Shadow of the Tomb Raider Guide | How to Complete Ancient Studies Side Mission

Here’s a guide on how to complete the Ancient Studies Side Mission in Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

Game Guide by TauxicPandA on Jan 06, 2026

After you finish the Empty-handed chapter, you can begin the Ancient Studies mission. Go to the northern part of the city and find the Fishing District.

There are two small islands there. Look for a young girl named Awil who is looking at a stone tablet. Talk to her and say you will help her read the murals.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Guide, How to Complete Ancient Studies Side Mission

Finding the Murals

You need to find three different Cultist Murals around the edges of the city. The first one is southwest of the Fishing District, just south of where you enter Paititi in Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

The second one is near the woods that lead toward the Path of Battle Challenge Tomb. You can find the last one on the south side of town near a house that contains an Archivist Map.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Guide, How to Complete Ancient Studies Side Mission

Searching for Awil

Go back to the Fishing District once you have found all three. When you get there, speak with Mayu. She will tell you that the father of Awil took the girl away. You have to go find them to stop what is happening.

Rescuing the Girl

Travel to the abandoned village. This is the place where you first met Etzli. You get there by taking the path on the north side of town, west of the Fishing District.

Follow the Cultist until you find where they are holding Awil. A scene will play once you arrive in Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Guide, How to Complete Ancient Studies Side Mission

Fighting the Cultists

As soon as the scene ends, use your Bow to take out the Cultists fast. More of them will show up from the west, so hide in the long grass around the ruins.

Stay safe and defeat every Cultist in the area. When the fight is over, head back to the Fishing District. Talk to Mayu and Awil one last time to get your reward, the Heart of the Eagle weapon in Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

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