Tips & Tricks

Beginner tips

The habits that make the biggest difference in your first hours with the game.

BeginnerUnderstanding basic controls

What to do: Use short, straight flicks: up to jump, down to slide, left or right to change lanes and turn. Tap to shoot during combat.
Why it helps: The game reacts to the direction of a swipe. Diagonal or wobbly swipes are the most common reason Lara jumps when you wanted a lane change.
When to use it: From the very first tutorial level. Build the habit before speed increases.
Expected result: Fewer "I didn't press that" deaths and a calmer feel at higher speeds.
Avoid: Swiping across the area where you also tap to shoot in combat; keep swipes and taps deliberate.

BeginnerLearning movement timing

What to do: Swipe when an obstacle reaches a consistent point on screen, roughly where the path ahead meets Lara's running space, rather than when you first notice it.
Why it helps: Jumping or sliding too early means Lara lands or stands up before the obstacle arrives.
When to use it: On every jump and slide. It matters most on floor spikes and low beams placed close together.
Expected result: A repeatable rhythm that still works as the run speeds up, because you adjust the trigger point rather than guess.
Avoid: Panic inputs the moment a trap appears. Early inputs are almost as dangerous as late ones.

BeginnerAvoiding early mistakes

What to do: Play the opening levels to learn, not to score. Clear the tutorials, read each objective, and keep coins until you know what to buy.
Why it helps: Early coins and gems are limited. Spending them on the wrong items slows your progress for many levels.
When to use it: During the first Jungle Temple levels and whenever a new mechanic is introduced.
Expected result: Faster progress later, because your first upgrades go into things that help every run.
Avoid: Using Ankhs to save meaningless runs. See the beginner mistakes list.

BeginnerRecognising obstacles

What to do: Sort every obstacle into one of three answers: over (jump), under (slide) or around (lane change).
Why it helps: Your brain decides faster with three choices than with a dozen trap names.
When to use it: Always, but especially in new regions where the art style changes how traps look.
Expected result: Quicker reactions to unfamiliar traps, such as icicles or bells in the Mountain Pass.
Avoid: Assuming a trap that looks like an earlier one behaves the same; watch its first appearance carefully. More in the trap guide.

BeginnerStaying focused during runs

What to do: Keep your eyes on the path ahead of Lara, not on the score, coin counter or clue meter.
Why it helps: The HUD changes constantly; the path is what kills you. A glance at the meter at the wrong moment is a common relic-level death.
When to use it: During dense obstacle sections and right after combat or vehicle sections end.
Expected result: Fewer "surprise" collisions, especially in transitions.
Avoid: Checking the meter mid-sequence; check it only on calm straights.

BeginnerLearning enemy behaviour

What to do: Watch what each enemy throws. In the Jungle Temple, smaller warriors throw bombs and larger ones throw boulders; both can be shot out of the air.
Why it helps: Knowing which enemy is about to throw tells you where to tap next.
When to use it: In every combat section, particularly the first time you meet a new enemy type.
Expected result: Less damage taken and more Sharpshooter progress (25 projectiles shot down).
Avoid: Ignoring the larger enemies; their projectiles hit hard. See enemy types.

BeginnerUnderstanding game objectives

What to do: Read the objective screen before each odd-numbered level and plan the run around it.
Why it helps: Objectives often reward a specific action. Playing a normal run and hoping it happens wastes attempts.
When to use it: On every objective level, and again when going back for missing stars.
Expected result: Faster level completion and more three-star ratings.
Avoid: Forgetting that mastering a level means repeating the objective within the same run. See objective levels.

BeginnerImproving survival

What to do: Return to the middle lane after each dodge unless the route needs a side.
Why it helps: From the middle you can dodge either way. From an outer lane you only have one escape direction.
When to use it: After every sidestep on open three-lane stretches.
Expected result: More options when a surprise obstacle appears, and noticeably longer runs.
Avoid: Drifting to an edge to chase coins and staying there.

Running tips

How to stay alive as speed and obstacle density increase.

RunningImproving reaction timing

What to do: Shift your focus point further up the screen as the run speeds up.
Why it helps: Your reaction time is fixed; the only way to keep up is to see obstacles earlier.
When to use it: Once a run has gone on long enough that traps start arriving back to back.
Expected result: Late-run sequences feel slower and more readable.
Avoid: Staring at Lara's feet; by then the decision is already late.

RunningPreparing for obstacles

What to do: Decide your input for the next two obstacles, not just the next one.
Why it helps: Many deaths happen because a correct dodge puts Lara in the wrong lane for the following trap.
When to use it: Whenever obstacles come in clusters, such as spikes followed by a beam.
Expected result: Smooth chains instead of last-second scrambles.
Avoid: Choosing the dodge direction automatically; pick the side that sets up the next move.

