Tomb Raider 3 Remastered holds a special treat for explorers willing to investigate every corner of Croft Manor. The Hidden T-Rex Trophy Room showcases mementos from Lara's previous adventures, including the iconic dinosaur she encountered in the original game. This secret area is easy to miss but extremely rewarding to find. Here's how you can access this nostalgic treasure trove and what you'll discover inside.
TLDR;
Press the hidden button on the back of the diving board by the pool to open a concealed door in the main hall. Quickly pull the lever behind this door to reveal a passage to the Trophy Room containing the T-Rex head, Dagger of Xian, Iris artifact, and other adventure souvenirs.
Locating the Secret Entrance
The entrance to the Trophy Room is cleverly hidden and requires a precise sequence of actions:
- Head to the swimming pool area in Croft Manor
- Approach the diving board at one end of the pool
- Look at the back side of the diving board base
- Press the hidden button located there
This action triggers a mechanism that temporarily opens a concealed door in the main hall of the manor. The timing is crucial here, as the door remains open for only a short period.
Navigating to the Trophy Room
Once you've activated the switch by the pool:
- Quickly run back to the main hall of Croft Manor
- Look for a newly opened passage in the wall
- Enter this passage and locate a lever inside
- Pull the lever to open the final door to the Trophy Room
Many players miss the Trophy Room because they don't move quickly enough after pressing the button. The timing window is tight, so you may need several attempts to reach the concealed passage before it closes.
What You'll Find Inside
The Trophy Room contains several significant artifacts from Lara's adventures:
- T-Rex Trophy: The mounted head of the dinosaur from the Lost Valley in the original Tomb Raider
- Dagger of Xian: The powerful artifact from Tomb Raider 2
- The Iris: The mysterious artifact from Tomb Raider 3
- Golden Idol: A statue resembling the famous idol from Indiana Jones
These items serve as a nostalgic reminder of Lara's previous expeditions and the challenges she's overcome.
Helpful Tips for Success
Here are some practical suggestions to make finding this secret area easier:
- Use Photo Mode: This can help you spot hidden buttons and switches in dark areas
- Switch Graphics: Temporarily switching to classic graphics sometimes makes certain environmental elements more visible
- Save Frequently: Create a manual save before attempting the timed sequence to avoid redoing complex sections
- Clear Path: Make sure there are no obstacles in your way when running from the pool to the main hall
- Look Carefully: Some players miss the button on the diving board because it blends with the environment
Why It's Worth Finding
Besides the satisfaction of discovering a well-hidden secret, the Trophy Room offers a wonderful moment of nostalgia for long-time Tomb Raider fans. Seeing these iconic artifacts displayed together provides a tangible connection between the different games in the series and celebrates Lara's illustrious career as a tomb raider.
The Trophy Room is exclusive to Tomb Raider 3 Remastered, though it contains references to all three games in the trilogy. Finding it is a rewarding experience that showcases the developers' attention to detail and appreciation for the series' rich history.
Whether you're a veteran raider or new to the series, discovering this hidden memorial to Lara's adventures is one of the most satisfying secrets in Tomb Raider 3 Remastered's Croft Manor. Happy exploring!