Survival Instinct is a crucial gameplay mechanic in Tomb Raider (2013) that enhances a player’s ability to navigate and interact with the game world efficiently. By pressing the designated Survival Instinct button—LB on Xbox 360, L2 on PS3, or Q on PC—players can activate this mode.

When activated, the screen undergoes a significant visual change: the background fades to a grey tint while all important interactive elements glow with a bright yellow highlight. This allows players to quickly spot various items and locations that Lara can engage with.

In more detail, the highlights will indicate:

– Climbable Surfaces: Identified areas where Lara can ascend or maneuver vertically.
– Breakable Structures: Weak points in the environment that can be destroyed to access other areas or resources.
– Lootable Items: Essential items such as health packs, weapons, or crafting materials.
– Ammunition: Bullet pickups that will assist in combat.
– Current Objectives: Important mission-related points that guide progression.

While in Survival Instinct mode, not only can players identify interactive objects, but enemies and environmental threats are also illuminated, aiding in formulating strategies for confrontations and solving puzzles with heightened awareness.

On consoles, players can choose to either hold or press the Survival Instinct button for a momentary view of these highlighted elements, which significantly boosts exploration efficiency. Additionally, the game may provide an Objective Beacon to further direct Lara towards her next goal.

To summarize the usage of Survival Instinct:

1. Activate Survival Instinct: Press the designated button (Q on PC, LB on Xbox 360, L2 on PS3).
2. Visual Cue: The screen dims, revealing yellow highlights on interactive elements.
3. Identify Points of Interest: Look for highlighted climbable areas, loot, ammunition, and quest objectives.
4. Interact with Objects: Use the interact button (commonly E on PC and equivalent on consoles) to engage with the highlighted objects.

Utilizing Survival Instinct can greatly enhance gameplay, providing clear visual advantages in exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat encounters, thus leading to a more fulfilling gaming experience.