What Order to Play Tomb Raider Games: A Journey Through Time, Puzzles, and Adventure

blog 2025-01-09 0Browse 0
What Order to Play Tomb Raider Games: A Journey Through Time, Puzzles, and Adventure

The Tomb Raider franchise has been a cornerstone of the gaming world since its inception in 1996. With over two decades of history, the series has evolved significantly, offering players a mix of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving. But with so many games in the series, it can be challenging to decide where to start or how to proceed. This article will guide you through the best order to play the Tomb Raider games, considering both chronological and narrative perspectives, while also exploring the evolution of the series and its impact on the gaming industry.

1. The Original Trilogy: The Birth of Lara Croft (1996-2000)

The original Tomb Raider trilogy, consisting of Tomb Raider (1996), Tomb Raider II (1997), and Tomb Raider III (1998), laid the foundation for the series. These games introduced players to Lara Croft, the iconic archaeologist-adventurer, and established the core gameplay mechanics that would define the franchise.

  • Tomb Raider (1996): The game that started it all. This is where Lara Croft first graced our screens, and it’s a must-play for anyone interested in the series. The game’s focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat set the standard for future entries.

  • Tomb Raider II (1997): Building on the success of the first game, Tomb Raider II expanded Lara’s world with more complex levels, new weapons, and a deeper storyline. This game is often considered one of the best in the series.

  • Tomb Raider III (1998): The third installment introduced more varied environments and gameplay mechanics, including the ability to drive vehicles. While it didn’t innovate as much as its predecessors, it remains a solid entry in the series.

Why Start Here? Playing the original trilogy first allows you to experience the series’ roots and understand how Lara Croft became the iconic character she is today. These games are a testament to the early days of 3D gaming and are essential for any Tomb Raider fan.

2. The Middle Era: Experimentation and Evolution (2000-2008)

After the original trilogy, the series entered a period of experimentation, with developers trying new things to keep the franchise fresh. This era includes Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999), Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000), Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003), and the Legend trilogy (Legend (2006), Anniversary (2007), and Underworld (2008)).

  • Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999): This game marked a turning point in the series, with a darker tone and a more complex narrative. It’s often praised for its level design and storytelling.

  • Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000): A collection of shorter stories that explore different periods in Lara’s life. While not as impactful as other entries, it’s still worth playing for fans of the series.

  • Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003): This game attempted to reboot the series with a more mature storyline and new gameplay mechanics. However, it was met with mixed reviews due to technical issues and a departure from the series’ core elements.

  • The Legend Trilogy: This trilogy marked a return to form for the series, with Legend (2006) introducing a more cinematic experience, Anniversary (2007) remaking the original game with modern graphics and gameplay, and Underworld (2008) concluding the trilogy with a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving.

Why Play These Next? The middle era of Tomb Raider is a mixed bag, but it’s essential for understanding how the series evolved. These games show the franchise’s willingness to take risks and experiment with new ideas, even if not all of them were successful.

3. The Reboot Trilogy: A New Beginning (2013-2018)

In 2013, the Tomb Raider series was rebooted with Tomb Raider (2013), followed by Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018). This trilogy reimagined Lara Croft as a more vulnerable and relatable character, with a focus on survival and character development.

  • Tomb Raider (2013): The reboot introduced a more grounded and realistic Lara Croft, with a focus on survival and exploration. The game was praised for its storytelling, graphics, and gameplay, making it a great starting point for new players.

  • Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015): The sequel expanded on the first game’s mechanics, with more open-world elements and a deeper focus on Lara’s personal journey. It’s often considered the best game in the reboot trilogy.

  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): The final entry in the reboot trilogy focused on Lara’s transformation into the iconic adventurer we know from the original games. It concluded the story arc started in 2013, making it a must-play for fans of the reboot.

Why Play the Reboot Trilogy? The reboot trilogy is a great entry point for new players, offering a modern take on the Tomb Raider formula. It’s also a good way to experience Lara Croft’s character development over the course of three games.

4. Spin-offs and Side Stories: Expanding the Tomb Raider Universe

In addition to the main series, there are several spin-offs and side stories that expand the Tomb Raider universe. These include Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (2010), Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (2014), and Lara Croft Go (2015).

  • Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (2010): This game is a departure from the main series, with a top-down perspective and a focus on cooperative gameplay. It’s a fun and unique take on the Tomb Raider formula.

  • Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (2014): The sequel to Guardian of Light, this game continues the cooperative gameplay and introduces new mechanics, such as puzzle-solving with multiple players.

  • Lara Croft Go (2015): A mobile game that simplifies the Tomb Raider formula into a turn-based puzzle game. It’s a great way to experience the series on the go.

Why Explore Spin-offs? These games offer a different perspective on the Tomb Raider universe and are perfect for players looking for something different from the main series. They’re also a great way to experience the series on different platforms.

5. The Future of Tomb Raider: What’s Next?

As of now, the future of the Tomb Raider series is uncertain. However, with the success of the reboot trilogy and the enduring popularity of Lara Croft, it’s safe to say that we haven’t seen the last of her adventures. Rumors of a new game or even a movie adaptation continue to circulate, keeping fans excited for what’s to come.

Why Look Forward? The Tomb Raider series has always been about pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas. Whatever comes next, it’s sure to be an exciting addition to the franchise.

Conclusion: The Best Order to Play Tomb Raider Games

So, what’s the best order to play the Tomb Raider games? Here’s a suggested order that balances chronological and narrative progression:

  1. Original Trilogy: Tomb Raider (1996), Tomb Raider II (1997), Tomb Raider III (1998)
  2. Middle Era: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999), Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000), Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003), Legend (2006), Anniversary (2007), Underworld (2008)
  3. Reboot Trilogy: Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018)
  4. Spin-offs: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (2010), Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (2014), Lara Croft Go (2015)

This order allows you to experience the evolution of the series, from its humble beginnings to its modern reinvention. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, the Tomb Raider series offers something for everyone.


Q: Can I skip the original Tomb Raider games and start with the reboot trilogy?

A: Yes, you can. The reboot trilogy is designed to be accessible to new players, and it doesn’t require knowledge of the previous games. However, playing the original games will give you a deeper appreciation for the series’ history and Lara Croft’s character.

Q: Are the spin-offs necessary to understand the main series?

A: No, the spin-offs are not necessary to understand the main series. They offer a different take on the Tomb Raider formula and are more focused on cooperative gameplay and puzzle-solving. They’re a fun addition but not essential.

Q: What’s the best Tomb Raider game for beginners?

A: Tomb Raider (2013) is the best starting point for beginners. It’s a modern take on the series with accessible gameplay, a compelling story, and stunning graphics. It’s also the beginning of the reboot trilogy, making it a great entry point.

Q: Will there be more Tomb Raider games in the future?

A: While there’s no official announcement yet, the success of the reboot trilogy and the enduring popularity of Lara Croft suggest that more games are likely in the future. Fans are eagerly awaiting news of the next adventure.

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