RunningUnderstanding running patterns

What to do: Learn the recurring building blocks of each region, such as pendulum corridors, wall-run stretches and turns.
Why it helps: Runs are assembled from familiar pieces. Recognising a piece tells you what comes next.
When to use it: Whenever you enter a new region; spend a few runs just observing.
Expected result: Fewer surprises and more confident lane choices.
Avoid: Memorising an exact route; the order changes between runs.

RunningChoosing safe movement

What to do: When two answers would work, pick the one with the larger margin, often a lane change over a precise jump.
Why it helps: Lane changes are forgiving on timing; jumps over close obstacles are not.
When to use it: When a trap occupies one lane and you have time to move around it.
Expected result: Higher consistency, especially on long runs and relic levels.
Avoid: Stylish but risky moves when a run matters.

RunningMaintaining concentration

What to do: Use calm straights and section transitions to relax your hands, then refocus before the next cluster.
Why it helps: Tension causes over-swiping. Brief resets keep inputs clean for longer.
When to use it: On long endless runs and relic levels that need many clues.
Expected result: Fewer late-run errors caused by fatigue.
Avoid: Playing through hand cramps or a hot, lagging phone; pause instead.

RunningAvoiding unnecessary risks

What to do: Skip coins, gems or power-ups that need a risky move. Take them only from a safe lane.
Why it helps: The value of one pickup is tiny compared with the value of the run.
When to use it: Always, and especially on relic levels where a death costs your clues.
Expected result: Longer runs, which in turn earn more coins than greedy play.
Avoid: Treating clues the same as coins. On relic levels clues are worth a measured risk; coins rarely are.

RunningImproving long-run performance

What to do: Start long runs with a Head Start if you have one, and keep an Ankh for a late mistake.
Why it helps: A Head Start moves Lara some distance into the run; later versions of the item also auto-collect gems, clues and power-ups on the way.
When to use it: When going for distance records or boss achievements.
Expected result: Less time spent on the easy opening and more attempts at the hard part.
Avoid: Using Head Starts on short objective levels where the opening is where the objective happens.

Combat tips

Combat sections are where many players lose otherwise good runs.

CombatUnderstanding weapon mechanics

What to do: Know how your secondary weapon fires: the Crossbow's bolts are slow, the Shotgun spreads pellets, the Assault Rifle fires bursts, the Dual SMGs support tap-and-hold, the Grenade Launcher deals area damage and the Minigun fires very fast.
Why it helps: Each weapon rewards a different tapping style.
When to use it: Whenever you equip a new weapon; spend a run getting used to it.
Expected result: Fewer wasted shots and faster kills.
Avoid: Tapping the Crossbow like a machine gun. Read the weapon guide.

CombatImproving accuracy

What to do: Tap directly on the target's body or on the projectile itself, and lead slow-moving targets slightly.
Why it helps: Targets move while you tap, and some projectiles are small.
When to use it: On every target, and especially with the Crossbow.
Expected result: Fewer misses and progress toward Sharpshooter and Kill Stealer.
Avoid: Covering the target with your finger and losing sight of it.

CombatReacting to enemy encounters

What to do: When a combat section starts, scan for explosive barrels and the largest enemy before tapping anything.
Why it helps: A barrel next to a group can clear it at once, and the large enemy is usually the biggest threat.
When to use it: At the start of every combat section.
Expected result: Shorter fights and less damage.
Avoid: Shooting barrels with no enemies nearby, which wastes them.

CombatChoosing combat priorities

What to do: Follow a fixed order: incoming projectiles, then barrels near enemies, then the most dangerous enemy, then crates.
Why it helps: A fixed order removes hesitation when the screen gets busy.
When to use it: In every fight, including bosses.
Expected result: Consistent survival through combat sections.
Avoid: Chasing coin crates while projectiles are in the air.

CombatManaging dangerous encounters

What to do: Carry Kevlar Vests and Medipacks into runs where you expect heavy combat or a boss. Upgrades to these items make them stronger.
Why it helps: Vests absorb damage, and a Medipack heals 50% when Lara is about to fall in combat.
When to use it: Boss achievement runs, Mountain Pass combat and long endless runs.
Expected result: Survival through a fight that would otherwise end the run.
Avoid: Relying on healing instead of shooting projectiles; healing only buys time.

CombatAvoiding combat mistakes

What to do: Keep an eye on secondary weapon ammo and switch your attention to ammo crates when it runs low.
Why it helps: Running dry in a tough fight leaves you with pistols only.
When to use it: Mid-length runs where several combat sections come one after another.
Expected result: Full firepower available when a boss arrives.
Avoid: Spending the whole clip on weak enemies the pistols could handle.

Relic collection tips

Relic hunts are half of the campaign. These tips make them faster and safer.

RelicsUnderstanding relic objectives

What to do: On even-numbered levels, treat clues as the only thing that matters. Fill the meter, then grab the relic.
Why it helps: The level ends when you collect the relic, so everything else is a distraction.
When to use it: Every relic level.
Expected result: Shorter, more focused relic runs.
Avoid: Forgetting that later relics need more clues; plan for longer runs as you progress.

