What Order to Play Tomb Raider Games: A Journey Through Time and Tombs

The Tomb Raider series, featuring the iconic adventurer Lara Croft, has captivated gamers for decades. With multiple games spanning various timelines and reboots, deciding the best order to play them can be a daunting task. This article will guide you through the labyrinth of Tomb Raider games, offering insights into chronological, release, and thematic orders, while also exploring the evolution of Lara Croft’s character and the series’ gameplay mechanics.
Chronological Order: Following Lara’s Timeline
Playing the Tomb Raider games in chronological order allows you to experience Lara’s journey as it unfolds in the narrative timeline. This approach provides a cohesive story arc, especially for the reboot trilogy.
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Tomb Raider (2013): This game serves as the origin story for the modern Lara Croft. It depicts her transformation from a young, inexperienced archaeologist to a hardened survivor. The game’s intense survival mechanics and emotional depth set the stage for the subsequent entries.
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Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015): Continuing Lara’s journey, this game delves deeper into her quest for truth and her father’s legacy. The narrative explores themes of obsession and sacrifice, with Lara facing off against the shadowy organization Trinity.
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): The final installment in the reboot trilogy, this game sees Lara confronting her darkest fears and the consequences of her actions. The game’s focus on stealth and exploration, combined with its rich storytelling, provides a fitting conclusion to Lara’s modern saga.
Release Order: Experiencing the Evolution
Playing the games in the order they were released offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the Tomb Raider series. This approach allows you to witness the technological advancements and narrative shifts that have shaped the franchise.
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Tomb Raider (1996): The game that started it all. The original Tomb Raider introduced players to the fearless Lara Croft, who navigated treacherous tombs and faced off against dangerous foes. The game’s blocky graphics and tank controls are a testament to the era, but its innovative gameplay laid the foundation for the series.
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Tomb Raider II (1997): Building on the success of the first game, Tomb Raider II expanded Lara’s world with more complex levels, new vehicles, and a deeper storyline. The game’s emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving became a hallmark of the series.
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Tomb Raider III (1998): This installment introduced more diverse environments and a branching storyline, allowing players to choose their path through the game. The increased difficulty and intricate puzzles challenged even the most seasoned players.
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Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999): Often considered one of the best in the classic series, this game delved into Lara’s past and her relationship with her mentor, Werner Von Croy. The game’s intricate level design and emotional narrative set it apart from its predecessors.
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Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000): A collection of shorter stories set after Lara’s presumed death, this game offered a variety of gameplay experiences, from stealth missions to high-octane action sequences.
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Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness (2003): A controversial entry in the series, this game attempted to reinvent Lara with a darker, more mature storyline. Despite its flaws, it remains a fascinating chapter in the Tomb Raider saga.
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Tomb Raider: Legend (2006): The first game in the “Legend” trilogy, this installment rebooted the series with a more cinematic approach. The game’s streamlined controls and engaging story revitalized interest in Lara Croft.
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Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007): A remake of the original Tomb Raider, this game updated the classic adventure with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics while staying true to the spirit of the original.
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Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008): The final game in the “Legend” trilogy, Underworld expanded on the mythology introduced in Legend and Anniversary. The game’s open-world exploration and intricate puzzles provided a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
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Tomb Raider (2013): The reboot of the series, this game reimagined Lara as a more vulnerable and relatable character. The game’s focus on survival and character development marked a significant departure from previous entries.
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Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015): Continuing the rebooted storyline, this game further developed Lara’s character and introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as crafting and base camps.
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): The final chapter in the reboot trilogy, this game brought Lara’s journey full circle, emphasizing stealth, exploration, and the consequences of her actions.
Thematic Order: Exploring Lara’s Character Arc
For those interested in the thematic development of Lara Croft’s character, playing the games in a thematic order can provide a deeper understanding of her evolution.
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Tomb Raider (2013): The origin story that sets the stage for Lara’s transformation from a naive adventurer to a determined survivor.
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Tomb Raider: Legend (2006): This game explores Lara’s motivations and her quest for answers about her mother’s disappearance. The more personal storyline adds depth to her character.
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Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015): Lara’s obsession with uncovering the truth about her father’s work drives the narrative, highlighting her determination and resilience.
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): The final chapter in the reboot trilogy, this game delves into Lara’s darker side and the moral complexities of her actions.
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Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007): A retelling of Lara’s first adventure, this game provides insight into her early days as an adventurer and her initial encounters with danger.
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Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008): The culmination of the “Legend” trilogy, this game ties together the threads of Lara’s quest for answers and her growth as a character.
Gameplay Evolution: From Classic to Modern
The Tomb Raider series has undergone significant changes in gameplay mechanics over the years. Understanding these changes can enhance your appreciation of the series.
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Classic Era (1996-2003): The original games featured tank controls, grid-based movement, and a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving. The level design was intricate, often requiring players to think critically to progress.
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Legend Trilogy (2006-2008): This era introduced more fluid controls, a cinematic presentation, and a greater emphasis on storytelling. The games in this trilogy also featured more action-oriented gameplay, with set-piece moments and quick-time events.
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Reboot Trilogy (2013-2018): The modern Tomb Raider games shifted towards a more survival-oriented experience, with an emphasis on crafting, stealth, and open-world exploration. The narrative became more character-driven, focusing on Lara’s personal journey and growth.
Related Q&A
Q: Should I play the Tomb Raider games in chronological order or release order?
A: It depends on your preference. Chronological order provides a cohesive narrative experience, especially for the reboot trilogy, while release order allows you to appreciate the evolution of the series.
Q: Are the classic Tomb Raider games still worth playing today?
A: Absolutely! While the graphics and controls may feel dated, the classic games offer a unique and challenging experience that laid the foundation for the series.
Q: What is the best Tomb Raider game to start with for a newcomer?
A: Tomb Raider (2013) is an excellent starting point for newcomers, as it serves as an origin story and introduces modern gameplay mechanics.
Q: How does the reboot trilogy differ from the classic games?
A: The reboot trilogy focuses more on survival, character development, and open-world exploration, whereas the classic games emphasize puzzle-solving and linear level design.
Q: Is it necessary to play all the Tomb Raider games to understand the story?
A: Not necessarily. Each game, especially in the reboot trilogy, can be enjoyed on its own. However, playing them in order provides a richer understanding of Lara’s character and the overarching narrative.