Should I play other Tomb Raider games before Shadow of the Tomb Raider?

Should I Play Other Tomb Raider Games Before Shadow of the Tomb Raider?

If you’re planning to play Shadow of the Tomb Raider, you might be wondering if you should play the previous games in the series before diving into the latest installment. The answer is yes, but let’s break it down.

Story Connection

The Tomb Raider reboot trilogy, consisting of Tomb Raider (2013), Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015), and Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018), has a relatively standalone storyline. Each game builds upon the previous one, but you can still enjoy Shadow of the Tomb Raider without playing the previous games. However, playing the previous games will enhance your understanding of the story and characters.

Key Events and Characters

If you don’t play the previous games, you’ll miss out on key events and character developments that are referenced in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. For example, Lara Croft’s relationships with her friends and allies, as well as her rivalries with villains, are explored in the previous games. Not playing the previous games will make it difficult to understand the motivations and backstories of the characters.

Gameplay and Mechanics

While the gameplay mechanics and systems are similar across the trilogy, playing the previous games will help you understand the nuances of Lara’s abilities and combat strategies. You’ll also be familiar with the exploration mechanics, puzzle-solving, and crafting systems, which will make it easier to adapt to Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s more complex challenges.

Time Commitment

If you’re short on time, you can still play Shadow of the Tomb Raider without playing the previous games. However, keep in mind that you’ll miss out on the richer storytelling and character development. Playing the previous games will take around 20-30 hours each, depending on your skill level and completionism.

Can I Play Shadow of the Tomb Raider Without Playing the Previous Games?

Yes, you can still play Shadow of the Tomb Raider without playing the previous games. The game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, and you’ll still be able to enjoy the game’s action-adventure gameplay and exploration mechanics. However, you might feel like you’re missing out on some context and character development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while you can play Shadow of the Tomb Raider without playing the previous games, playing the previous games will enhance your experience and understanding of the story and characters. If you have the time, it’s recommended to play Tomb Raider (2013) and Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015) before diving into Shadow of the Tomb Raider. However, if you’re short on time, you can still enjoy Shadow of the Tomb Raider without playing the previous games.

Key Points to Consider

• The Tomb Raider reboot trilogy has a relatively standalone storyline, but playing the previous games will enhance your understanding of the story and characters.
• Playing the previous games will help you understand the motivations and backstories of the characters.
• The gameplay mechanics and systems are similar across the trilogy, but playing the previous games will help you understand the nuances of Lara’s abilities and combat strategies.
• Playing the previous games will take around 20-30 hours each, depending on your skill level and completionism.
• You can still play Shadow of the Tomb Raider without playing the previous games, but you might feel like you’re missing out on some context and character development.

Table: Tomb Raider Game Comparison

Timeline: Tomb Raider Reboot Trilogy

• 2013: Tomb Raider
• 2015: Rise of the Tomb Raider
• 2018: Shadow of the Tomb Raider