What order should I play the Tomb Raiders in?

What Order Should You Play the Tomb Raiders In?

The Tomb Raider series has a rich history, spanning over two decades, with numerous games released across various platforms. If you’re new to the series or want to know the best order to play the games in, this article will guide you through the chronological order of the games, exploring the canon and non-canonical titles.

The Main Series

The main series, developed by Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal, follows the adventures of Lara Croft, an archaeologist and explorer. The trilogy consists of:

• Tomb Raider (2013): A reboot of the series, set in 2013, which introduces a younger Lara Croft as she searches for her missing mother.
• Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015): The sequel to the reboot, taking place in 2015, where Lara Croft must stop a powerful organization from unleashing a deadly virus.
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): The final installment of the reboot trilogy, set in 2018, where Lara Croft must stop an ancient Mayan apocalypse.

The Classic Games

The classic games, developed by Core Design, were released between 1996 and 2003. While not part of the reboot trilogy, these games are still considered part of the Tomb Raider canon:

• Tomb Raider (1996): The original game, which introduced Lara Croft and the concept of exploration-based gaming.
• Tomb Raider II (1997): The sequel to the original, which expanded on the gameplay mechanics and added new features.
• Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft (1998): The third installment, which introduced new environments and a more complex storyline.
• Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999): The fourth game, which saw Lara Croft venture into the world of Egyptian mythology.
• Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000): A compilation of short stories, featuring alternate scenarios and gameplay mechanics.
• Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (2003): A spin-off, which saw Lara Croft investigating a murder mystery in modern-day Paris.

Non-Canonical Games

The non-canonical games, developed by various studios, are not part of the main series or the classic games:

• Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light (2010): A cooperative action-adventure game, featuring a unique art style and gameplay mechanics.
• Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris (2014): A sequel to the Guardian of Light, which introduced cooperative gameplay and new features.
• Lara Croft Go (2015): A mobile-based puzzle-adventure game, featuring a unique art style and turn-based combat.
• Lara Croft: Relic Run (2015): A mobile-based endless runner, featuring Lara Croft exploring ancient ruins.

Recommended Play Order

If you’re new to the Tomb Raider series, we recommend playing the main series games in the following order:

1. Tomb Raider (2013): Start with the reboot trilogy, which introduces Lara Croft and the series’ modern take on exploration-based gaming.
2. Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015): Continue with the sequel, which expands on the gameplay mechanics and story.
3. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): Conclude the trilogy with the final installment, which provides a satisfying conclusion to Lara Croft’s journey.

For those interested in playing the classic games, we recommend starting with Tomb Raider (1996) and playing them in the original release order. While not part of the main series, these games provide a unique glimpse into the series’ evolution and early gameplay mechanics.

Key Takeaways

• The main series games (Tomb Raider 2013, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider) should be played in the release order to experience the trilogy’s story arc.
• The classic games (Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider II, Tomb Raider III, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, and Tomb Raider: Chronicles) can be played in the original release order, providing a nostalgic experience for fans of the series.
• Non-canonical games (Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris, Lara Croft Go, and Lara Croft: Relic Run) are not part of the main series and can be played at your leisure.

In conclusion, the Tomb Raider series offers a rich gaming experience, with a diverse range of games that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a new fan or a veteran of the series, the recommended play order outlined above will ensure a thrilling adventure with Lara Croft.