What Order Should I Play Tomb Raider Games In?
The Tomb Raider franchise has been a beloved gaming series for decades, with numerous games released across various platforms. With so many titles to choose from, it can be overwhelming for new players to decide the best order to play the games in. In this article, we’ll help you navigate the series and provide guidance on the recommended playing order for maximum enjoyment.
The Original Saga (1996-2003)
The original saga, which includes Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider II, Tomb Raider III, Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, and Tomb Raider: Chronicles, is a chronological storyline that follows Lara Croft’s early adventures. If you’re interested in playing the games in release order, this is the recommended order:
- Tomb Raider (1996): The first game sets the stage for Lara’s journey, introducing you to the Tomb Raider universe and Lara’s character.
- Tomb Raider II (1997): This sequel expands on the world and introduces new mechanics.
- Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft (1998): The third game is a significant departure from the previous two, offering new gameplay mechanics and puzzle types.
- Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999): This game is the penultimate entry in the original saga, concluding Lara’s adventures in Egypt.
- Tomb Raider: Chronicles (2000): This compilation of three previously released games serves as a bonus to the saga, offering additional content for players who have completed the other games.
The Legend Trilogy (2006-2008)
After a brief hiatus, Lara Croft returned in a rebooted series, commonly referred to as the Legend trilogy. This series offers a fresh start for newcomers, with a new gameplay engine and updated graphics:
- Tomb Raider: Legend (2006): The first game in the Legend trilogy follows Lara’s search for a mysterious artifact.
- Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007): A re-imagining of the original Tomb Raider, updated with new graphics and mechanics.
- Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008): The final game in the Legend trilogy concludes Lara’s quest to uncover the secrets of Atlantis.
The Dark Angel Saga (2011-2013)
The Dark Angel saga saw Lara Croft facing her own mortality and the true meaning of her existence:
- Tomb Raider (2013): This rebooted game served as a re-imagining of the original story, with a focus on character development and storytelling.
- Rise of the Tomb Raider (2015): The second game in the Dark Angel saga follows Lara as she becomes the Tomb Raider.
The Survivor Trilogy (2018-2020)
The latest trilogy concludes Lara’s journey, showcasing her growth as a protagonist:
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018): The third game in the Survivor trilogy brings Lara’s story to a close, with epic set pieces and intense exploration.
- Tomb Raider Reloaded (2020): A new, mobile-exclusive game offering bite-sized Tomb Raider gameplay and puzzles.
Skipable Games
While some players may want to complete every game in the series, others may choose to skip certain titles. Games that can be skipped or are considered less essential for newcomers include:
- Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness (2003): This game’s story is not considered canon, and its gameplay has aged poorly.
- Tomb Raider: Cur Sewer (2007): A mobile-only game that is not connected to the main series.
- Tomb Raider: Relic Run (2015): Another mobile-exclusive game that can be skipped.
Gameplay and Story Overview
To help you decide on the best order to play the games, here is a brief summary of gameplay and story for each game:
| Game | Release Year | Gameplay | Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider | 1996 | Exploration-based, puzzle-solving | Ancient myths and legends |
| Tomb Raider II | 1997 | New platforming mechanics, puzzle varieties | Search for a golden idol |
| Tomb Raider III | 1998 | New gameplay mechanics, faster-paced | Search for an ancient artifact |
| The Last Revelation | 1999 | Increased challenge, new puzzles | Defeat an ancient god |
| Chronicles | 2000 | Compilation of pre-existing games | Additional side-stories |
| Legend | 2006 | Realistic graphics, new story | Search for a magical artifact |
| Anniversary | 2007 | A re-imagining of the original | Classic storyline |
| Underworld | 2008 | Darker tone, increased danger | Search for Atlantis |
| 2013 Tomb Raider | 2013 | Emphasis on story, character development | Survivor tale |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider | 2015 | New mechanics, intense exploration | Search for an ancient artifact |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 2018 | Episodic gameplay, final chapter | Conclusion to the Survivor trilogy |
In conclusion, the recommended playing order for Tomb Raider games depends on your preferences:
- If you’re looking for a chronological storyline, start with the original saga.
- If you want a fresh start, start with the Legend trilogy or the 2013 Tomb Raider.
- If you prefer to play the most modern and polished games, skip the older titles and play the Survivor trilogy.
With this guide, you can choose the best order for you and enjoy the vast, thrilling world of Tomb Raider.