In Rise of the Tomb Raider, players navigate through various expansive hub areas that enrich the gameplay experience by offering opportunities for exploration, collecting items, and completing side missions. Below is a structured overview of the main hub areas, their roles, and notable features:

Main Hub Areas

1. Siberian Wilderness
– Description: This serves as the initial large area that Lara Croft explores in the game. While it is considered a hub, it is not one she returns to frequently during the story.
– Features: The Siberian Wilderness includes diverse terrain and several caves that become accessible as Lara upgrades her gear throughout the game.
– Role: Primarily acts as an introductory area, allowing players to acclimate to the game’s mechanics without the pressure of advanced challenges.

2. Soviet Installation (also referred to as Installation Vista or Abandoned Mines)
– Description: This is one of the two central hub areas where Lara frequently returns throughout her adventure.
– Features: The Soviet Installation is expansive, filled with a plethora of collectibles, tombs, and missions for players to engage with.
– Role: It serves as a major hub, enabling players to revisit to complete side content and explore more deeply after acquiring new skills and equipment.

3. Geothermal Valley
– Description: Like the Soviet Installation, this is another essential hub that players return to multiple times. It is rich in content and challenges.
– Features: This area contains numerous tombs, collectibles, and various missions to undertake, further enhancing the gameplay experience.
– Role: Geothermal Valley encourages exploration, allowing players to revisit once they have obtained new gear to unlock additional areas and challenges.

Other Notable Areas
While the following areas are not designated as main hubs, they provide significant gameplay elements:

– Mountain Peak: An essential area tied to the storyline but not primarily a hub.
– The Prophet’s Tomb: A significant tomb filled with lore and unique challenges.
– Glacial Cavern: Offers environmental diversity and gameplay opportunities.
– Abandoned Mines: Often considered part of or adjacent to the Soviet Installation hub, providing additional exploration and collectible opportunities.

Summary Table

| Hub Area | Role/Notes |
|———————–|———————————————————|
| Siberian Wilderness | Initial zone; limited opportunities for return visits |
| Soviet Installation | Major hub; revisited multiple times with many collectibles |
| Geothermal Valley | Major hub; revisited multiple times with numerous tombs and collectibles |

Conclusion
Each hub area in Rise of the Tomb Raider serves to enhance the non-linear exploration aspect of the game, allowing players to engage deeply with the environment, complete side objectives, and fully immerse themselves in the rich gameplay experience. The design of the Soviet Installation and Geothermal Valley particularly emphasizes replayability and extensive exploration, making them central to the game’s overall appeal.