Tomb Raider Guide | All Research Base Totems Locations

A guide to locate and destroy the 5 Totems in Tomb Raider.

Game Guide by Shadi on Dec 19, 2025

The Research Base contains a set of five Totems. This guide details their locations in the order you will encounter them as you progress through the area.

Totem 1 of 5

You can find this Totem during the initial exploration of the Research Base, shortly after Lara squeezes through a narrow crack. Stop at the area containing a lamp. Use Zoom and Survival Instinct to spot the Totem hidden nearby. Destroy it using your Bow or a firearm to receive 10 XP.

Tomb Raider Guide | All Research Base Totems Locations

Totem 2 of 5

This Totem is located after you reach the room with a Camp. Search the right side of this room to find a door you can open with your Axe. After opening the door, walk to the edge, turn right, and aim up at the ceiling. The Totem hangs there. Destroy it for 10 XP.

Totem 3 of 5

This Totem is also found after reaching the room with a Camp. From the same door you opened on the right side of the room, approach the edge and use Zoom to look into the distance. The Totem will be visible. Destroy it for 10 XP.

Totem 4 of 5

Locate this Totem after accessing the first floor of the research facility, which occurs after solving the elevator puzzle. From the area with the staircase, jump down to the first floor and immediately turn right. The Totem is easily visible here. Destroy it for 10 XP.

Tomb Raider Guide | All Research Base Totems Locations

Totem 5 of 5

This final Totem is also on the first floor, accessed after the elevator puzzle. Go through a hole in the wall and eliminate any nearby bandits in the corridor.

Ensure you are in this corridor with the defeated bandits, then turn right. The Totem is positioned behind a fence. Destroy it for 150 XP.

Also, check our Tomb Raider (2013) Review and Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition Review, and other guides below.