Tomb Raider Guide | Hunting Location in the Coastal Forest

A Guide to Hunting, Collectibles, and Progression in the Opening Area in Tomb Raider.

Game Guide by Shadi on Dec 19, 2025

You'll start out in the Coastal Forest. Before rushing straight to your main objective, take some time to explore. This starting area has your first Collectibles and is completely safe from enemies, so it's perfect for scavenging.

Just keep in mind that you won't be able to grab everything right away—some items need specific Gear, and the northern part of the forest stays locked until you progress further in the game.

Initial Exploration and Hunting Objective: Your first objective is to head southeast into the main forest area. Don't worry about following the exact path—there's room to wander.

Tomb Raider, Guide, Hunting Location in the Coastal Forest

You'll find Deer here, but they're skittish and will bolt if they spot you. Move slowly and carefully to avoid spooking them. For the best chance at a successful hunt, try to get above your target—height gives you a serious advantage.

Executing the Hunt

Once you've got a clear line of sight, go into aiming mode. You'll want to use Zoom here. Make sure to fully draw your bowstring before you let the arrow fly.

Aim for the head—it's crucial for a one-shot kill. If you hit the body instead, the Deer might run off, and you'll have to either chase it down or find another one.

Collecting Resources and Earning XP

Walk up to the downed animal to trigger a quick scene where you collect Meat and earn 150 XP. The game will suggest heading back to Base Camp, but you can stick around and hunt more if you want.

Tomb Raider, Guide, Hunting Location in the Coastal Forest

Each extra kill and Meat collection gets you 50 XP. Rabbits and Crows are also fair game, and you can gather plants scattered around the area, too.

Region Depletion Note

Keep hunting and gathering until you receive a notification that the region has been depleted. After that, you'll only get 1 XP per kill or forage—basically not worth your time.

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