, allowing you to charge heavy attacks that break shields.
- Health Regeneration: A passive skill that slowly regenerates health when out of combat. It is a lifesaver in longer fights.
- Explosive Arrows: If you use the bow, this skill adds a small area-of-effect explosion to arrow impacts, great for groups.
Do not spend tokens on skills that do not fit your playstyle. If you are a stealth player, the bow skills are better than the melee ones.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
New players often struggle with the following:
- Running out of ammo: The expansion has fewer ammo pickups than the main game. Use the bow for single targets and the pistol for headshots to conserve rifle ammo.
- Getting surrounded: The AI is aggressive and will flank you. Always keep moving and use the environment to funnel enemies into narrow paths.
- Boss fight frustration: The final boss has a pattern. Learn it: he will telegraph his attacks with a glowing arm. Dodge, then hit him when he is vulnerable. Do not panic-fire.
Weapon and Gear Choices
The Hades Claw is a melee weapon that is excellent for breaking enemy shields and staggering tough enemies. It is not a replacement for your guns, but a situational tool. For ranged combat, the bow is the most versatile – it is silent and can be upgraded with fire and explosive tips. The assault rifle is best for sustained fire on large groups, but it is loud and draws attention. The shotgun is a panic button for close quarters.
Upgrade your gear at the upgrade benches you find in the expansion. Prioritize the bow and the pistol first, as they are your most used weapons. The shotgun is less critical early on.
Comparing to the Base Game: What’s Different?
Legacy of Atlantis is more combat-focused than the base game. There are fewer puzzles and more arenas where you fight waves of enemies. The new enemies require different tactics: the armored ones need their helmets shot off or a melee attack to stagger, and the fast ones are best handled with a dodge-and-counter approach. The exploration is more linear, but there are hidden collectibles that unlock concept art and lore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Legacy of Atlantis before finishing the main game? Yes, you can access it from the main menu at any time, but it is balanced for end-game characters. If you start early, expect a tough time.
What is the best weapon in the expansion? The bow, when fully upgraded, is the most versatile. The Hades Claw is powerful but requires close range, which is risky.
How do I get more Atlantean tokens? They are found in hidden chests and from defeating certain elite enemies. Explore every corner of the map.
Is the expansion worth replaying? Yes, there is a New Game Plus mode that lets you carry over upgrades, and the combat is fun enough to replay with a different skill build.
What is the recommended level to start? If you have finished the main story, you are ready. If not, aim for at least 50% of the skill tree unlocked.
Are there any difficulty-specific rewards? No, but higher difficulties give you more salvage and tokens, which helps with upgrades.
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