Since her debut in 1996, Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider franchise has cemented her status as a gaming icon. Fearless, intelligent and always ready for a challenge, she embodies the spirit of adventure. The franchise boasts a rich history that spans decades filled with engrossing storylines, thrilling exploration and challenging puzzles. With a new animated series on the horizon, it’s time to look at all the Tomb Raider games in order of release.
Whether you are a longtime fan seeking a nostalgic journey or a newcomer eager to discover the origins of this legendary franchise, playing the games in chronology unveils a unique perspective. You’ll witness Lara Croft’s growth from her early days as a determined explorer to a seasoned adventurer. Additionally, you will observe the evolution of gameplay mechanics, graphical advancements and the overall expansion of the Tomb Raider universe.
Of course, with such a vast library of titles, it can be overwhelming to decide where to begin. This guide aims to demystify the process by providing a detailed breakdown of the various Tomb Raider eras. Besides exploring the games in release order, we also include the recent remasters for modern platforms and even touch upon intriguing spin-offs worth checking out. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable expedition through the exhilarating world of Tomb Raider.
The ultimate ‘Tomb Raider’ experience: All the major games in order
Tomb Raider (1996)
Join Lara on her first adventure as she traverses the globe, from the lush jungles of Peru to the labyrinthine ruins of Greece, in search of the mythical Scion of Atlantis. Gear up for tricky platforming, encounters with dangerous wildlife and the awe-inspiring scale of ancient tombs. Though the age of the game is evident, it still carries its glorious legacy.
Tomb Raider II (1997)
The action intensifies as Lara races to find the Dagger of Xian. Explore iconic locations like Venice and the Great Wall of China, utilising vehicles for the first time and facing even more devious traps and mind-bending environmental challenges.
Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft (1998)
This instalment splits the quest for powerful artefacts across diverse locations, from the steamy jungles of India to the desolate wastelands of Antarctica. Prepare for expanded exploration mechanics, intricate puzzles and the thrill of surviving harsh, remote environments.
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)
Immerse yourself in the mysteries of ancient Egypt as you control both a young Lara during her formative adventures and the seasoned adventurer she becomes. This entry delves deeper into elaborate traps and interconnected puzzles that test your archaeological prowess.
Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000)
Experience Lara’s daring exploits through the memories of those closest to her. These flashback stories offer unique scenarios, from infiltrating a high-tech submarine to exploring a haunted Irish manor, showcasing Lara’s cunning and bravery in diverse situations.
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003)
A gritty departure, this instalment finds Lara framed for murder and on the run through the shadowy streets of Paris. Unravel a complex conspiracy, adapt to stealth-based gameplay and witness a darker side of Lara’s personality as she fights for survival.
Tomb Raider: Legend (2006)
Delve into Lara Croft’s rebooted origin story as she pieces together fragments of Excalibur across the globe. Traverse ancient ruins, battle mythological foes and unravel the secrets of her mother’s disappearance in this action-packed adventure.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007)
Experience a faithful yet stunningly modernised remake of the original Tomb Raider. Relive iconic moments brought to life with updated visuals, smoother gameplay and refined puzzle design capturing the essence of the classic.
Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008)
Lara embarks on a quest for answers about her mother’s fate, venturing from the depths of the Arctic to the mythical realm of Avalon. Wield Thor’s hammer, grapple with Norse mythology and navigate expansive environments filled with both danger and wonder.
Tomb Raider (2013)
Witness Lara’s brutal transformation from a young archaeologist to a hardened survivor after a harrowing shipwreck. Engage in intense combat, master survival mechanics and endure a gripping origin story packed with raw emotion.
Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015)
As a seasoned adventurer, Lara ventures into the wilds of Siberia to unravel the secrets of an ancient city and a quest for immortality. Traverse breathtaking landscapes, tackle larger-scale puzzles and confront a ruthless enemy organisation amidst treacherous conditions.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)
Face the consequences of Lara’s actions as she races to prevent a Maya apocalypse in the lush jungles of South America. This instalment offers the most refined gameplay, expansive hubs for exploration and a complex depiction of Lara wrestling with her own destructive tendencies.
Tomb Raider I–III Remastered (2024)
A welcome touch of modernity for the original trilogy. This collection can be slotted in after Tomb Raider Chronicles in the Classic Era for those wanting a visually updated experience before moving on to the later entries. It offers smoother graphics, gameplay updates and even a fun optional throwback to the original blocky look should nostalgia strike.
Tomb Raider spin-off games to play in order
These titles explore different gameplay styles, offering unique perspectives within the Tomb Raider universe.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (2010)
A top-down, action-oriented adventure with co-op gameplay. Embark on a quest alongside an ancient Mayan warrior, battling fantastical creatures and solving intricate puzzles.
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (2014)
A sequel to Guardian of Light, expanding the co-op action and puzzle-solving with up to four players. Venture into the depths of Egyptian tombs, facing cunning traps and battling against gods.
Lara Croft GO (2015)
A beautifully designed, turn-based puzzle experience for mobiles. Guide Lara through gorgeous environments, solving intricate puzzles and avoiding deadly hazards with strategic movement.
Lara Croft: Relic Run (2015)
An action-packed, endless runner for mobile. Sprint, swing and drive Lara through treacherous environments, collecting clues and dodging obstacles as you unravel a global mystery.
Tomb Raider Reloaded (2023)
This release offers a stylised arcade shooter experience for mobile. Blast your way through hordes of classic Tomb Raider enemies, unlock weapons and abilities and raid procedurally generated tombs for treasures.
(Hero and featured image: Courtesy of Crystal Dynamics)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-Which is the best Tomb Raider game?
Determining the best Tomb Raider game depends on individual preferences. However, many fans consider Tomb Raider: Legend and Tomb Raider (2013) standout entries for their innovative gameplay, gripping stories and memorable moments.
-Which Tomb Raider game should I play first?
For newcomers to the series, starting with the rebooted Tomb Raider (2013) is recommended. It serves as an excellent introduction to Lara Croft’s character and provides a fresh take on her origin story. From there, one can explore the rest of the series in chronological order to fully immerse themselves in Lara’s adventures.
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Kshitij is a journalism graduate who did not initially intend to become a film critic, but such are the vagaries of destiny. Now, Kshitij is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and a member of the Film Critics Guild, bringing expertise and experience in evaluating entertainment content with him. Additionally, he serves as a jury member on the Critics' Choice Awards in India. When he's not busy wielding words, catch him nose-deep in books or joyfully lost in the realms of gaming and photography.
