Tomb Raider II Remastered features a special hidden level that many players are eager to access, but it requires dedication and thorough exploration to unlock legitimately. Unlike some guides that suggest using glitches, this article will walk you through the proper way to access "The Secret Level" (also known as "Nightmare in Vegas") in TR2 Remastered without resorting to exploits or shortcuts.
TLDR;
To unlock the secret level in TR2 Remastered: complete the main game once, collect all 75 secrets (3 dragon statues per level), return to Lara's Home, and interact with the glowing globe in the main hall to trigger a helicopter ride to the hidden New York level.
Understanding the Secret Level Prerequisites
The secret level in Tomb Raider II Remastered is accessible through legitimate gameplay by following specific requirements:
- Complete the main game at least once
- Collect all 75 secrets across all levels of the main game (3 dragon statues per level)
- Return to Lara's Home after collecting all secrets
- Interact with the special globe in the main hall of Lara's Home
The Remastered version maintains the original unlocking method but adds helpful quality-of-life improvements to make the process more intuitive.
Visual Cues in the Remastered Version
The TR2 Remastered edition has added several helpful indicators to aid in your secret-hunting:
- Small Eidos and Core Design logos briefly appear near secrets to provide subtle hints
- The globe in Lara's Home subtly glows when you've collected all secrets
- The stopwatch in your inventory shows how many secrets you've found in the current level
These visual improvements make the secret-hunting process more enjoyable without fundamentally changing the original experience.
Most Commonly Missed Secrets
Players often struggle to find all secrets due to several particularly well-hidden ones:
- Venice's underwater passages contain several easily missed secrets
- Tibet's levels have secrets that require precise timing skills
- Lara's Home itself contains a secret behind the stairs that many players overlook
- The Opera House has a secret in a barely visible alcove
When hunting for secrets, thoroughly explore every area, including places that seem inaccessible at first glance. Look for suspicious walls, hidden passages, and areas that appear just out of reach.
Recognizing Secrets in TR2 Remastered
In Tomb Raider II Remastered, secrets come in the form of three different dragon statues in each level:
- Silver dragon statue
- Jade dragon statue
- Gold dragon statue
When you find a secret, you'll hear a distinctive chime sound effect to confirm your discovery. The remastered version maintains these original elements while enhancing the visual quality.
Secret Collection Benefits
Collecting secrets isn't just about unlocking the hidden level; you'll also receive rewards along the way:
- Finding all three secrets in a level grants bonus items (usually ammunition, sometimes weapons or medipacks)
- The end-of-level statistics screen will show your secret collection progress
- A 100% completion status becomes possible when you've found everything
Accessing the Secret Level
Once you've collected all 75 secrets across the main game and completed it once:
- Load up Lara's Home level
- Head to the main hall where you'll find the globe
- The globe will now have a subtle glow effect (in the remastered version)
- Interact with the globe
- You'll be treated to a cutscene with a helicopter ride
- The secret "Nightmare in Vegas" level will load automatically
This process is the legitimate, intended method for accessing the secret level in TR2 Remastered without using any glitches or exploits.
Differences Between Original and Remastered
The Remastered version maintains the core experience of unlocking the secret level but adds several improvements:
- Enhanced visual cues for finding secrets
- More detailed secret counter in the inventory
- Improved rendering of the secret level itself
- Achievement/Trophy support for finding all secrets and accessing the level
These changes make the process more accessible without diminishing the satisfaction of discovering the secret level through legitimate gameplay.
The Golden Mask Expansion
It's worth noting that the TR2 Remastered collection also includes The Golden Mask expansion, which features its own set of levels and secrets. The expansion follows similar secret-collection mechanics, but is separate from the main game's secret level unlock requirements.
Exploring Tomb Raider II Remastered's secret level is a rewarding experience for dedicated players. By following this legitimate approach, you'll not only unlock a unique part of the game but also fully experience the adventure as the developers intended. Happy raiding!