Should I Play the Tomb Raider Games in Order?
The Tomb Raider series has been thrilling gamers for decades, with its rich history, memorable characters, and challenging puzzles. But, with numerous games and storylines, it can be daunting to know where to start. Should you play the Tomb Raider games in order, or can you jump in wherever you want? In this article, we’ll dive into the series’ complexities and help you decide whether to follow the chronological order or take a more flexible approach.
Do You Need to Play the Games in Order?
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to play the Tomb Raider games in order to understand the story or enjoy the gameplay. Each game has its own standalone story and gameplay mechanics, so you can pick up a title without needing to have played the previous ones.
The Origins of Tomb Raider
For those interested in the origins of Tomb Raider, the first three games, released in the late 1990s and early 2000s, are an essential part of the series’ history. These classic titles introduced Lara Croft, the iconic protagonist, and set the stage for the modern series. If you’re curious about Lara’s early days, starting with the first game can provide a great foundation for your Tomb Raider journey.
The Legendary Trilogy and Reboot
The Legendary Trilogy, which includes Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider: Chronicles, and Tomb Raider: Curse of the Sword, is considered a standalone story arc, separate from the main series. Rise of the Tomb Raider, a 2015 game, serves as a reboot for the series, offering a fresh take on Lara Croft’s origin story. Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the 2018 sequel, concludes this rebooted trilogy.
Playing Out of Order
If you still want to play out of order, here are some tips:
- Play the original trilogy, released in the late 1990s and early 2000s, to understand the series’ origins and Lara’s early days.
- Jump into the 2013 reboot, Tomb Raider, and play its sequel, Rise of the Tomb Raider, for a fresh take on Lara Croft’s story.
- Start with the 2018 game, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, for a concluded story and a self-contained narrative.
Story Connections
While the Tomb Raider games are designed to be playable out of order, some connections between titles can enrich your experience. Story connections and easter eggs can be found throughout the series, particularly between games with a similar setting or characters.
Gameplay and Challenges
Each game in the Tomb Raider series offers its unique challenges, puzzles, and gameplay mechanics. Survival, exploration, and combat skills are essential to success in these games.
Summary Table
To help you plan your Tomb Raider gaming journey, here’s a summary table outlining the main games in the series, their release order, and any notable connections:
| Game | Release Order | Connection Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider (1996) | 1 | Origins of Lara Croft |
| Tomb Raider II (1997) | 2 | Original trilogy |
| Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft (1998) | 3 | Original trilogy |
| The Last Revelation (1999) | 4 | Legendary trilogy |
| Chronicles (2000) | 5 | Legendary trilogy |
| Curse of the Sword (2003) | 6 | Legendary trilogy |
| Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007) | – | Remastered classic games |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 7 | Reboot, origins of Lara Croft |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) | 8 | Rebooted trilogy |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) | 9 | Concluded rebooted trilogy |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s possible to play the Tomb Raider games out of order, understanding the series’ origins and connections between titles can enhance your gaming experience. Starting with the first game, the original trilogy, or the 2013 reboot can provide a solid foundation for your adventure. Whether you choose to play the games in order or jump in wherever you want, the Tomb Raider series has something to offer for gamers of all levels and interests.