Tomb Raider Guide | How to Use the Climbing Axe to Reach the Summit

Here's a guide on how to use the Climbing Axe to reach the Summit in Tomb Raider.

Game Guide by ImSadi on Dec 17, 2025

This guide covers the first major use of the new Climbing Axe during the Cry for Help mission. You will scale the cliffside, encounter an optional tomb, engage enemies, and finally cross a collapsing bridge to reach the summit.

Initial Use of the Climbing Axe

Note that Roth has provided you with a Climbing Axe. Before leaving the area, unlock the third Lara's Journal at the base camp. Then, head north.

Use Survival Instincts to highlight the first interactive rock face. Approach it and press the action button to use the Climbing Axe. Climb until you reach a ledge with a plane wing on it.

Tomb Raider, Guide, How to Use the Climbing Axe to Reach the Summit

Traversing the Cliff Face

Go to the right, over the wing. Use Survival Instincts again to locate the next set of interactive ledges. Use the Climbing Axe on them and move left. Soon, you must jump to an adjacent rock.

To do this, move the left analog stick left (or press the left directional key), hold the jump button, and then press the action button to sink the Climbing Axe into the rock and prevent a fall. Climb to the top of this section.

Passing the Optional Tomb

Head northwest from this point. You will pass near the entrance to the optional Tomb of the Unworthy. You can explore it now or return later.

Continue toward the wolves' cave you visited earlier. Find the interactive rock face near it and use the Climbing Axe to ascend.

Tomb Raider, Guide, How to Use the Climbing Axe to Reach the Summit

Advanced Axe Jumping Technique

At the top, turn slightly to the right. Jump toward another rock. Just before making contact, press the action button to use the Climbing Axe from your inventory. Use this technique to reach several higher platforms.

Engaging the Guards on the Upper Level

Once on the upper platforms, take cover immediately. New guards patrol this area. Wait for them to finish talking and return to their posts. First, eliminate the isolated guard on your right with a headshot from your bow.

Next, deal with the enemies inside the building on your left. Aim your bow at the oil lamp above them to ignite it. Use the distraction to quickly kill the guards with your bow or pistol.

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