Should I play anything before Shadow of the Tomb Raider?

Should I Play Anything Before Shadow of the Tomb Raider?

The rebooted Tomb Raider series has gained a significant following over the years, with each installment offering a unique experience for gamers. If you’re considering playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider, you might be wondering if it’s necessary to play the previous games in the series. In this article, we’ll explore the answers to this question and provide you with a comprehensive overview of the series.

Direct Answer: Do I Need to Play the Previous Games?

The short answer is no, you don’t necessarily need to play the previous games to enjoy Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, and you can easily pick up the narrative without prior knowledge of the series.

Story Overview

The rebooted Tomb Raider series follows the journey of Lara Croft, a young and ambitious archaeologist. The first game, Tomb Raider (2013), introduces Lara as a inexperienced explorer who becomes stranded on a mysterious island. As she navigates the island, she discovers her true potential and becomes the legendary Tomb Raider.

Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) takes place a few years after the events of the first game, with Lara facing off against a powerful organization known as Trinity. The game sees Lara exploring ancient tombs and uncovering the secrets of her family’s past.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) is the latest installment in the series, and it concludes Lara’s journey. The game takes place several years after the events of Rise of the Tomb Raider, and it sees Lara facing off against a powerful Mayan apocalypse.

Why Play the Previous Games?

While you don’t need to play the previous games to enjoy Shadow of the Tomb Raider, playing them can enhance your experience. Here are a few reasons why:

• Character Development: Playing the previous games allows you to see Lara’s growth and development as a character. You’ll get to experience her transformation from an inexperienced explorer to a seasoned Tomb Raider.
• Backstory: The previous games provide a rich backstory that adds depth to the overall narrative. You’ll get to learn more about Lara’s family, her motivations, and the events that led her to become the Tomb Raider.
• World-Building: The previous games introduce you to a vast and richly detailed world, full of ancient civilizations, mysterious tombs, and hidden secrets. Playing the previous games will give you a better understanding of the world and its lore.

Order of Play

If you do decide to play the previous games, here’s the recommended order:

• Tomb Raider (2013): This game introduces you to Lara and sets the tone for the series.
• Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015): This game takes place a few years after the events of the first game and provides a more action-packed experience.
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): This game concludes Lara’s journey and provides a thrilling conclusion to the series.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Each game in the series has its unique gameplay mechanics and features. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:

• Tomb Raider (2013): This game focuses on exploration, platforming, and puzzle-solving. You’ll need to manage resources, craft tools, and navigate treacherous environments.
• Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015): This game introduces a more action-oriented gameplay, with a greater emphasis on combat and exploration. You’ll need to use your wits to overcome challenges and defeat enemies.
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): This game combines the best of both worlds, offering a mix of exploration, platforming, and combat. You’ll need to use your skills to overcome obstacles and defeat powerful enemies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while you don’t need to play the previous games to enjoy Shadow of the Tomb Raider, playing them can enhance your experience. The series offers a rich and immersive world, with a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay mechanics. If you’re new to the series, you can start with Shadow of the Tomb Raider and still have a great time. However, if you’re willing to invest the time and effort, playing the previous games will provide a more satisfying experience.

Recommended Play Order

Table: Recommended Play Order

Note: The order of play is recommended, but not necessary. You can play the games in any order you prefer.