RelicsImproving collection efficiency

What to do: Upgrade the Clue Booster, wear a Bomber Pilot outfit and grab Clue Booster power-ups when safe.
Why it helps: The Clue Booster helps you find relics faster, and the Bomber Pilot line increases clue frequency and Clue Booster duration.
When to use it: On every relic level once these items are available.
Expected result: The meter fills in noticeably less distance.
Avoid: Wearing a combat outfit on relic levels out of habit.

RelicsTracking progress

What to do: Use our relic checklist to tick off relics by region.
Why it helps: It shows which relic comes next and which level it belongs to.
When to use it: After each relic you collect.
Expected result: A clear view of how close you are to each region's relic achievement.
Avoid: Assuming the checklist syncs with the game; it only saves in your browser.

RelicsPlanning challenge completion

What to do: Combine relic runs with achievements that accumulate anyway, such as Off the Wall, It's Just Skin or Detonator.
Why it helps: Cumulative achievements progress during any run, so you lose nothing by focusing on clues.
When to use it: Throughout the campaign.
Expected result: Achievements unlock naturally while you collect relics.
Avoid: Mixing a one-run challenge (like Jumper) with a relic level; one goal per run.

RelicsAvoiding missed objectives

What to do: When the meter is nearly full and you die, consider using an Ankh rather than restarting.
Why it helps: A death on a relic level loses the clues from that attempt unless you continue.
When to use it: Long relic levels late in each region.
Expected result: Fewer wasted long runs.
Avoid: Spending Ankhs when the meter is nearly empty; restarting costs little then.

Advanced tips

For players who finish levels reliably and want more consistency, better scores and harder achievements.

AdvancedImproving survival consistency

What to do: After each death, name the cause in one phrase, such as "late slide", "double swipe" or "watched the meter".
Why it helps: Most players repeat the same two or three errors. Naming them makes them fixable.
When to use it: Over a session of ten or more runs.
Expected result: A steady rise in average distance, not just occasional lucky runs.
Avoid: Blaming the game for every death; even unfair-feeling traps usually have a tell.

AdvancedManaging difficult sequences

What to do: Break a dense sequence into "anchor" moves that must happen, then fill the gaps with the simplest safe input.
Why it helps: Complex chains are easier when you only commit to the moves that are forced.
When to use it: Late in endless runs and in the Mountain Pass.
Expected result: Fewer deaths in the parts of a run that used to feel impossible.
Avoid: Extra lane changes between anchors. See difficult sequences.

AdvancedOptimising upgrades

What to do: Push one or two upgrade lines far instead of raising everything a little, and match them to your current goal.
Why it helps: A deep Clue Booster or one strong weapon changes outcomes; scattered levels rarely do.
When to use it: Every time you have coins to spend.
Expected result: Noticeable improvements in the area you care about most.
Avoid: Buying every new weapon as it unlocks; pick a main secondary. Details in upgrade planning.

AdvancedImproving combat efficiency

What to do: Use pistols on small threats and projectiles, and save secondary ammo for large enemies and bosses.
Why it helps: Pistol ammo is unlimited; secondary ammo is not.
When to use it: Long runs with several combat sections before a boss.
Expected result: Full or near-full secondary ammo when the boss arrives.
Avoid: Firing the secondary at everything early in the run.

AdvancedPlanning progression

What to do: Alternate between pushing the campaign and replaying earlier levels for stars, coins and achievements when you hit a wall.
Why it helps: Replays build coins and skill without the pressure of a hard new level.
When to use it: When a relic level needs more clues than your current setup can comfortably collect.
Expected result: Steady progress instead of a frustrating stall.
Avoid: Grinding the same level for hours; change goals to stay sharp.

AdvancedAdvanced movement techniques

What to do: Master the wall-run input from both the middle lane (two swipes) and the matching outer lane (one swipe), and try parkour moves where the scenery seems to allow them.
Why it helps: Parkour moves can reveal secret paths, and each region has an achievement for finding one.
When to use it: Once basic survival is reliable.
Expected result: Access to secret paths and progress toward Athleticism (20 parkour moves in one run).
Avoid: Experimenting on runs that matter. Read secret paths.

AdvancedImproving personal records

What to do: For score attempts, combine an upgraded Standard outfit (base score multiplier) with Score Multiplier pickups, or a Biker outfit if vehicle sections are frequent.
Why it helps: Score depends on distance and multipliers; both outfits boost multiplier-related effects.
When to use it: In endless mode and leaderboard attempts.
Expected result: Higher scores from runs of the same length.
Avoid: Collecting a relic you don't need on a score run; on relic levels it ends the run.

Beginner tips

Running tips

Combat tips

Relic collection tips

Advanced tips

More tips

Survival Guide

Secrets

Boss Guides