The developer of Shadow of the Tomb Raider accidentally left a cut ending in the release version of the game — the “original” ending was even patched out on the first day, but you can still watch it. Here’s how to do it.
Before getting into what the ending actually is, let’s talk about this whole ending situation. This isn’t a small thing. The ending is actually different, with some slightly different implications that change what we might see in future installments. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of an alternate ending being removed in a Day 1 patch, either. Whatever the reasons, I think removing the ending was a good idea.
So — how to actually watch the ending. If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t want to just search it out on YouTube (like all video game endings, people post the ending fast) you can actually “unlock” this ending for yourself. Let’s talk about that.
More Shadow of the Tomb Raider guides on Gameranx:
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: How To Solve Every Challenge Tomb | Puzzle Solutions Guide
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: All Llama Locations | ‘Como Te Llama’ Guide
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: How To Get The Reinforced Knife, Lockpick & Rope Ascender
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: All Sarcophagi Crypts Locations | Armor Pieces Guide
How To Watch The Patched-Out Ending (And What It Is)
To watch the patched-out, additional ending scene in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, you need to roll-back your patches. I haven’t tested this on PC, but I have given it a try on a physical copy on console. It’s very simple, so here’s what you do.
- Step #1: Get a physical copy on PS4 or XBO. This might (probably) will also work on digital copies, you just need to avoid (or roll back) patches.
- Step #2: If already installed / patched, delete your installation file and redownload it, stopped any patch — or disconnect from the internet entirely while the game is installing.
- Step #3: Once an unpatched version of the game is installed, you can now play to the end and check out the patched ending cutscene.
Or, you can just watch the upload below.
So, what’s exactly happening in this ending? We see Croft Manor with all the spoils Lara Croft claimed in her adventures in Peru. While following her shaky butler, we get a look at a letter with an object next to it. The letter is from “Jacqueline Natla” — the antagonist of the original Tomb Raider.
Natla is a reoccurring character that has appeared in multiple continuities — the original series and the “Legend” series both include a version of Natla. Natla is a powerful businesswoman that runs her own international corporation called Natla Technologies.
Naturally, that implies that the next game in the remake series might just follow the story, in some way, of the very first Tomb Raider adventure on the PS1. The ending was cut, leaving a more open ending that doesn’t quite imply that we’re about to see a return of Natla.
If you look very closely, you can even spot Lara’s signature double-guns! So, we’ve finally returned to “normal” Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. That’s what this particular cut ending implies, at least! The standard, patched ending isn’t quite so forward about the trajectory of the series.
