Tomb Raider Guide | How to Defeat the Heavy Soldier and Rescue Alex

A guide on how to defeat the Heavy Soldier and Rescue Alex in Tomb Raider.

Game Guide by ImSadi on Dec 17, 2025

This guide helps you complete the Gone Missing mission. You'll face a tough, heavy soldier to get new gear, then solve a puzzle to reach the injured Alex.

Initial Engagement and Stealth Takedowns

When you leave the tunnel, hide behind a small crate for an advantage. Take out the two regular guards first. Wait until the taller guard on the deck looks away, then use your bow or Stealth Pistol to quietly deal with both guards.

Tomb Raider, Guide, How to Defeat the Heavy Soldier and Rescue Alex

Confronting the Heavy Soldier

Now, face the big mini-boss enemy. Aim for his head, as it's his only weak spot. Try to land a headshot at the start. When the fight begins, dodge early like you would with riot shield enemies. If he gets close, he can grab Lara and deal heavy damage.

Use any special attacks you have to slow him down. Keep looking for chances to shoot him in the head. The shotgun or assault rifle works well. He's tough and will need at least three or four headshots to defeat.

Finishing the Boss and Acquiring the Rope Ascender

Keep fighting until you see the execution icon above his head. Run up to him and press the melee button. Then, press the action button twice during the quick-time event to finish him off. You'll get the Rope Ascender as your reward.

Using the New Rope Ascender

Right away, the game asks you to try the Rope Ascender. Shoot a rope arrow at the cargo hanging from the crane. Hold the action button to pull the cargo with the ascender.

Tomb Raider, Guide, How to Defeat the Heavy Soldier and Rescue Alex

Wait for it to break through the deck, then drop down through the hole. Move ahead to Lara's cabin to start a cutscene and earn 150 XP.

Proceeding Toward Alex

Keep moving forward and watch out for enemies. Sneak up on the guard to your left, then take out another guard in the distance with your bow or a gun. Slide down the zip-line.

Go through the straight, partly flooded corridor to get 250 XP. There are no enemies or items here. Soon, you'll find Alex, but you'll need to solve a two-part puzzle to get past a blocked, electrified passage.